Patent ID: 8538554

Claim:
A system for implanting an implantable electrode lead comprising: an implantable electrode lead, comprising: a metal electrode contact at a distal end of the implantable electrode lead, wherein a distal end of the electrode contact has a conical shape with an arrow-like or needle-like distal point; a connector plug at a proximal end; an insulated conductor that electrically connects the connector plug to the metal electrode contact; a non-conductive anchoring tube proximate to the electrode contact with at least one row of flexible barbs protruding therefrom, the anchoring tube, excluding the barbs, having an outer diameter less than an outer diameter of a widest portion of the metal electrode contact; and a body portion extending at least from the anchoring tube to the connector plug, wherein the body portion proximal to the anchoring tube has an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the anchoring tube; and an insertion tool, comprising an insertion tube defining an outer surface and an interior lumen, wherein the interior lumen is configured and arranged to removably receive at least the body portion, wherein the insertion tube further defines a longitudinal slot extending through the insertion tube from the outer surface of the insertion tube to the interior lumen, wherein the longitudinal slot extends an entire length of the insertion tube and has a width that is greater than the outer diameter of the body portion and less than the outer diameter of the non-conductive anchoring tube; and a handle comprising a slider and a hook attached to the slider, wherein the hook is configured and arranged to attach to the connector plug and provide a stabilizing force during implantation.