SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AN END OF AN ELONGATED MEMBER OF AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM

摘要

A method for forming a lead or lead extension having an arrangement of elongated conductors disposed in a body of a lead or lead extension includes ablating a plurality of spaced-apart channels in proximity to at least one of the proximal end or the distal end of the body to expose at least part of at least one of the conductors. A C-shaped contact is disposed into each of a different one of the transverse channels. Each C-shaped contact is electrically coupled to at least one of the conductors. Each C-shaped contact is closed so that opposing ends of the C-shaped contact are adjacent to one another and aligned over one of the elongated conductors. The two opposing ends of each C-shaped contact is coupled together such that each C-shaped contact forms a continuous path around the arrangement within the transverse channel in which the C-shaped contact is disposed.

主权项

1. A lead comprising:
a lead body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, an outer layer, a longitudinal length, and a circumference; a plurality of transverse channels defined along at least one of the distal portion or the proximal portion of the lead body, the plurality of transverse channels each extending around the circumference of the lead body; a plurality of contacts disposed along the lead body, the plurality of contacts comprising
a plurality of cylindrical electrodes disposed along the distal portion of the lead body, anda plurality of cylindrical terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the lead body,wherein at least one of the plurality of contacts is formed as a C-shaped contact disposed around the circumference of the lead body within one of the plurality of transverse channels and closed with opposing ends of the C-shaped contact coupled together; a plurality of conductors coupling the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals; a plurality of access holes defined along the plurality of transverse channels with at least one of the plurality of access holes defined within each of the plurality of transverse channels, each of the plurality of access holes individually exposing one of the plurality of conductors such that the remaining conductors are not exposed.