Patent ID: 8224459

Claim:
A system for implanting a paddle-style electrode in a patient without an insertion needle, the system comprising: a lead comprising a paddle-style electrode platform including a distal end, a proximal end, a back surface, at least one projection along the back surface, an active surface opposite the back surface, and a plurality of electrode contacts formed in two or more columns and disposed on the active surface, each of the at least one projection defining at least one cylindrical lumen, wherein a first portion of the at least one projection is disposed closer to the distal end of the platform than to the proximal end of the platform and a second portion of the at least one projection is disposed closer to the proximal end of the platform than to the distal end of the platform, and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrode contacts and extending away from the electrode contacts and out of the proximal end of the paddle-style electrode platform; and an insertion tool to implant the paddle-style electrode platform in the patient without using an insertion needle, the insertion tool including a platform engager for engaging the at least one cylindrical lumen of each of the at least one projection of the electrode platform to guide the electrode platform during placement of the electrode platform in the patient, the platform engager comprising a cylindrical portion for insertion into, and engagement with, the at least one cylindrical lumen of each of the at least one projection, wherein each of the at least one projection maintains the at least one cylindrical lumen even in absence of the insertion tool.