Systems and methods for making and using an electrical stimulation system for stimulation of dorsal root ganglia

A method for implanting a lead for stimulation of a dorsal root ganglion of a patient, the method comprising:

• advancing a distal portion of a guidewire through an epidural space of the patient and through a foramen of the patient to a position near the dorsal root ganglion, the guidewire comprising an electrode in the distal portion of the guidewire;
• mapping a portion of the patient tissue adjacent the distal portion of the guidewire using the electrode;
• repositioning the distal portion of the guidewire to a lead implantation site relative to the dorsal root ganglion and mapping an additional portion of the patient tissue using the electrode;
• and
• advancing the lead over the guidewire, with a portion of the guidewire disposed in a lumen of the lead, to position a distal portion of the lead at the lead implantation site.

A kit for implanting a lead for stimulation of a dorsal root ganglion of a patient, the kit comprising:

• a guidewire with an electrode disposed at a distal end of the guidewire;
• an introducer having a lumen for receiving the guidewire;
• and
• a lead comprising a lead body and a plurality of electrodes disposed along a distal end of the lead body, the lead body defining a central lumen for receiving the guidewire.