Peripheral nerve field stimulator curved subcutaneous introducer needle with wing attachment specification

Abstract

An apparatus for use in peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) whereby a plurality of curved introducer needles, of varying curvatures, are provided to permit the physician to best locate the region of oligodendrocytes that contain the A Beta fibers by matching the lumbar lordosis. A wing device is also provided that is attachable to the hub of the curved needle introducer which gives the physician better ability to maneuver the needle during insertion as well as permitting tenting of the skin. The invention benefits a large number of painful disorders arising from pathology in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. In addition, this invention can also help a large number of other conditions including but not limited to failed back surgery syndrome / post-laminectomy pain, occipital / suboccipital headaches, scar pain, post herpetic neuralgia pain, mononeuritis multiplex, and pain following joint surgery (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 464,470, filed May 12, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 052,464, filed May 12, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The current invention relates to surgical methods, and more particularly, to a neuromodulation device.BACKGROUND[0003]Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation (PNFS) is a rapidly growing area of neuromodulation that has shown significant promise in treating patients with cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pain. This procedure, however, has relied on using electrical leads designed for stimulation of the dorsal column of the spinal cord despite the reputed target neural element being a vastly different structure. In peripheral nerve field stimulation, the neural elements that are targeted for depolarization are the terminal dendrocytes located in the subcutaneous region of the patient.[0004]T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an apparatus and method for supporting peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in living beings. The apparatus includes an introducer needle assembly with a curved portion that is inserted through the skin and a stylet that can be removed to create a passageway through the tissue. The introducer needle assembly is designed to position an electrical lead near oligodendrocytes that contain A Beta fibers, which are important for PNFS. The method involves making a small incision, inserting the introducer needle assembly, finding the target region with the A Beta fibers, and then removing the insertable portion before inserting the electrical lead. The technical effects of this invention include improved precision in positioning the electrical lead and better stimulation of the target region, resulting in better outcomes for patients with PNFS.

Problems solved by technology

However, achieving the proper placement of the distal end of the Touhy epidural needle for use during PNFS is very difficult for a number of reasons.

In addition, the small surface area of the proximal end of the Touhy epidural needle does not give the physician the required gripping surface area to properly manipulate the distal end of the needle.

Furthermore, because of the straight shape of the Touhy needy, the clearance between the needle's proximal end and the physician's fingers with the skin surface make it difficult for the physician to maneuver the needle.

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