Patent ID: 8588936

Claim:
A method for optimizing stimulation of the dorsal column of the spinal cord of the body of a subject, the method comprising: removably coupling a frame element to a stimulating electrode array, the stimulating electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes and having a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral side edge extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and at least one engagement portion positioned along the peripheral side edge, the frame element configured to conform to at least a portion of the peripheral side edge of the stimulating electrode array, the frame element comprising a material that is more rigid than the stimulating electrode array, wherein the frame element is selectively removably coupled to the stimulating electrode array by the at least one engagement portion of the stimulating electrode array; inserting the coupled frame element and stimulating electrode array into the body of the subject at a desired position proximate the dorsal column of the subject wherein the frame element comprises a distal portion having a beveled edge, and wherein the step of inserting the coupled frame element and stimulating electrode array into the body of the subject comprises selectively advancing the frame element to form an insertion pathway; and disengaging the frame element from the at least one engagement portion of the stimulating electrode array such that the stimulating electrode array remains in the desired position.