Patent ID: 7945331
Filing Date: 2011-05-17
Classification: A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of managing SI joint pain in a sacrum of a patient, said method comprising the steps of: providing a stimulation lead having at least one electrode selectively placed along said stimulation lead; providing an introducer needle having a curvature along its length and a bent distal end; inserting the introducer needle along a path of insertion into a patient defined by aligning the introducer needle in a position medial to an inferior aspect of the SI joint and directed towards an inferior lateral edge of the sacrum; advancing the introducer needle along a curve of the sacrum in close proximity to a periosteum, lateral to a sacral foramen and medial to the SI joint until reaching a superior aspect of the sacrum; inserting the stimulation lead in the introducer needle; placing pressure on the stimulation lead to maintain the lead in a first position; withdrawing the introducer needle along the path of insertion and along a selected length of the stimulation lead to expose said at least one electrode to denervate targeted tissue; activating said at least one electrode in order to denervate tissue surrounding the stimulation lead; withdrawing the stimulation lead to a second position and aligned along the path of insertion within the introducer needle; placing pressure on the stimulation lead to maintain the lead in the second position; withdrawing the introducer needle aligned along the path of insertion thereby exposing said at least one electrode on the stimulation lead; and further activating said at least one electrode in order to denervate tissue surrounding the stimulation lead.