Patent ID: 8805544

Claim:
A system for lead implantation, comprising a lead comprising a paddle-style electrode extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the paddle-style electrode, comprising a back surface; an active surface; a plurality of electrode contacts disposed on the active surface; and a longitudinal lumen extending into the paddle-style electrode and defining an opening at the proximal end of the paddle-style electrode, and at least one lead body extending from the paddle-style electrode, the at least one lead body comprising a plurality of conductors that are electrically coupled to the plurality of electrode contacts; and an insertion tool having a distal portion configured and arranged for insertion of the distal portion of the insertion tool into the longitudinal lumen of the paddle-style electrode, wherein the distal portion of the insertion tool is tapered to narrow a lateral width of the insertion tool along the distal portion, wherein a lateral width of the insertion tool at a proximal end of the distal portion of the insertion tool is at least one half of a lateral width of the paddle-style electrode and a lateral width of the insertion tool at a distal end of the distal portion of the insertion tool is no more than one quarter of a lateral width of the paddle-style electrode.