ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM WITH TOOL-LESS LEAD EXTENSION AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING

摘要

A lead extension at least one lead extension body; terminals disposed along one end portion of the lead extension body(ies); a lead extension connector disposed along another end portion of the lead extension body(ies); and conductors electrically coupling the connector contacts in the lead extension connector to the terminals. The lead extension connector can include lead channels with non-straight paths to facilitate retention of leads. Alternatively, the lead extension connector can include one or more stretchable boots to each receive a lead when stretched and to grip the lead when relaxed. Alternatively, the lead extension connector can have two connector bodies with a pin channel and pin, respectively. When the pin is inserted into the pin channel, the pin compresses a portion of the connector body against the lead to retain the lead within the connector.

主权项

1. A lead extension for electrically coupling to at least one implantable electrical stimulation lead, the lead extension comprising:
at least one lead extension body having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion; a plurality of terminals disposed along the first end portion of the at least one lead extension body; a lead extension connector disposed along the second end portion of the lead extension body, the lead extension connector configured and arranged to mechanically receive a proximal end portion of at least one electrical stimulation lead, the lead extension connector comprising
a connector body,at least one lead channel defined within the connector body and configured and arranged to receive the at least one electrical stimulation lead, wherein the at least one lead channel forms a non-straight path within the connector body so that, when the at least one electrical stimulation lead is received within the at least one lead channel, the at least one lead channel defines points of compression that facilitate retention of the at least one electrical stimulation lead within the lead extension connector, anda plurality of connector contacts disposed within the connector body and configured and arranged to make electrical contact with terminals disposed on the at least one electrical stimulation lead when the at least one electrical stimulation lead is received in the at least one lead channel; and a plurality of conductors extending along the at least one lead extension body and electrically coupling the connector contacts in the lead extension connector to the terminals.