Patent ID: 7099718

Claim:
An implantable neural lead comprising: a flexible carrier having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the flexible carrier includes a plurality of helically wound wires, and wherein the wires further define a lumen that passes longitudinally through said flexible carrier; a plurality of spaced-apart electrode contacts near or at the distal end of the flexible carrier, wherein each wire makes electrical contact with each spaced-apart electrode contact from the proximal end of the flexible carrier; and a compressible, flexible material formed on the flexible carrier at or near its distal end, wherein the compressible, flexible material is adapted to secure the flexible carrier and electrode contacts in a desired implantable position relative to body tissue, and further wherein the flexible, compressible material includes at least one inflatable balloon formed near the distal end of the flexible carrier, the at least one inflatable balloon having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion has different elasticity than the first portion such that more pressure is required to begin inflating the second portion than is required to begin inflating the first portion, wherein the second portion of the inflatable balloon provides a contained relief valve that limits the pressure in the first balloon portion, and wherein the first portion has a different dilated balloon diameter than the second portion.