Apparatus and method for positioning, implanting and using a stimulation lead

An introducer system comprising:

• an electrical stimulus generator;
• an open-coiled stimulation lead having a conductive distal anchor, a proximal end in communication with the electrical stimulus generator and a centrally disposed axial void;
• a needle assembly comprising a first needle comprising an outer sheath having an outer circumference and defining a bore wherein the outer circumference is not continuous, a second needle carried within the bore during positioning and testing of the open-coiled stimulation lead, and at least one test electrode positioned along the outer circumference and in electrical communication with the electrical stimulus generator;
• and
• a third needle comprising a third needle sheath having a third needle outer circumference and defining a third needle bore wherein the open-coiled stimulation lead is carried within the third needle sheath, whereby the open-coiled stimulation lead and the third needle sheath replace the second needle in preparation for deployment of the open-coiled stimulation lead, wherein the needle assembly is repeatedly repositionable to test stimulation without requiring the open-coiled stimulation lead and the third needle sheath to be utilized.

An introducer system comprising:

• an electrical stimulus generator;
• an open-coiled stimulation lead having a conductive distal anchor, a proximal end in communication with the electrical stimulus generator and a centrally disposed axial void;
• a needle assembly comprising a first needle comprising an outer sheath defining a bore, a second needle carried within the bore during positioning and testing of the open-coiled stimulation lead, wherein the second needle incorporates one or more second needle flanges or protrusions running a length of the second needle and at least one test electrode in electrical communication with the electrical stimulus generator;
• and
• a third needle comprising a third needle sheath having a third needle outer circumference and defining a third needle bore wherein the open-coiled stimulation lead is carried within the third needle sheath, whereby the open-coiled stimulation lead and the third needle sheath replace the second needle in preparation for deployment of the open-coiled stimulation lead.