# US 7,610,102 B2 · Strain relief system for spinal cord stimulation lead

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- Number: US 7,610,102 B2
- Document ID: US7610102B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/353,529
- Filed: 2009-01-14
- Published: 2009-05-07
- Granted: 2009-10-27
- Earliest claimed: 2007-10-25
- Inventors: James M. Kowalczyk
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7610102B2

## CPC

- A61N 1/0558: {Anchoring or fixation means therefor}
- A61M 25/02: Holding devices, e.g. on the body
- A61B 17/06166: {Sutures (suture materials A61L17/00; manufacture of artificial threads D01D; treatment of threads D06M)}
- A61M 2025/0286: {anchored in the skin by suture or other skin penetrating devices}
- A61N: ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B)
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

An anchor for spinal electrical stimulation leads having a first, extended portion adapted to be inserted through the spine and into the spinal column, and a second, shorter portion adapted to be sutured to the fascia on the outside of the spine. The extended portion assists with positioning of the electrode tip onto the spinal cord on provides strain relief for the electrode. The anchor further comprises an inner tube disposed inside of the housing along an intermediate portion between the extended portion and the shorted portion. When the outside portion of the tubular housing is sutured to the fascia of a patient, the inner tube is compressed against the electrical lead, thereby locking it in place and preventing migration over time.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus for anchoring a neurostimulation lead in a patient, comprising: a tubular housing having a first portion for anchoring the housing proximately to the spin us process of the patient and a second portion extending from the first portion for providing strain relief; at least one groove extending circumferentially around the first portion of the housing; a tube positioned in the first portion of the housing in operative association with said at least one groove; and wherein said second portion is configured to extend entirely through the ligamentum flavum into the epidural space of the patient when said first portion is attached to the patient.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion is longer than said first portion.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube is compressible.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing has a durometer between about forty and sixty.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is at least partially radiopaque.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said apparatus is at least partially impregnated with barium.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is entirely radiopaque.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said apparatus is completely impregnated with barium.