Implanter for nerve stimulation
AssigneeThe Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
InventorKONSTANTIN V. SLAVIN
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an implanter for nerve stimulation. The implanter comprises a plurality of preformed stylets and a hollow needle. Each preformed stylet defines a butt end, a tip opposite the butt end, and a curved portion extending therebetween. The needle defines a first end configured to receive each preformed stylet, a second end opposite the first end, and a curved portion extending therebetween. The curved portion of the needle and the curved portion of the preformed stylets are of substantially congruent shapes such that the preformed stylets are interchangeably insertable into the needle.
Claims20
An implanter for nerve stimulation, the implanter comprising:
- a plurality of preformed stylets, each preformed stylet defining a butt end, a tip opposite the butt end, and a curved portion extending therebetween;
- and
- a hollow needle, wherein the needle defines a first end configured to receive each preformed stylet, a second end opposite the first end, and a curved portion extending therebetween, and wherein the curved portion of the needle and the curved portion of the preformed stylets are of substantially congruent shapes such that the preformed stylets are interchangeably insertable into the needle.
A method of introducing an implant for stimulating a nerve, the method comprising:
- inserting a hollow needle carrying a preformed stylet into a target region, wherein the preformed stylet defines a butt end, a tip opposite the butt end, and a curved portion extending therebetween, wherein the needle defines a first end configured to receive the preformed stylet, a second end opposite the first end, and a curved portion extending therebetween, and wherein the curved portion of the needle and the curved portion of the preformed stylets are of substantially congruent shapes;
- withdrawing the preformed stylet to leave the needle in place in the target region;
- inserting the implant into the needle;
- and
- removing the needle from the target region to expose the implant therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.