Implantable medical electrical stimulation lead, such as pne lead, and method of use

Abstract

An implantable medical electrode lead for stimulation of bodily tissue. The lead is adapted for use with a needle lumen diameter of not greater than 0.05 inch, and includes a lead body and a tine assembly. The lead body has a distal section forming at least one exposed electrode surface. The tine assembly includes a plurality of tines each having a base end coupled to an exterior of the lead body immediately adjacent the exposed electrode surface and a free end that is movable relative to the lead body to inhibit axial migration of the lead body upon implantation into a patient. In one embodiment, the lead body is a PNE lead and provides two electrode surfaces for bipolar operation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing electrical stimulation to bodily tissue, such as a portion of a patient's nervous system. More particularly, it relates to temporarily implantable electrical leads, such as a peripheral nerve evaluation lead used to stimulate a sacral nerve, that resist migration and, in some embodiments, are bipolar.[0002]A number of human bodily functions are affected by the nervous system. For example, bodily disorders, such as urinary incontinence, urinary urge / frequency, urinary retention, pelvic pain, bowel dysfunction (constipation, diarrhea, etc.), erectile dysfunction, etc., are all bodily functions influenced by the sacral nerves. As a point of reference, urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of control over the bladder. Incontinence is primarily treated through pharmaceuticals and surgery. Many pharmaceuticals do not adequately resolve the issue and can cause unwanted side effects; f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The lead effectively resists migration and dislodgement, providing stable electrical stimulation with reduced patient discomfort and improved treatment efficacy during temporary sacral nerve stimulation procedures.

Problems solved by technology

Many pharmaceuticals do not adequately resolve the issue and can cause unwanted side effects; further, a number of surgical procedures have a low success rate and / or are not reversible.

For example, any pulling or tugging on the proximal end of the lead body (from outside of the patient's body) could be directly communicated to the lead's electrode, thus creating a higher likelihood of electrode dislodgement and poor stimulation.

The ground pad may cause the patient some discomfort, and in some instances can become dislodged or disconnected during the test period, thus preventing the test stimulation therapy from occurring.

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