Patent ID: 7890192

Claim:
A method for inserting an electrode of a lead into a body tissue intended to be stimulated, comprising the steps of: a) providing a device comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a first distal member pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft distal portion; a second distal member rotatably coupled to the first distal member, wherein the second distal member includes a portion for releasably engaging the electrode; a rotatable tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the tube being disposed around the elongate shaft and rotatably flexibly coupled over the first distal member pivotal coupling to the second distal member; a first elongate member having a distal region actuatably coupled to the second distal member portion for releasably engaging the electrode, and having a proximal portion actuable from the shaft proximal portion to release the electrode; and a second elongate member having a distal region operably coupled to the first or the second distal member for causing the first distal member to pivot relative to the elongate shaft, and having a proximal portion actuable from the shaft proximal portion; b) manipulating the proximal portion of the first elongate member to cause the distal portion thereof to move the second distal member into releasable engagement with a lead electrode; c) advancing the device including the lead through an incision or port in a human body until the lead electrode is proximate the body tissue; d) manipulating the proximal portion of the second elongate member to pivot the first distal member rotatably coupled to the second distal member relative to the shaft to thereby orient the second distal member and the lead electrode into a position for securing the electrode to the body tissue; e) manipulating the rotatable tube to thereby rotate the first distal member rotatably coupled to the second distal member releasably engaged with the lead electrode to thereby cause the electrode to screw into the body tissue; f) further manipulating the proximal portion of the first elongate member to cause the second distal member to release from the lead electrode; and g) removing the device from the incision or body port.