Patent ID: 8606367

Claim:
A system for implanting a paddle-style electrode in a patient without an insertion needle, the system comprising: a lead comprising a paddle-style electrode platform including a distal end, a proximal end, a proximal edge, a back surface, an active surface opposite the back surface, a proximal portion of the electrode platform adjacent the proximal edge of the platform, and a plurality of electrode contacts formed in two or more columns and disposed on the active surface, and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrode contacts and extending away from the electrode contacts and out of the proximal end of the paddle-style electrode platform; and an insertion tool to implant the paddle-style electrode platform in the patient without using an insertion needle, the insertion tool including a platform engager comprising a carrier configured and arranged to hold, within the carrier, the proximal portion of the electrode platform to guide the electrode platform during placement of the electrode platform in the patient, wherein the electrode platform further comprises opposing side surfaces between the active surface and the back surface and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the electrode platform, wherein the carrier is configured and arranged to, when engaging the electrode platform, extend around the electrode platform from the active surface across at least one of the opposing sides surfaces to the back surface.