US 8,543,222 B1 · Implantable lead and accessories

Abstract

An implantable stimulation lead for introduction into the brain or other anatomical target in a human body comprises a distal electrode terminal, a proximal connector terminal, and a connecting conductor cable. The led construction enables stylet means to bypass the cable and the connector terminal. A slotted cannula allows the cable and the connector terminal to be decoupled from the lead introduction tools. This enables a substantial stylet means and allows the cable and the connector terminal to be optimized without constraints of the lead introduction tools. The overall length of the lead is minimized and the conductor cable and the connector can be non-iso-diametric. A method of terminating conductors to electrodes using inserts is suitable for very fine wires and stranded conductors. The disclosed leads and accessories are applicable to stimulation leads, sensing leads, or any other lead that may be implanted with or without a stereotactic localization system.

Claims62

Dependent claims

An implantable electrical lead having a proximal end and a distal end, said lead comprising:

(A) an electrode terminal having a body and at least one electrode at said distal end;
(B) a connector terminal having a body and at least one contact at said proximal end;
(C) a tubular sheath extending proximally from said body of said electrode terminal, said sheath having a wall, a proximally facing opening, and an outer end;
and
(D) a conductor cable extending from said outer end of said sheath to said connector terminal;
said cable having an insulating body and at least one conductor, said insulating body merging tangentially into said sheath wall;
wherein said conductor extends within said sheath wall to said electrode terminal;
and wherein said conductor electrically connects said electrode to a respective contact;
whereby said lead can be introduced into an anatomical target in a human body using a stylet inserted into said sheath opening wherein said stylet bypasses said connector terminal and said cable.

6 more elements

A lead introduction system for introducing an implantable electrical lead into an anatomical target in a human brain, said lead introduction system comprising:

(A) an implantable electrical lead comprising a tubular distal portion having an opening, a wall, and an outer end;
said distal portion comprising an electrode terminal with at least one electrode;
the lead further comprising a proximal connector terminal having at least one contact;
and a conductor cable comprising at least one conductor connecting said electrode to said contact;
said cable merging into said wall of said tubular distal portion;
(B) a stylet means comprising a stylet and a stylet sleeve, said stylet means cooperating with said distal portion of said lead while bypassing said connector and at least a portion of said conductor cable;
said stylet slidably assembled in said stylet sleeve and slidably received in said opening of said distal portion of said lead;
said stylet sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer surface, wherein said distal end of said stylet sleeve is in end-to-end contact with said outer end of said distal portion of said lead;
(C) a retention mechanism wherein said stylet means is retentively engaged with said lead, whereby said retention mechanism enables said distal portion of said lead to advance and retract in unison with said stylet means when said lead is being introduced into said anatomical target;
(D) a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen, and a lengthwise slot;
said lumen adapted to slidably guide said stylet sleeve;
said slot originating at said distal end of said cannula and forming a side opening contiguous with said lumen;
said side opening having a predetermined length sufficient to allow said distal portion of said lead to be fully inserted into said cannula lumen from said distal end of said cannula;
whereby said side opening of said cannula provides a passage for said cable when said lead is advanced along said lumen of said cannula, thereby allowing said connector terminal and at least a portion of said cable to bypass said cannula;
(E) a stereotactic frame comprising a cannula guide holder and a stop holder which are rigidly and adjustably attached to said stereotactic frame;
(F) a cannula guide adapted to be retained in said cannula guide holder, said cannula guide having an opening adapted to slidably receive and retain said cannula;
and
(G) a stop bushing adapted to be retained in said stop holder;
said stop bushing having a lumen adapted to slidably guide said stylet sleeve;
said stop bushing adapted to couple said stylet sleeve to said stop bushing, so that:
(1) when said stylet sleeve is uncoupled from said stop bushing, said lead can be slidably advanced or refracted through said lumen of said stop bushing;
(2) when said stylet sleeve is coupled to said stop bushing, said lead can be advanced, retracted, or immobilized in unison with said stop holder;
and
(3) when said stylet sleeve is immobilized in said stop bushing, said stylet can by pulled out of said distal portion of said lead without causing said lead to retract.

21 more elements

A lead introduction system for introducing an electrical lead into an anatomical target in a human body, said lead comprising a tubular distal portion having an opening, a wall, and an outer end;

said distal portion comprising an electrode terminal with at least one electrode;
said lead further comprising a proximal connector terminal having at least one contact, and a conductor cable comprising at least one conductor connecting said electrode to said contact, said cable merging into said wall of said tubular distal portion;
said lead introduction system comprising:
(A) a stylet means comprising a stylet and a stylet sleeve, said stylet means cooperating with said distal portion of said lead while bypassing said connector terminal and at least a portion of said conductor cable;
said stylet slidably assembled in said stylet sleeve and slidably received in said opening of said distal portion of said lead;
said stylet sleeve having a distal end, wherein said distal end of said stylet sleeve is in end-to-end contact with said outer end of said distal portion of said lead;
(B) a retention mechanism wherein said stylet means is retentively engaged with said lead, whereby said retention mechanism enables said electrode terminal to advance and retract in unison with said stylet means when said lead is being introduced into said anatomical target;
and
(C) a cannula having a distal end, a lumen, and a lengthwise slot, said lumen adapted to slidably guide said stylet sleeve;
said slot originating at said distal end of said cannula and forming a side opening contiguous with said lumen, said side opening having a predetermined length sufficient to allow said distal portion of said lead to be fully inserted into said cannula lumen from said distal end of said cannula;
whereby said side opening of said cannula provides a passage for said cable when said lead is advanced along said lumen of said cannula, thereby allowing said connector terminal and at least a portion of said cable to bypass said cannula.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Implantable lead and accessories

Life of this patent

Implantable lead and accessories

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims62