Systems and methods for making and using a lead introducer with a seal for an electrical stimulation system

A lead introducer comprising:

• an outer needle comprising an outer needle body and an outer needle hub coupled to the outer needle body, the outer needle body defining a channel extending along a longitudinal length of the outer needle body, and
• an inner needle comprising an inner needle body configured for sliding along the channel of the outer needle body and an inner needle hub coupled to the inner needle body, the inner needle body defining a lumen extending along a longitudinal length of the inner needle body;
• and
• a splittable member comprising a splittable member body, a splittable member hub, and two pull-apart tabs extending proximally from the splittable member hub, the splittable member body defining a longitudinal axis and configured for disposing over the outer needle body, wherein the splittable member is configured for separating longitudinally by pulling the two pull-apart tabs away from each other;
• wherein the inner needle hub comprises a collar defining one or more openings, wherein the one or more openings are configured to receive a portion of each of the two pull-apart tabs within the one or more openings.

A lead introducer comprising:

• an outer needle comprising an outer needle body and an outer needle hub coupled to the outer needle body, the outer needle body defining a channel extending along a longitudinal length of the outer needle body, and
• an inner needle comprising an inner needle body configured for sliding along the channel of the outer needle body and an inner needle hub coupled to the inner needle body, the inner needle body defining a lumen extending along a longitudinal length of the inner needle body;
• and
• a splittable member comprising a splittable member body, a splittable member hub, and two pull-apart tabs extending proximally from the splittable member hub, the splittable member body defining a longitudinal axis and configured for disposing over the outer needle body, wherein the splittable member is configured for separating longitudinally by pulling the two pull-apart tabs away from each other;
• wherein the outer needle hub comprises a collar defining one or more openings, wherein the one or more openings are configured to receive a portion of the two pull-apart tabs within the one or more openings.