Systems and methods of implanting a lead for brain stimulation
AssigneeAdvanced Bionics AG
InventorsAnne M. Pianca, Carla M. Mann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Leads and introduction tools are proposed for deep brain stimulation and other applications. Some embodiments of the present invention provide lead designs with which may be placed with a stylet, while others do not require a stylet. Some lead embodiments use standard wire conductors, while others use cable conductors. Several embodiments incorporate microelectrodes and/or microelectrode assemblies. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide introduction tools, such as cannula and/or cannula systems, which ensure proper placement of, e.g., leads.
Claims10
A method of introducing a brain stimulating lead into a patient's brain composing:
- holding a first cannula in a substantially fixed position completely external to the brain;
- slidably supporting a second cannula with the first cannula;
- positioning the second cannula with a proximal end extending beyond the proximal end of the first cannula and a distal end extending beyond the distal end of the first cannula and so that the second cannula extends at least partially into the patient's brain;
- inserting the brain stimulating lead through the second cannula;
- using the second cannula as a macroelectrode, wherein the macroelectrode is attached to the second cannula;
- using a stereotactic frame to hold the first cannula in a substantially fixed position;
- and
- pulling the second cannula away from the patient's brain, wherein the second cannula includes at least two splittable sections having a perforated interface.
A lead introduction system for introducing a stimulation lead into a patient's brain, the system comprising:
- a stereotactic frame;
- a first cannula dimensioned to be larger than a predetermined hole size in the patient's skull to prevent entry into the brain and which first cannula is held in a substantially fixed position by the stereotactic frame;
- and
- a second cannula slidable within the first cannula and having a proximal end extending beyond the proximal end of the first cannula and a distal end extending beyond the distal end of the first cannula and into the patient's brain,
- wherein the second cannula is dimensioned to permit insertion through the predetermined hole size in the patient's skull;
- wherein the second cannula is supported by the first cannula;
- wherein the stimulation lead is insertable through the second cannula;
- wherein the second cannula includes a perforated interface from the proximal end toward the distal end;
- and
- wherein the second cannula includes a macroelectrode attached to the second cannula.
A lead introduction system for introducing a stimulation lead into a patient's brain, the system comprising:
- a stereotactic frame;
- a first cannula dimensioned to be larger than a predetermined hole size in the patient's skull to prevent entry into the brain and which first cannula is held in a substantially fixed position by the stereotactic frame;
- and
- a second cannula slidable within the first cannula and having a proximal end extending beyond the proximal end of the first cannula and a distal end extending beyond the distal end of the first cannula and into the patient's brain,
- wherein the second cannula is dimensioned to permit insertion through the predetermined hole size in the patient's skull;
- wherein the second cannula is supported by the first cannula;
- wherein the stimulation lead is insertable through the second cannula;
- and
- wherein the second cannula includes at least two sections with a splittable mating wall configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.