Lead insertion devices and associated systems and methods

#The present technology is directed generally to insertion devices for percutaneously placing patient leads, and associated systems and methods. Insertion devices, and associated systems and methods in accordance with the present technology are suitable for placing multiple leads through a single percutaneous access point.

#Neurological stimulators have been developed to treat pain, movement disorders, functional disorders, spasticity, cancer, cardiac disorders, and various other medical conditions. Implantable neurological stimulation systems generally have an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that is operably coupled to one or more leads that deliver electrical pulses to neurological tissue or muscle tissue. For example, several neurological stimulation systems for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have cylindrical leads that include a lead body with a circular cross-sectional shape and multiple conductive rings spaced apart from each other at the distal end of the lead body. The conductive rings operate as individual electrodes or contacts to deliver electrical signals to the patient. The SCS leads are typically implanted either surgically or percutaneously through a needle inserted into the epidural space, often with the assistance of a stylet.

#Once implanted, the pulse generator applies electrical pulses to the electrodes, which in turn modify the function of the patient's nervous system, such as by altering the patient's responsiveness to sensory stimuli and/or altering the patient's motor-circuit output. In particular, the electrical pulses can generate sensations that mask or otherwise alter the patient's sensation of pain. For example, in many cases, patients report a tingling or paresthesia that is perceived as more pleasant and/or less uncomfortable than the underlying pain sensation. In other cases, the patients can report pain relief without paresthesia or other sensations.

#FIG. 1 is a partially schematic illustration of a spinal cord stimulation system positioned to deliver therapeutic signals in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

#FIGS. 2-4 are isometric views of an insertion needle having a cannula and a stylet configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

#FIGS. 5A and 5B are isometric and cross-sectional side views, respectively, of a dilator configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology.

#The present technology is directed generally to insertion devices and systems and methods for neuromodulation systems, and more specifically to single access or single entrance point insertion systems for implanting spinal cord modulation leads. Several embodiments of the present technology include access systems having insertion needles and multiple dilators. In various embodiments, the insertion needles and dilators are configured in a variety of suitable manners and can be employed independently or together to implant multiple leads through a single percutaneous entry point in a patient. For example, the present technology can include an insertion needle having a cannula, a stylet, and a series of dilators that can operate together to open and expand a single percutaneous entry point in a patient. In other embodiments, the devices, systems and associated methods can have different configurations, components, and/or procedures. Still other embodiments may eliminate particular components and/or procedures. Additionally, the present technology, which includes associated devices, systems, procedures, methods of use, and instructions for steps included in a method of use, may include other embodiments with additional elements or steps, and/or may include other embodiments with or without several of the features or steps shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 1-11. Further, while embodiments presented in FIG. 1 may describe lead implantation in spinal cord stimulation systems, other embodiments of the presented technology are applicable in other fields and/or other neuromodulation settings and/or other surgical lead or tool implantations.

#FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a representative patient system 100 for providing relief from chronic pain and/or other conditions, arranged relative to the general anatomy of a patient's spinal cord 191. The overall patient system 100 can include one or more signal delivery devices 110, which may be implanted within a patient 190, typically at or near the patient's spinal cord midline 189, coupled to an implantable pulse generator 101. The signal delivery devices 110 carry features for delivering therapy to the patient 190 after implantation. The pulse generator 101 can be connected directly to the signal delivery devices 110, or it can be coupled to the signal delivery devices 110 via a signal link or lead extension 102. In a further representative embodiment, the signal delivery devices 110 can include one or more elongated lead(s) or lead body or bodies 111 (identified individually as a first lead 111a and a second lead 111b). As used herein, the terms “lead” and “lead body” include any of a number of suitable substrates and/or support members that carry devices for providing therapy signals to the patient 190. For example, the lead or leads 111 can include one or more electrodes or electrical contacts that direct electrical signals into the patient's tissue, such as to provide for patient pain relief. In other embodiments, the signal delivery devices 110 can include structures other than a lead body (e.g., a paddle) that also direct electrical signals and/or other types of signals to the patient 190.

#The pulse generator 101 can transmit therapy signals (e.g., electrical signals) to the signal delivery devices 110 that up-regulate (e.g., stimulate or excite) and/or down-regulate (e.g., block or suppress) target nerves. As used herein, and unless otherwise noted, to “modulate” or provide “modulation” to the target nerves refers generally to having either type of the foregoing effects on the target nerves. The pulse generator 101 can include a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium containing instructions for generating and transmitting suitable therapy signals. The pulse generator 101 and/or other elements of the system 100 can include one or more processor(s) 107, memory unit(s) 108 and/or input/output device(s) 112. Accordingly, the process of providing electrical signals, providing guidance information for positioning the signal delivery devices 110, and/or executing other associated functions can be performed by computer-executable instructions contained by computer-readable media located at the pulse generator 101 and/or other system components. The pulse generator 101 can include multiple portions, elements, and/or subsystems (e.g., for directing signals in accordance with multiple signal delivery parameters), carried in a single housing, as shown in FIG. 1, or in multiple housings.