Implanter device for nerve stimulation and method of using the same

摘要

The present invention is directed to an implanter for nerve stimulation. The implanter comprises a plurality of preformed stylets and a hollow needle. Each preformed stylet defines a butt end, a tip opposite the butt end, and a curved portion extending therebetween. The needle defines a first end configured to receive each preformed stylet, a second end opposite the first end, and a curved portion extending therebetween. The curved portion of the needle and the curved portion of the preformed stylets are of substantially congruent shapes such that the preformed stylets are interchangeably insertable into the needle.

主权项

1. An implanter for peripheral nerve stimulation, the implanter comprising:
a first preformed stylet having a tapered tip and a second preformed stylet having a blunt tip, each of the first and the second preformed stylets including a butt end that defines a longitudinal axis, its respective tip opposite the butt end, and a curved portion extending therebetween, each of the first and the second preformed stylets defining a stylet length, and the curved portion of each of the first and the second preformed stylets extending along the entire stylet length; and a hollow needle including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a curved portion extending therebetween, the needle being configured to receive each of the first and the second preformed stylets, the needle defining a needle length, and the curved portion of the needle extending along the entire needle length; wherein a chord line drawn between the butt end and the tip defines an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, the acute angle being about 60 degrees such that each of the first and the second preformed stylets conforms to the natural curvature of a human body for supraorbital or intraorbital nerve stimulation; and wherein the curved portion of the needle and the curved portion each of the first and the second preformed stylets are of substantially congruent shapes such that the first and the second preformed stylets are interchangeably insertable into the needle, the first preformed stylet being insertable first into the needle such that the tapered tip penetrates skin and facia and the second preformed stylet being insertable second into the needle such that the blunt tip advances the needle to a target region.