INSERTION ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS OF USE

摘要

An insertion assembly for assisting implantation of at least one lead into a patient includes an insertion needle and a sheath. The sheath removably couples with the insertion needle while the insertion needle is being advanced into the patient. When the sheath is coupled to the insertion needle, the sheath is disposed over at least a portion of an outer surface of the insertion needle. The sheath is radially expandable from a non-expanded state to an expanded state that is rigid enough to retract surrounding patient tissue when inserted into the patient. When the sheath is in an expanded state, first and second diameters of the sheath at opposing ends of the sheath are each large enough to concurrently receive at least one of a paddle lead or at least two percutaneous leads.