Patent ID: 7392093

Claim:
A method of implanting first and second stimulation leads within the epidural space of a patient, comprising: providing first and second percutaneous stimulation leads that each comprise a plurality of electrodes; securing the first and second percutaneous stimulation leads within a device, the device being formed of a compressible material, and the device comprising: (i) a first anterior concave surface adapted to contact and at least partially surround a posterior side of the first electrical stimulation lead; (ii) a second anterior concave surface adapted to contact and at least partially surround a posterior side of the second electrical stimulation lead; (iii) a posterior convex surface coupled to the first and second anterior concave surfaces; and (iv) a lobe separating the first electrical stimulation lead and the second electrical stimulation lead; the securing occurring by snapping the first and second percutaneous leads into the first and second anterior concave surfaces respectively; inserting the device, with the first and second percutaneous leads secured thereto, through a needle into the epidural space of the patient, the device being compressed while proceeding through the needle, the device expanding upon entry into the epidural space of the patient to stabilize the first and second percutaneous stimulation leads in a side-by-side longitudinal arrangement within the epidural space of the patient; electrically coupling the first and second stimulation leads to an implantable pulse generator (IPG); and delivering stimulation pulses from the IPG to stimulate neural tissue of the patient using the first and second stimulation leads, wherein the first and second convex surfaces of the device partially shield electrical energy from the first and second stimulation leads.