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

A paddle lead insertion tool, comprising:

• an insertion tool body comprising a delivery end portion and a slider slit;
• a slider comprising a portion disposed within the slider slit and configured and arranged to move along a first direction between an insertion position and a delivery position, wherein the delivery end portion of the insertion tool body comprises a curved delivery ramp configured and arranged to deliver a paddle body of a paddle lead received by the insertion tool at an angle, defined between the paddle body and the first direction, in a range of 70 to 260 degrees;
• and
• two extenders coupled to the slider and each of the two extenders extending to the delivery end portion and configured and arranged to receive the paddle body of the paddle lead between the two extenders with the two extenders disposed opposite each other along opposing sides of the paddle body;
• wherein the slider is configured and arranged to move between an insertion position and a delivery position, wherein the insertion tool is configured and arranged to extend the extenders when the slider moves from the insertion position to the delivery position to extend the paddle body received by the insertion tool, wherein the insertion tool is configured and arranged to retract the extenders when the slider moves from the delivery position towards the insertion position.