Systems and methods for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine and kits for implanting the same

A method for implanting components for restoring muscle function of the lumbar spine, the method comprising:

• implanting a distal end of an electrode lead at a first incision site so that one or more electrodes disposed thereon are disposed in or adjacent to tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine;
• selecting a tunneler comprising an elongated shaft having a threaded distal portion, a proximal end having a handle, and a tunneler tip removably coupled to the threaded distal portion;
• sliding the threaded distal portion through a lumen of a sheath such that the sheath is disposed on the elongated shaft between the stopper and the threaded distal portion of the tunneler;
• coupling the tunneler tip to the threaded distal portion of the tunneler;
• tunneling the tunneler subcutaneously between a first incision site and a second incision site to create a subcutaneous passage therebetween such that the sheath spans the first and second incision sites;
• decoupling the tunneler tip from the threaded distal portion of the tunneler;
• removing the tunneler from the sheath while the sheath continues to span the first and second incision sites;
• feeding a proximal end of the electrode lead through an end of the sheath until the proximal end of the electrode lead is exposed at the other end of the sheath;
• and
• removing the sheath from the subcutaneous passage between the first and second incision sites while the electrode lead continues to span the first and second incision sites.