Methods, systems and devices for reducing migration

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods for reducing migration of leads, catheters and similar devices are provided. In particular, devices, systems and methods are provided for creating a slack anchor which assists in maintaining the lead or catheter in a desired position. In some embodiments, the slack anchor is created within the epidural space. When targeting nerve anatomy within the spinal column or in the vicinity of the epidural space, anchoring within the epidural space allows the associated lead or catheter to be anchored as close to the target therapy site as desired or possible. By anchoring close to the target therapy site, the risk of movement or migration is significantly reduced or eliminated.

Description

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTNOT APPLICABLEREFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISKNOT APPLICABLEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONNeuromodulation is a method of treating pain symptoms by therapeutically altering activity in pain pathways with the use of an implantable device. Neuromodulation works by either actively stimulating nerves with electrical energy to produce a natural biological response or by applying targeted pharmaceutical agents in small doses directly to a site of action.Electrical stimulation involves the application of electrodes to the brain, the spinal cord or peripheral nerves of a patient. These precisely placed electrodes are typically mounted on a lead that is connected to a pulse generator and power source, which generates the necessary electrical stimulation. A low-voltage electrical current passes from the generator to the nerve, an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for reducing migration of leads, catheters and similar devices. In particular, devices, systems and methods are provided for creating a slack anchor which assists in maintaining the lead or catheter in a desired position. In some embodiments, the slack anchor is created within the epidural space. When targeting nerve anatomy within the spinal column or in the vicinity of the epidural space, anchoring within the epidural space allows the associated lead or catheter to be anchored as close to the target therapy site as desired or possible. By anchoring close to the target therapy site, the risk of movement or migration is significantly reduced or eliminated.

in some embodiments, introducing the additional portion comprises positioning the additional portion of the shaft of the lead along a second path, wherein at least part of the second path is lateral to the first path. It may be appreciated that in some instances the slack anchor has a serpentine shape and in other instances the slack anchor has a loop shape. In some embodiments, the shaft includes a kink point so that introducing the additional portion of the shaft causes the shaft to bend near the kink point which assists in creating the slack anchor.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a device for treating a target location is provided. In some embodiments, the device comprises a lead comprising a shaft having at least one electrode disposed along its distal end and a structural kink point disposed along the shaft proximal to the at least one electrode so that the structural kink point resides within an epidural space while the at least one electrode is positioned near the target location, wherein the structural kink point assists in creating a slack anchor when a portion of the shaft is advanced into the epidural space while the position of the at least one electrode is substantially maintained near the target location.

Problems solved by technology

While the treatment does not work for everyone, many patients who qualify for neurostimulation therapy receive a reduction in overall pain.

However, neuromodulation is not without its risks and complications.

One complication associated with the implantation of leads is lead migration which can cause loss of effective stimulation over time.

Similarly, catheters positioned within the epidural space can also suffer from migration leading to agents being delivered outside of the target location,

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