Lead spacer tool

A neurostimulation system comprising:

• an implantable pulse generator;
• a paddle lead comprising an electrode portion and a lead body;
• a combined dissection tool and blank comprising:
• a blank comprising a maximum cross-sectional area substantially equal to a maximum cross sectional area of the electrode portion of the paddle lead;
• an elongated body portion attached to the blank;
• and
• a guide wire extending through the body portion to substantially a distal end of the blank, wherein the guide wire provides sufficient column strength to separate fatty tissue to create a space for receiving the paddle lead, the guide wire including a flattened distal portion including a flattened surface, the flattened distal portion being wider than a remainder of the guide wire, the distal portion being configured to allow bending in a first direction perpendicular to the flattened surface and resist bending in a second direction parallel to the flattened surface.

An apparatus for implanting a paddle lead including an electrode portion and a lead body, the apparatus comprising:

• a blank including a maximum cross-sectional area substantially equal to a maximum cross sectional area of the electrode portion of the paddle lead, the blank including a distal end configured to dissect tissue;
• an elongated body portion attached to the blank;
• and
• a guide wire extending through the body portion and the blank to a point proximate a distal end of the blank, wherein the guide wire is configured to provide sufficient column strength to separate fatty tissue to create a space for receiving the paddle lead, the guide wire including a flattened distal portion including a flattened surface, the flattened distal portion being wider than a remainder of the guide wire, the distal portion being configured to allow bending in a first direction perpendicular to the flattened surface and resist bending in a second direction parallel to the flattened surface.

A combined dissection tool and blank for implanting a paddle lead having an electrode portion and a lead body, wherein at least the electrode portion of the paddle lead extends along a first longitudinal axis, the combined dissection tool and blank comprising:

• a blank extending along a second longitudinal axis and comprising a maximum cross-sectional area perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, the maximum cross-sectional area of the blank being substantially equal to a maximum cross sectional area of the electrode portion of the paddle lead extending along the first longitudinal axis;
• an elongated body portion attached to the blank;
• and
• a guide wire molded within and extending through the body portion and the blank generally to a distal end of the blank, wherein the guide wire provides sufficient column strength to separate fatty tissue to create a space for receiving the paddle lead, the guide wire including a flattened distal portion including a flattened surface, the flattened distal portion being wider than a remainder of the guide wire, the distal portion being configured to allow bending in a first direction perpendicular to the flattened surface and resist bending in a second direction parallel to the flattened surface.