System and method for electrical modulation of the posterior Longitudinal ligament

• US 8,923,974 B2
• Filed: 05/11/2012
• Issued: 12/30/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Bradley, Kerry
• Primary Examiner(s): GETZOW, SCOTT M
• Application Number:
  US13/469,880
• Publication Number:
  US 20120290059A1
• Time in Patent Office: 963 Days
• Field of Search: 607/46, 607/117
• US Class Current: 607/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain

Abstract

A method for treating a patient having discogenic pain includes implanting a neurostimulation lead within an anterior portion of the epidural space adjacent to the posterior longitudinal ligament. A plurality of electrodes is attached to the lead and the lead is implanted with at least a portion of the electrodes facing the posterior longitudinal ligament. The lead may be implanted in the lumbar region of the patient'"'"'s spine, posterior and parallel to the posterior longitudinal ligament. Electrical stimulation energy applied to the patient through the electrode lead implanted in this manner inhibits the pain signals traveling within the posterior longitudinal ligament. Thus, the applied electrical stimulation energy has an anesthetic effect on the pain fibers adjacent to the posterior longitudinal ligament.

Claims

1. A method for treating a patient having a spine comprising an epidural space and a posterior longitudinal ligament, wherein the patient has a diseased vertebral disc, wherein the method includes:

implanting a neurostimulation lead within an anterior portion of the epidural space adjacent to the posterior longitudinal ligament, wherein the neurostimulation lead has a plurality of electrodes that are adjacent the diseased vertebral disc, wherein the neurostimulation lead is a paddle lead and the plurality of electrodes are disposed on the same side of the paddle lead, and wherein the paddle lead is implanted such that the electrodes face the posterior longitudinal ligament.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the neurostimulation lead is implanted parallel to the posterior longitudinal ligament.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the neurostimulation lead is implanted within a lumbar region of the patient'"'"'s spine, and wherein the diseased vertebral disc is in the lumbar region.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the neurostimulation lead is implanted posterior to the posterior longitudinal ligament.