Patent ID: 7957817
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A tool for delivering an implantable electrode about a nerve or nerve bundle of a patient, the implantable electrode including a generally cylindrical body having a gap defined therein, the tool comprising: a shaft defining a proximal end and a distal end; and an electrode tray articulatably coupled to the distal end and configured to maintain the electrode in an open configuration until the electrode is delivered about the nerve or nerve bundle; wherein the tray is generally cylindrical in shape and extends longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein a slot longitudinally extends through an entire side of the tray from the distal end to the proximal end, and wherein the electrode gap and the tray slot align to allow the nerve or nerve bundle to enter the electrode and tray slot when the electrode is held in an open configuration within the tray and to allow the nerve or nerve bundle to exit the electrode and tray slot when the electrode is held in an open configuration; and wherein the tray is articulatably coupled to the distal end via a pivot axis, the pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.