Systems and methods for making and using paddle leads with adjustable spacing between adjacent electrodes

A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue, the paddle lead assembly comprising:

• a paddle body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes disposed on the paddle body;
• at least one elongated member disposed on the paddle body, the at least one elongated member having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes is coupled to the first end of the at least one elongated member and a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes is coupled to the second end of the at least one elongated member, wherein the at least one elongated member is formed from at least one shape memory material, and wherein the at least one elongated member is configured and arranged to bend or straighten upon activation by exposure to at least one of heat or current, the bending or straightening of the at least one elongated member causing an adjustment in center-to-center spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode along a first axis;
• a plurality of lead bodies coupled to the paddle body;
• at least one terminal disposed on each of the plurality of lead bodies;
• and
• a plurality of conductive wires coupling each of the electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.