System and method for making and using a lead introducer for an implantable electrical stimulation system

A lead introducer comprising:

• an insertion-needle assembly configured and arranged for receiving an electrical stimulation lead, the insertion-needle assembly having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal length extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the insertion-needle assembly comprising at least one proximal hub disposed at the proximal end;
• a splitable member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal length extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the splitable member comprising a proximal hub disposed at the proximal end, the splitable member defining a lumen configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the insertion-needle assembly, the splitable member comprising
• at least two pull-apart tabs disposed on the proximal hub of the splitable member, and
• at least one splitable region extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the splitable member from between the at least two pull-apart tabs, the at least one splitable region configured and arranged for separating when the at least two pull-apart tabs are pulled apart from one another in directions approximately orthogonal to the splitable member;
• and
• a lead-stabilization feature configured and arranged for receiving, and temporarily retaining, a portion of an electrical stimulation lead extending outward from the splitable member such that the electrical stimulation lead does not move relative to the splitable member when the electrical stimulation lead is received by the lead-stabilization feature.