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Systems and methods for making and using a lead introducer for an implantable electrical stimulation system

  • US 9,700,350 B2
  • Filed: 09/02/2014
  • Issued: 07/11/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A lead introducer comprising:

  • an outer needle comprising an outer-needle body having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a longitudinal length, the outer-needle body comprising a bend of at least 5°

    permanently formed along the distal end portion of the outer-needle body, the bend configured and arranged for facilitating insertion of the lead introducer into an epidural space of a patient, the outer-needle body defining an open channel extending along the entire longitudinal length of the outer-needle body, andan inner needle configured and arranged for sliding along the open channel of the outer needle, the inner needle comprising an inner-needle body having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a longitudinal length, the inner-needle body defining a lumen extending along the entire longitudinal length of the inner-needle body, wherein the inner-needle both comprises a first region having increased flexibility relative to adjacent portions of the inner-needle body, the first region disposed along the distal end portion of the inner-needle body; and

    a splittable member having at least one perforated region extending along a longitudinal length of the splittable member, the splittable member configured and arranged for disposing over the outer-needle body and the inner-needle body when the inner-needle body is disposed in the open channel of the outer-needle body and for separating from the outer-needle body and the inner-needle body by separating along the at least one perforated region.

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