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Implantable medical electrical stimulation lead fixation method and apparatus

  • US 9,026,226 B2
  • Filed: 02/10/2012
  • Issued: 05/05/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of providing electrical stimulation of body tissue at a pelvic region stimulation site employing an implantable pulse generator comprising:

  • providing an implantable medical lead comprising;

    at least one shape memory polymer portion that has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the second configuration is obtained upon exposure of the shape memory polymer portion to a transition stimulus, and wherein the second configuration of the modifiable portion exhibits a greater resistance to movement of the lead within the body tissue than does the first configuration;

    at least one electrode configured to provide electrical stimulation of body tissue, the at least one electrode being positioned distally of the shape memory polymer portion; and

    at least one proximal connector element formed in a connector array in a proximal segment of the lead body;

    percutaneously introducing the implantable medical lead adjacent to the pelvic region stimulation site such that a distance of the electrode to the stimulation site is less than a distance of the at least one shape memory polymer portion to the stimulation site;

    applying a transition stimulus to at least the at least one shape memory polymer portion of the lead while maintaining the electrode in the position where the distance of the electrode to the stimulation site is the same as before applying the transition stimulus and is less than a distance of the at least one shape memory polymer portion to the stimulation site; and

    coupling the at least one proximal connector element with the implantable pulse generator.

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