Insertion tool for implanting a paddle lead and methods and systems utilizing the tool

An insertion tool for a paddle lead, the paddle lead comprising a paddle body and at least one lead body extending from the paddle body, the insertion tool comprising:

• an insertion tool body comprising a receiving end portion, a handling end portion, an outer surface, and a longitudinal length, wherein the receiving end portion comprises a distal end, two lead body channels, two opposing exit openings disposed proximal to the distal end on opposite sides of the receiving end portion with each exit opening extending inwardly from the outer surface to a one of the two lead body channels, and two opposing slits with each slit extending from the distal end to a one of the two exit openings and extending inwardly from the outer surface to a one of the lead body channels, wherein each of the two lead body channels is associated with a different one of the two exit openings and a different one of the two slits, wherein each of the two lead body channels is configured and arranged to receive a one of the at least one lead body extending from the paddle body of the paddle lead;
• a stylet channel extending along the longitudinal length of the insertion tool body from the receiving end portion to the handling end portion and open to the two lead body channels;
• a stylet disposed in the stylet channel and comprising a stylet head disposed in the receiving end portion of the insertion tool body, the stylet configured and arranged for transitioning between a first position and a second position, wherein when the stylet transitions from the first to the second position, the stylet head pushes any lead body in the two lead body channels of the insertion tool body out of the insertion tool through a one of the two slits to release the lead body from the insertion tool;
• and
• an actuator assembly disposed along the handling end portion of the insertion tool body and coupled to the stylet, the actuator assembly configured and arranged to control transitioning of the stylet between the first position and the second position.