Neural stimulation lead fixation

#The present invention relates to a neural stimulation systems, e.g., a spinal cord stimulation system. More particularly, the invention relates to neural stimulation leads that include lead fixation means, i.e., ways to assure that the lead, once implanted, does not move away from its desired implant location.

#Spinal cord stimulation (SOS) is a well accepted clinical method for reducing pain in certain populations of patients. SCS systems typically include an implanted pulse generator, lead wires, and electrodes connected to the lead wires. The pulse generator generates electrical pulses that are delivered to the dorsal column fibers within the spinal cord through the electrodes which are implanted along the dura of the spinal cord. In a typical situation, the attached lead wires exit the spinal cord and are tunneled around the torso of the patient to a sub-cutaneous pocket where the pulse generator is implanted.

#When an electrical pulse, or sequence of pulses, is applied to a selected electrode, or combination of electrodes, the patient typically experiences a “paresthesia” (usually manifest as a mild tingling sensation) that is therapeutic, i.e., that relieves the pain, or other discomfort, the patient is experiencing, or that otherwise aids the patient in some useful way.

#The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the teachings of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein;

#FIG. 1 illustrates a representative spinal cord stimulation system implanted in a patient;

#FIG. 2 is a sectional view that depicts the electrode array as taught by the present disclosure implanted adjacent the spine;

#Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings.

#The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

#At the outset, it should be noted that the teachings of the present disclosure are directed to the fixation of implantable leads, such as neural stimulation leads or cardiac leads, and more particularly to the fixation of electrodes, or electrode arrays, attached to neural stimulation leads or cardiac leads so that such electrodes, or electrode arrays, remain in a desired position relative to the tissue that is to be stimulated. For purposes of the present disclosure, the terms “lead” and “electrode” and “electrode array” may thus be used interchangeably, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. That is, while the narrow purpose of the present discloure is to fix the electrodes relative to the tissue to be stimulated, in describing such purpose other terminology may be used, such as fixing the lead, or fixing the electrode array.