초록 ▼

A system for providing electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve through a lead. The lead features a lead body, a coupling for connecting a lead into a medical stimulator and a distal electrode assembly. The electrode assembly features a pair of oppositely disposed curved semi-circular cuffs di

A system for providing electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve through a lead. The lead features a lead body, a coupling for connecting a lead into a medical stimulator and a distal electrode assembly. The electrode assembly features a pair of oppositely disposed curved semi-circular cuffs disposed to conform a lumen therethrough. The ends of each cuff are mounted into a resilient hinge disposed upon the distal end of the lead body. The hinge biases the cuffs towards one another in such a manner that the lumen is maintained patent such that the nerve will remain therein. The hinge is further designed so as to be easily opened so as to spread the cuffs apart. Hinge opening is accomplished through a specialized implant tool, the implant tool being a generally cylindrical tube designed to meet about the lead body. A divergence in the lead body near the hinge permits the implant tool to engage the lead body in that section and thus forces the cuffs apart. In such a manner the cuffs may be opened so as to be implanted around the lead merely through manipulation of the proximal end of the lead body. Thus, this design permits the leads to be implanted using the so-called "key-hole" surgical approach. Additional embodiments of the lead are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for providing medical therapy comprising:a lead comprising a lead body and an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having two opposing semi-circular arms forming a lumen therethrough, the arms being mounted on a resilient hinge, the hinge comprising means

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for providing medical therapy comprising:a lead comprising a lead body and an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having two opposing semi-circular arms forming a lumen therethrough, the arms being mounted on a resilient hinge, the hinge comprising means for spreading the arms apart, wherein the arm spreading means comprises a pair of oppositely disposed grips, the grips comprising a surface which may be gripped by the fingers of a user to spread apart the two opposing semi-circular arms and provide access to the lumen.