Patent ID: 8909353
Filing Date: 2014-12-09
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. A stimulation lead introducer for facilitating implantation of a lead, the stimulation lead introducer comprising: an elongated dilator defining a dilator lumen sized to advance over a guidewire, the dilator having a substantially deformable distal tip, wherein a distal portion of the distal tip has a substantially circular cross-section, whereas a more proximal portion of the distal tip has a substantially oblong cross-section sized to widen a path through an epidural region proximate a spine of a patient by following the guidewire through the epidural region proximate the spine of the patient, wherein the widened path facilitates advancement of the lead through the epidural region proximate the spine of the patient; and an elongated sheath defining a sheath lumen, wherein the sheath comprises a sheath material that is substantially deformable, wherein at least a portion of the sheath lumen provides a substantially oblong cross-section sized to accommodate the dilator, wherein the sheath is configured to facilitate advancement of the lead along a portion of the path when the dilator is not present in the sheath, wherein the dilator is configured to extend beyond a distal end of the sheath lumen.