Patent ID: 8781603

Claim:
A stimulation lead assembly, which comprises: a) lead, comprising: i) an elongated, insulated lead body comprising a first length extending from a proximal lead portion to a distal lead portion having a distal lead end; ii) at least one stimulation electrode at the distal lead portion; iii) at least one electrical connector at the proximal lead portion; iv) at least one conductor providing electrical continuity from the connector to the electrode; and v) at least one fixation finger attached to an outer surface of the lead body, wherein the fixation finger is deployable to secure the lead in body tissue; and b) an elongated lead carrier comprising: i) a carrier sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal carrier porion to a distal carrier portion having a distal carrier pointed-tip; and ii) a longitudinal cavity that interrupts a portion of the carrier sidewall to provide a carrier nest for receiving the lead therein, wherein the carrier nest has a second length extending from a proximal nest portion adiacent to the proximal carrier portion to a distal nest end spaced proximally from the distal carrier pointed-tip, iii) wherein the carrier sidewall adjacent to the carrier nest has a first annular extent about the longitudinal axis and the carrier nest has a second annular extent that when combined with the first annular extent of the carrier sidewall equals 360 degrees, and iv) wherein the carrier distal pointed-tip extends annularly about the longitudinal axis, c) wherein the second length of the carrier nest in longer than the first length of the lead body so that with the lead received in the carrier nest, the carrier is manipulatable is a distal direction with respect to the lead to remove the distal pointed-tip from lateral alignment with the distal lead end so that the carrier is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and with respect to the lead to thereby separate the carrier from the lead so that the carrier is further manipulatable in a proximal direction to remove the carrier from the lead without causing proximal movement of the lead.