Patent ID: 8753353

Claim:
An insertion tool that facilitates insertion of an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice, the insertion tool comprising: a handle assembly that facilitates handling of the insertion tool; a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and that comprises a slider member configured to be actuated by a user to operate the insertion tool, and a tubular member coupled to a distal end of the slider member and configured to at least partially contain a stiffening member configured to be inserted into the electrode array portion, wherein the tubular member advances in a distal direction relative to the handle assembly in response to an advancement by the user of the slider member in the distal direction relative to the handle assembly; a reactor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and comprising the stiffening member and a spring-loaded reactor member couple at a distal end to the stiffening member, wherein, while the stiffening member is inserted into the electrode array portion, the spring-loaded reactor member moves from a distal position to a proximal position relative to the handle assembly to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion; and a rocker lever that pivots about an axle, selectively retains the spring-loaded retractor member in the distal position, and releases the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position by pivoting about the axle in response to the advancement by the user of the slider member in the distal direction relative to the handle assembly.