Implantable neural stimulation electrode assemblies and methods for stimulating spinal neural sites

摘要

An implantable neurostimulation electrode assembly comprises a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit configured to be arranged in a side-by-side configuration. The first electrode unit includes a dielectric first paddle, a plurality of first electrodes carried by the first paddle, and a guideline. The guideline has a distal section affixed to the first paddle and a proximal section having a length configured to extend externally of a patient. The second electrode unit has a dielectric second paddle and a plurality of second electrodes carried by the second paddle. The second paddle is configured to travel along the guideline and contact the first paddle in the side-by-side configuration. As a result, the first and second electrode units of this embodiment can be passed percutaneously through the same percutaneous entry hole and assembled in vivo at the stimulation site to form a larger paddle-type electrode array without surgical implantation.

主权项

1. An implantable neural stimulation electrode assembly, comprising:
a first electrode unit having a dielectric first paddle, a plurality of first electrodes carried by the first paddle, and a guideline having a distal section fixed to the first paddle and a proximal section having a length configured to extend beyond the first paddle and externally of a patient when the first paddle is positioned within the patient, wherein the first paddle includes a first cross-sectional dimension, and wherein the guideline includes a second cross-sectional dimension, less than the first cross-sectional dimension; and a second electrode unit having a dielectric second paddle and a plurality of second electrodes carried by the second paddle, wherein the second paddle is configured to travel along the guideline from a first position spaced apart from the first paddle to a second position adjacent to and engaged with the first paddle in a side-by-side configuration within the patient.