Implantable Tissue Stimulator and Method of Use

An implantable tissue stimulator assembly comprising:

• a stimulator having a housing, a plurality of electrodes proximate a distal end of the housing, and a first plurality of tines extending outwardly from the housing proximate the distal end and a second plurality of tines extending outwardly from the housing proximate a proximal end of the housing;
• a first introducer comprising:
• a first barrel including a first base and a hollow first cylinder extending outwardly from the base, the first base and first cylinder including a pair of opposed perforations extending along a length of the first base and the first cylinder, the first cylinder configured to receive the distal end of the stimulator for insertion of the stimulator into tissue, the first tines being configured to be folded inwardly toward the housing when the stimulator is received in the first cylinder;
• and
• a first stylet including a first handle and a first shaft extending outwardly from the first handle, the first stylet being received in the first cylinder;
• and
• a second introducer configured to receive the proximal end of the stimulator for insertion of the stimulator into tissue, the second introducer comprising:
• a second barrel including a second base and a hollow second cylinder extending outwardly from the second base, the second base and second cylinder including a pair of opposed perforations extending along a length of the second base and the second cylinder;
• and
• a second stylet including a second handle and a second shaft extending outwardly from the second handle, the second stylet being received in the second cylinder.

A method of implanting a tissue stimulator comprising the steps of:

• inserting a first introducer through an insertion site of tissue such that a tip of the introducer is proximate a target site within the tissue, the introducer including a first barrel including a first base and a hollow first cylinder extending outwardly from the first base, and a first stylet including a first handle and a first shaft extending outwardly from the first handle, the first stylet being received in the first cylinder;
• removing the first stylet from the first cylinder;
• inserting a distal end of a stimulator into the first cylinder, the stimulator having a housing, a plurality of electrodes proximate a distal end of the housing, and a plurality of first tines extending outwardly from the housing proximate the plurality of electrodes, the first tines being folded inwardly toward the housing when the stimulator is in the first cylinder;
• and
• removing the first barrel from the tissue such that the first tines move outwardly away from the housing and engage the tissue.