Patent ID: 8214057

Claim:
An implantable electrode for electrically stimulating tissues, comprising: (a) a paddle configured to be implanted subcutaneously comprising: (i) a forward portion located along a first end of the paddle, the forward portion including at least one electrical contact disposed within the forward portion substantially toward a ventral surface of the paddle; and (ii) a back portion connected to the forward portion and located along a second end of the paddle, wherein the back portion is deformable from the forward portion, and wherein the back portion is devoid of one or more electrical contacts; (b) at least one contact wire interconnected at a first end to the at least one electrical contact, the at least one contact wire extending through at least a portion of the forward portion of the paddle, wherein the at least one contact wire is interconnected at a second end to a lead extending from a lead connection located on a dorsal surface of the paddle between the forward portion and the back portion, wherein the lead is adapted to be interconnected to a power source; and (c) a notch that extends to a depth of approximately one-half of a thickness of the paddle located on the ventral surface of the paddle that is within and transversely oriented to a longitudinal axis of the paddle; wherein the at least one contact wire provides electrical continuity between the at least one electrical contact and the lead; and wherein the lead provides electrical continuity between the at least one contact wire and the power source.