Abstract:
An implantable medical lead has a torsional stiffness and is rotationally coupled to a stylet. Applying rotation directly to the lead in turn causes rotation of the stylet. Where the stylet has a bent tip for purposes of steering the lead, the rotation applied to the lead rotates the bent tip so that the lead can be steered by rotating the lead rather than rotating a hub of the stylet. The rotational coupling may be achieved through one or more features provided for the lead and/or the stylet, such as a feature within a lumen of the lead that mates to a feature along the stylet or a feature of the stylet hub that engages the proximal end of the lead. The torsional stillness of the lead may be provided by adding a feature within the lead body, such as a braided metal wire or an overlapping foil.
Abstract:
Conductors within an implantable medical lead that carry stimulation signal signals are at least partially embedded within a lead body of the medical lead over at least a portion of the length of the conductors while being surrounded by a radio frequency (RF) shield. A space between the shield and the conductors is filled by the presence of the lead body material such that body fluids that infiltrate the lead over time cannot pool in the space between the shield and the conductors. The dielectric properties of the lead body are retained and the capacitive coupling between the shield and the conductors continues to be inhibited such that current induced on the shield is inhibited from being channeled onto the conductors. Heating at the electrodes of the medical lead is prevented from becoming excessive.
Abstract:
Radiopaque markers represent that a lead is suitable for a particular medical procedure such as a magnetic resonance image scan and are added to the lead or related device. The markers may be added after implantation of the lead in various ways including suturing, gluing, crimping, or clamping a radiopaque tag to the lead or to the device. The markers may be added by placing a radiopaque coil about the lead, and the radiopaque coil may radially contract against the lead to obtain a fixed position. The markers may be added by placing a polymer structure onto the lead where the polymer structure includes a radiopaque marker within it. The polymer structure may include a cylindrical aperture that contracts against the lead to fix the position of the polymer structure. The polymer structure may form a lead anchor that includes suture wings that can be sutured to the lead.
Abstract:
A lead assembly includes a central lead member having a distal portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis. The lead assembly also includes two or more side lead members disposed around the central lead member. Each side lead member includes a deploying portion extending at an angle away from the longitudinal axis. Each deploying portion has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is laterally spaced from the central lead member and extends more parallel to the longitudinal axis than the proximal portion. The lead assembly also includes one or more electrodes attached to the distal portion of the deploying portion of each side lead member. The lead assembly optionally includes a cannula comprising a lumen, an end portion, and a buckler disposed in the lumen on the end portion for deploying the lead members.
Abstract:
A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
Abstract:
Shields within implantable leads increase the torsional stiffness of the leads. The torsional stiffness may be reduced by cutting the shield axially to break the circumferential mechanical continuity of the shield. The circumferential shielding continuity of the shield may be re-established to preserve the shielding effect in various manners. The shield may overlap onto itself to close the slot created by the cut. A shield patch may be placed across the slot created by the cut. The shield may be located between two insulation layers of the lead. The shield may be cut and then the slot closed prior to application of the outer insulation layer. The outer insulation layer may then be added over the shield. The outer insulation layer may be compliant so that once covered, the circumferential mechanical continuity of the shield remains broken.
Abstract:
An implantable system that includes a lead and an implantable signal generator wherein the plurality of electrical contacts and the plurality of insulating regions on the lead, and the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical insulators in the connector block are configured so that each of the plurality of electrical contacts form operable connections to the electronic circuitry through each of the plurality of electrical connector, and the insulating regions and the electrical insulators electrically isolate adjacent operable connections. Leads, and methods are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.
Abstract:
A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
Abstract:
Radiopaque markers represent that a lead is suitable for a particular medical procedure such as a magnetic resonance image scan and are added to the lead or related device. The markers may be added after implantation of the lead in various ways including suturing, gluing, crimping, or clamping a radiopaque tag to the lead or to the device. The markers may be added by placing a radiopaque coil about the lead, and the radiopaque coil may radially contract against the lead to obtain a fixed position. The markers may be added by placing a polymer structure onto the lead where the polymer structure includes a radiopaque marker within it. The polymer structure may include a cylindrical aperture that contracts against the lead to fix the position of the polymer structure. The polymer structure may form a lead anchor that includes suture wings that can be sutured to the lead.