| 摘要 |
A paddle-type electrode or electrode array is implantable like a percutaneously inserted lead, i.e., without requiring major surgery, and once implanted, expands to provide a platform for many electrode configurations. The electrode array is provided on a flexible, foldable, subcarrier or substrate. Such subcarrier or substrate folds or compresses during implantation, thereby facilitating its insertion using percutaneous implantation techniques and tools. Once implanted, such subcarrier or substrate expands, thereby placing the electrodes in a desired spaced-apart positional relationship, and thus achieving a desired electrode array configuration. A steering stylet may be accommodated in a lumen provided in the subcarrier or substrate. Insertion tools useful with such electrode arrays include a needle with an oblong cross-section, which accommodates the dimensions of the folded array, and also accommodates other electrode arrays that are not necessarily folded.
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