Systems and methods for implanting electrode leads for use with implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulator
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A kit for implanting an electrode lead in a system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine, the kit comprising:
- a sheath configured for insertion in a lower back of a patient, the sheath having a lumen extending therethrough, and a distal end having first and second windows spaced apart a predetermined distance;
a needle electrode having a distal end configured to be positioned in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine through the lumen, the needle electrode having first and second electrodes configured to stimulate the tissue at an intensity and duration sufficient to cause an observable contraction of a muscle of the lower back to permit verification of needle electrode positioning, the first and second electrodes spaced apart the predetermined distance so that the first and second electrodes register with the first and second windows of the sheath to permit verification of needle electrode positioning while the needle electrode is disposed within the lumen;
a lead having proximal and distal electrodes spaced apart the predetermined distance and disposed in a distal region of the lead, the lead configured for implantation through the lumen to position the proximal and distal electrodes in or adjacent to the tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine at locations observed to cause muscle contraction via testing with the needle electrode; and
first and second oppositely-angled fixation elements coupled to the distal region of the lead, the first and second oppositely-angled fixation elements configured to transition from a contracted, delivery state to an expanded, deployed state to secure the lead in or adjacent to the tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system of implanting electrode leads for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system provides efficient implantation of the leads, including the ability to verify deployment of anchoring mechanisms on the lead using an impedance assessment, such that the implanted lead may be secured within the patient and used to restore muscle function of local segmental muscles associated with the lumbar spine stabilization system.
264 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A kit for implanting an electrode lead in a system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine, the kit comprising:
-
a sheath configured for insertion in a lower back of a patient, the sheath having a lumen extending therethrough, and a distal end having first and second windows spaced apart a predetermined distance; a needle electrode having a distal end configured to be positioned in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine through the lumen, the needle electrode having first and second electrodes configured to stimulate the tissue at an intensity and duration sufficient to cause an observable contraction of a muscle of the lower back to permit verification of needle electrode positioning, the first and second electrodes spaced apart the predetermined distance so that the first and second electrodes register with the first and second windows of the sheath to permit verification of needle electrode positioning while the needle electrode is disposed within the lumen; a lead having proximal and distal electrodes spaced apart the predetermined distance and disposed in a distal region of the lead, the lead configured for implantation through the lumen to position the proximal and distal electrodes in or adjacent to the tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine at locations observed to cause muscle contraction via testing with the needle electrode; and first and second oppositely-angled fixation elements coupled to the distal region of the lead, the first and second oppositely-angled fixation elements configured to transition from a contracted, delivery state to an expanded, deployed state to secure the lead in or adjacent to the tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A method of implanting an electrode lead, the method comprising:
-
inserting a needle electrode having first and second electrodes disposed within a lumen of a sheath, the sheath having first and second windows spaced apart a predetermined distance so that the first and second electrodes register with the first and second windows of the sheath when a distal end of the needle electrode is positioned in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine; stimulating the tissue with the first and second electrodes of the needle electrode, exposed to the tissue via the first and second windows, at an intensity and duration sufficient to cause an observable contraction of a muscle of the lower back; verifying placement of the distal end of the needle electrode at the tissue based on the observable contraction while the needle electrode is disposed within the lumen; removing the needle electrode from the sheath; inserting an electrode lead through the lumen of the sheath such that proximal and distal electrodes disposed on the lead are implanted in or adjacent to the tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine at locations observed to cause muscle contraction during stimulation via the needle electrode; and removing the sheath to deploy first and second oppositely-angled fixation elements coupled to the electrode lead to secure the electrode lead in or adjacent to the tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification