Neural stimulation lead fixation
First Claim
1. An implantable neural lead having a distal end, comprising:
- a flexible carrier comprising an insulative material;
a plurality of electrode contacts located at or near a distal end of the lead and separated by the insulative material of the flexible carrier;
at least one wire embedded in the flexible carrier that is electrically connected to the electrode contacts, wherein the at least one wire makes electrical contact with the electrode contacts from a proximal end of the lead; and
an adhesive for attaching the distal end of the lead to body tissue, wherein the adhesive is selected and disposed on the lead to bond the electrode contacts, but not the insulative material of the flexible carrier, directly to surrounding tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as an internal contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An implantable neural lead having a distal end, comprising:
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a flexible carrier comprising an insulative material; a plurality of electrode contacts located at or near a distal end of the lead and separated by the insulative material of the flexible carrier; at least one wire embedded in the flexible carrier that is electrically connected to the electrode contacts, wherein the at least one wire makes electrical contact with the electrode contacts from a proximal end of the lead; and an adhesive for attaching the distal end of the lead to body tissue, wherein the adhesive is selected and disposed on the lead to bond the electrode contacts, but not the insulative material of the flexible carrier, directly to surrounding tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of implanting a lead, the method comprising:
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inserting a lead into a body of a patient near tissue to be stimulated, the lead having a distal end and comprising a flexible carrier comprising an insulative material;
a plurality of electrode contacts located at or near a distal end of the lead and separated by the insulative material of the flexible carrier; and
at least one wire embedded in the flexible carrier that is electrically connected to the electrode contacts, wherein the at least one wire makes electrical contact with the electrode contacts from a proximal end of the lead; andadhering the lead to the tissue using a biocompatible adhesive, wherein the adhesive is selected and disposed on the lead to adhere the electrode contacts, but not the insulative material of the flexible carrier, directly to the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification