Patent ID: 8855790

Claim:
A system for loading a lead comprising a pre-curved electrode array onto a straightening member, the system comprising: a loading tool comprising a body, a first flexible arm having a fixed end connected to the body and a free end opposite the fixed end, and a second flexible arm having a fixed end connected to the body and a free end opposite the fixed end, wherein the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm define a straightening channel, and the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm flex away from each other to receive the pre-curved electrode array into the straightening channel and return from being flexed away from each other to a non-flexed position after the pre-curved electrode array is positioned within the straightening channel to constrain the pre-curved electrode array in a straightened configuration within the straightening channel; and a straightening member configured to be inserted into the pre-curved electrode array while the pre-curved electrode array is constrained in the straightened configuration and retain the pre-curved electrode array in the straightened configuration after the pre-curved electrode array is removed from the loading tool.