Neurostimulation leads for trial nerve stimulation and methods of use

A lead extension comprising:

• a distal connector configured for electrically coupling with a fully implanted lead;
• a proximal connector configured for coupling with an external pulse generator or intervening connection, wherein the proximal connector is dimensioned for passage through a tool or cannula tunneled from a first incision area of a body of a patient and through a second incision to exit the patient's body;
• an extension cable electrically coupling the distal connector with the proximal connector;
• and
• a regression stopper disposed on the extension cable between the proximal connector and the distal connector and configured to prevent regression of the lead extension into the patient's body through the second incision, wherein the regression stopper is dimensioned for passage through the tool or cannula along with the proximal connector.

A method of use of a lead extension, the method comprising:

• implanting a neurostimulation lead in a body of a patient such that a proximal end of the lead is disposed at a first incision area;
• tunneling from the first incision area to a second incision;
• connecting a distal connector of the lead extension at the first incision area with the neurostimulation lead and implanting the distal connector at the first incision area, the distal connector being electrically coupled with a proximal connector of the lead extension via an extension cable including a regression stopper along an intermediate portion thereof;
• passing the proximal connector and the regression stopper through a tool or cannula tunneled from the first incision and through the second incision to exit the patient's body;
• removing the tool or cannula;
• and
• engaging, with the regression stopper, an outer skin of the patient or a pad or gauze disposed thereon so as to inhibit regression of the lead into the patient during a trial period or during explant of the lead extension.

A lead extension for a trial nerve stimulation in a patient, the lead extension comprising:

• a distal connector configured for electrically coupling with a fully implanted neurostimulation lead;
• a proximal connector configured for coupling with an external pulse generator or intervening connection;
• a cable electrically coupling the distal connector with the proximal connector, wherein the distal connector is disposed at a distal end of the cable and the proximal connector is disposed at a proximal end of the cable;
• and
• a regression stopper disposed on the cable between the proximal connector and the distal connector and configured to prevent regression of the lead extension into the patient's body through the second incision.

A method of using a lead extension, the method comprising:

• implanting a neurostimulation lead in a body of a patient such that a proximal end of the lead is disposed at a first incision area;
• forming an access route by tunneling between a first incision site and a second incision site;
• passing the lead extension along the access route by a tool or cannula so that the distal connector is disposed at the first incision site and the proximal connector is disposed outside the patient's body with the lead extension extending through the second incision site;
• connecting a distal connector of the lead extension at the first incision site with an implanted neurostimulation lead and implanting the distal connector at the first incision site, the distal connector being electrically coupled with a proximal connector of the lead extension via an extension cable that includes a regression stopper along an intermediate portion thereof;
• and
• engaging, with the regression stopper, an outer skin of the patient or a pad or gauze disposed thereon so as to inhibit regression of the lead into the patient during a trial period or during explant of the lead extension.