Collapsible/expandable tubular electrode leads
First Claim
1. A method of treating a patient using a medical lead, the medical lead comprising an electrically insulative tubular membrane having an inner surface defining a lumen and an outer surface, a resilient spring element associated with the insulative membrane, and at least one electrode associated with the outer surface of the insulative membrane, the method comprising:
- placing the medical lead into a collapsed state by applying an external force to the tubular membrane of the medical lead to collapse the lumen;
percutaneously delivering the collapsed medical lead into the patient adjacent spinal tissue to be treated; and
placing the medical lead into an expanded state to locate the electrode in contact with the spinal tissue by releasing the compressive force from the tubular membrane to expand the lumen, whereby the resilient spring element facilitates expansion of the medical lead.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A medical lead and method of treating a patient are provided. The medical lead comprises an electrically insulative tubular membrane, a resilient spring element associated with the insulative membrane, and at least one electrode associated with the insulative membrane. The medical lead is configured to be collapsed into a compact form for percutaneous delivery into the patient, thereby obviating the need to perform an invasive surgical procedure on the patient. The body formed by these elements, when expanded, can be sized to fit within the epidural space of a patient. The patient can be treated by placing the medical lead into a collapsed state by applying a compressive force to the medical lead, percutaneously delivering the collapsed medical lead into the patient adjacent tissue to be treated, and placing the medical lead into an expanded state by releasing the compressive force. In one preferred method, the stimulation lead is used to stimulate tissue, such as spinal cord tissue.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of treating a patient using a medical lead, the medical lead comprising an electrically insulative tubular membrane having an inner surface defining a lumen and an outer surface, a resilient spring element associated with the insulative membrane, and at least one electrode associated with the outer surface of the insulative membrane, the method comprising:
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placing the medical lead into a collapsed state by applying an external force to the tubular membrane of the medical lead to collapse the lumen; percutaneously delivering the collapsed medical lead into the patient adjacent spinal tissue to be treated; and placing the medical lead into an expanded state to locate the electrode in contact with the spinal tissue by releasing the compressive force from the tubular membrane to expand the lumen, whereby the resilient spring element facilitates expansion of the medical lead. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of treating a patient using a medical lead, the medical lead comprising a resilient tubular structure having a lumen and a normally non-circular cross-sectional shape, and at least one electrode associated with the tubular structure, the method comprising:
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placing the medical lead into a collapsed state by applying an external force to the tubular structure of the medical lead to collapse the lumen; percutaneously delivering the medical lead into the patient adjacent spinal tissue to be treated while the tubular structure is in the collapsed state; and placing the tubular structure of the medical lead into an expanded state to locate the electrode in contact with the spinal tissue by releasing the external force from the tubular structure to expand the lumen. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification