Balloon lead and inflator
First Claim
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1. A lead for insertion in the epidural space comprising:
- an elongated lead body having a longitudinal axis;
a conductor mounted longitudinally within the leady body;
an electrode mounted on the lead body and conductively connected to the conductor;
inflatable means mounted on the lead body for expansion away from the lead body in a first direction so that contact with walls of the epidural space imparts a net force in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, thereby urging the electrode in the second direction; and
means for passing fluid through the lead body for inflating the inflatable means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lead for implantation in the epidural space has an inflatable balloon which is sealed against a first side of the lead so it inflates away from the first side. The balloon contacts walls of the epidural space and urges an electrode on the first side against the dura. A syringe for inflating the balloon has a spring to absorb travel of a plunger actuator when fluid pressure in the balloon exceeds tension of the spring.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A lead for insertion in the epidural space comprising:
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an elongated lead body having a longitudinal axis; a conductor mounted longitudinally within the leady body; an electrode mounted on the lead body and conductively connected to the conductor; inflatable means mounted on the lead body for expansion away from the lead body in a first direction so that contact with walls of the epidural space imparts a net force in a second direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, thereby urging the electrode in the second direction; and means for passing fluid through the lead body for inflating the inflatable means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An epidural lead for spinal cord stimulation comprising:
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a lead body sized to fit in an epidural space having a longitudinal axis; a conductor mounted longitudinally within the lead body; electrode means mounted on the lead body and conductively connected to the conductor for stimulating dura; inflatable means mounted on the lead body for expanding in a first direction to a size contacting walls of the epidural space, for urging the electrode in a second direction toward the dura, and for preventing longitudinal movement of the lead body; and means for passing fluid through the lead body for inflating the inflatable means. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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Specification