Patent ID: 7996091
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for implanting a medical lead for electrical stimulation of a spinal cord, the medical electrical lead including a tubular body, a generally flat paddle and an electrode array provided on the paddle, the paddle including a first major surface, a second major surface and a proximal end joined to a distal end of the tubular body, each electrode of the electrode array being exposed through the first major surface of the paddle and insulated by the second major surface of the paddle, the electrode array being located on an imaginary longitudinal center line defined by the paddle, and the method comprising: introducing, via a percutaneous introducer needle, only a portion of the paddle of the medical lead through a ligamentum flavum and into an epidural space alongside a spinal cord, the introduced portion of the paddle including a distal end of the paddle and an entirety of the electrode array, such that the electrode array is positioned alongside the spinal cord while the paddle extends out from the ligamentum flavum so that the proximal end of the paddle is positioned outside the epidural space; fluoroscopically viewing the electrode array and a location of an orientation marker provided on the paddle, with respect to the electrode array, after introducing the portion of the paddle into the epidural space, the marker being displaced from the imaginary longitudinal center line defined by the paddle, on one side thereof, and from the electrode array; and