Implantable medical lead with proximal retrieval wire

摘要

The disclosure describes a medical lead with a retrieval wire that extends from the proximal end of the lead. The retrieval wire allows a physician to insert the medical lead into a patient and grab the retrieval wire to pull the proximal end of the lead away from the implant site. Upon gaining access to a lead connector on the proximal end of the medical lead, the physician may remove the retrieval wire and couple the lead connector to an implantable medical device that provides stimulation therapy. In this manner the physician may avoid damaging the lead connector when retrieving the medical lead. In addition, the retrieval wire may be used to provide test stimulation to verify correct electrode location. The medical lead may be used to stimulate tissue such as the stomach, small intestine, and the large intestine.

主权项

1. An assembly comprising:
a medical lead including:
a flexible lead body having a distal end and a proximal end,one or more electrodes disposed near the distal end of the lead body, anda lead connector having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the lead connector being engaged to the proximal end of the lead body and including one or more electrical contacts; a flexible retrieval wire that extends through the lead connector and from the proximal end of the lead connector, wherein the medical lead is configured to be positioned within a patient with the retrieval wire securely attached to a section of the medical lead to facilitate moving the medical lead, with the retrieval wire securely attached to the section of the medical lead, into a position such that the electrodes are adjacent a target tissue of the patient; and a needle attached to a distal end of the retrieval wire, wherein the needle allows for lead implantation.