Strain relief apparatus for use with implantable medical lead

A kit comprising:

• an extensible implantable medical device, the implantable medical device comprising:
• a body defining a lumen extending through the body, wherein the lumen is configured to receive at least the portion of the implantable medical lead, the body having a non-rectilinearly shaped portion,
• wherein the non-rectilinearly shaped portion has a first shape spanning a first distance in a relaxed state,
• wherein the non-rectilinearly shaped portion has a second, more rectilinear, shape spanning a second distance when subjected to a stretching force, the second distance being greater than the first distance,
• wherein the non-rectilinearly shaped portion returns to relaxed first shape upon release of the stretching force, and
• wherein the non-rectilinearly shaped portion is configured to assume the first shape when the lead is inserted into the lumen and no load is placed on the lead or the shaped body portion;
• and
• a tool comprising an elongate member having a distal opening and a lumen extending proximally in the elongate member from the distal opening, wherein the lumen of the elongate member is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a lead,
• wherein the lumen of the extensible implantable medical device is configured to receive the elongate member of the tool.

A method for providing strain relief to a lead, comprising:

• inserting at least a portion of a lead through a lumen of an extensible medical device, the extensible medical device comprising:
• a body defining a lumen extending through the body, wherein the lumen is configured to receive at least the portion of the implantable medical lead, the body having a non-rectilinearly shaped portion,
• wherein the non-rectilinearly shaped portion has a first shape spanning a first distance in a relaxed state,
• wherein the non-rectilinearly shaped portion has a second, more rectilinear, shape spanning a second distance when subjected to a stretching force, the second distance being greater than the first distance,
• wherein the non-rectilinearly shaped portion returns to relaxed first shape upon release of the stretching force, and
• wherein the non-rectilinearly shaped portion is configured to assume the first shape when the lead is inserted into the lumen and no load is placed on the lead or the shaped body portion,
• wherein inserting at least a portion of the lead through a lumen of the extensible medical device causes a portion of the lead received by the lumen of the extensible device in the non-rectilinearly shaped portion of the extensible device to assume the non-rectilinear shape, providing strain relief to the lead.