Self-centering epidural spinal cord lead and method

• US 6,308,103 B1
• Filed: 09/13/1999
• Issued: 10/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Gielen, Frans L. H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jastrzab, Jeffrey R.
• Application Number:
  US09/394,317
• Time in Patent Office: 771 Days
• Field of Search: 607/116-119, 607/122, 607/126, 600/373-375, 600/377, 600/378, 600/382
• US Class Current: 607/117
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0553 Paddle shaped electrodes, e.g. for laminotomy

Abstract

A self-centering epidural lead is configured to center itself in an optimal location in respect of the midline of the spinal cord for stimulation of the cord. A method for using the lead in spinal cord stimulation is also described. The self-centering epidural lead includes a front side configured to face the spinal cord and a back side to which a pivot member or other self-centering device is operably attached. The pivot member or other self-centering device stabilizes the lead in an optimal position adjacent the spinal cord and aids in preventing spatial migration of the lead.

Claims

1. A self-centering epidural spinal cord lead, comprising:

a lead including a front side and a back side, the front side being configured to face a spinal cord, and

a pivot member operably attached to a center region of the back side of the lead, the pivot member comprising an inflatable member, the pivot member being configured to stabilize the lead when implanted adjacent the spinal cord, wherein the inflatable member is adapted to be injected with a hardening agent and the hardening agent is silicon rubber.