| 摘要 |
Implantable leads, lead assemblies, and methods for implanting the leads into the human body. The lead can include numerous distal electrical contacts for sensing and/or stimulation as well as numerous proximal contacts for connecting to a lead extension and/or an implantable pulse generator. The lead includes a stylet lumen extending between a side-wall stylet entrance port and the lead distal region. Some leads further include a stylet guide disposed near the stylet opening for fluoroscopic visualization and/or insuring proper insertion and distal advancement of the stylet within the lead. In use, the stylet can be inserted through the lead stylet port to stiffen only the distal portion of the lead, and the distal portion of the lead inserted through an introducer needle into the human body. The stiffened distal portion of the lead can be short and easily controllable. Implantable leads having an intermediate stylet insertion port find one use as neurological stimulation leads for implantation within the intrathecal spaces of the spinal column to manage pain. The short, stiffened portion of lead allows for a longer total lead length which can eliminate the need for lead extensions in some applications.
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