Percutaneous lead introducer

摘要

In general, the invention is directed to a technique for percutaneously introducing a stimulation lead into a target stimulation site via the epidural region proximate the spine of a patient. The process of introducing the stimulation lead may include the use of a hollow stimulation lead introducer, which comprises an elongated sheath and an elongated dilator. The dilator fits within the sheath and serves to widen a path through the epidural region for the introduction of a stimulation lead. At least a portion of the stimulation lead introducer has an oblong cross-section, allowing passage of stimulation leads such as paddle leads. The stimulation lead introducer may enter the epidural region proximate a spine of a patient via a guidewire. The stimulation lead introducer provides a path through the epidural region of a patient to a target stimulation site. A stimulation lead may travel through the path to reach the target stimulation site where it may provide therapy to the patient.

主权项

1. A stimulation lead introducer for facilitating implantation of a lead, the stimulation lead introducer comprising:
an elongated dilator defining a dilator lumen sized to advance over a guidewire, the dilator having a substantially deformable distal tip, wherein a distal portion of the distal tip has a substantially circular cross-section, whereas a more proximal portion of the distal tip has a substantially oblong cross-section sized to widen a path through an epidural region proximate a spine of a patient by following the guidewire through the epidural region proximate the spine of the patient, wherein the widened path facilitates advancement of the lead through the epidural region proximate the spine of the patient; and an elongated sheath defining a sheath lumen, wherein the sheath comprises a sheath material that is substantially deformable, wherein at least a portion of the sheath lumen provides a substantially oblong cross-section sized to accommodate the dilator, wherein the sheath is configured to facilitate advancement of the lead along a portion of the path when the dilator is not present in the sheath, wherein the dilator is configured to extend beyond a distal end of the sheath lumen.