Patent ID: 8463401

Claim:
An introducer for implanting a stimulation lead within the epidural space of a patient to enable spinal cord stimulation (SCS) of the patient, comprising: an outer sheath to accommodate insertion of the stimulation lead through the outer sheath, the outer sheath operable to be inserted at least partially within the epidural space of the patient; an inner penetrator removably housed within the outer sheath and comprising an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a cross-sectional shape and size conforming to the cross-sectional shape and size of the guide wire, a body portion having a cross-sectional shape and size conforming to a cross-sectional shape and size of the outer sheath, and a tip portion comprising a plurality of transition regions connecting the tip end with the body portion; the plurality of transition regions including a tip transition region, the tip transition region being substantially circular in cross-section extending along a length of the tip transition region and tapering along the length of the tip transition region; the plurality of transition regions including a middle transition region, the middle transition region being substantially circular in cross in cross-section extending along a length of the middle transition region, the middle transition region having a uniform circumference; and the plurality of transition regions including a body transition region having a cross-section that transitions from a substantially oval-cross section to a substantially circular cross-section; wherein the outer sheath and the inner penetrator are configured to be advanced along the guide wire to a desired location within the epidural space and the inner penetrator is configured to be removed from the outer sheath leaving the outer sheath in position for insertion of the stimulation lead through the outer sheath proximate to spinal nerve tissue, at least portions of the outer sheath and the plurality of transition regions being configured to flex to follow flexures in the guide wire during advancement of the introducer along the guide wire without significantly displacing the guide wire.