Patent ID: 7887550
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting a neurostimulation lead with electrodes of the neurostimulation lead disposed within the skull of a patient, the method comprising: creating a burr hole in the patient's skull; placing a base structure within the burr hole; advancing the neurostimulation lead through the base structure and positioning electrodes of the neurostimulation lead at a location for stimulation of tissue of the patient; positioning, with a positioning tool, a lead securing structure within the base structure with the neurostimulation lead disposed in an open slot of the lead securing structure, wherein the positioning tool comprises a distal end inserted through an aperture of the lead securing structure and wherein the lead securing structure comprises a substantially cylindrical body with the open slot defined in the cylindrical body, (ii) an aperture in the cylindrical body receiving the distal end of the positioning tool, and (iii) first and second arm structures disposed on respective sides of the open slot, the first and second arm structures having proximal ends located interior to the cylindrical body and distal ends at an edge of the cylindrical body, the first and second arm structures subjected to a contracting biasing force causing the first and second arm structures to clamp to the distal end of the positioning tool during the positioning; and actuating a control structure of the positioning tool to extend a pin from the distal end of the positioning tool, wherein the pin forces the distal end out from between the first and second arm structures to release the lead securing structure from the positioning tool within the base structure, wherein the contracting biasing force causes the first and second arm structures to clamp about the neurostimulation lead.