摘要 |
A method for the introduction and fixation of a neural stimulator lead in the epidural space of a patient's spinal cord includes the percutaneous placement of a pair of spaced Tuohy needles such that their open tips are in the patient's epidural space and the open tips of the needles are spaced from and face each other. A surrogate lead is inserted through the caudad needle and its leading distal end is moved through the epidural space until it is adjacent the opening in the cephalad needle. A snare is inserted through the cephalad needle to snare the distal end of the surrogate lead and the surrogate lead is drawn through the cephalad needle with the snare. The conductive neural stimulator lead is coupled to the trailing end of the surrogate lead and the surrogate lead is withdrawn through the caudad needle drawing the neural stimulator lead through the epidural space until its electrode is positioned at the location on the dura to be stimulated. Upon such positioning of the neural stimulator electrode, the Tuohy needles are removed and both ends of the neural stimulator lead are fixed in the patient's body.
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