Medtronic, Inc.

Jane L Kohnen

Shahn S Sage

Thomas E Cross, Jr

Dennis D Elsberry

Daniel K Vinup

Jeffry C Palm

Jeffrey S Gagnon

Roger L Struve

Dan K Vinup

A percutaneous neurological stimulation lead has at least a first lead body and a second lead body that interlock during implantation using interlocking elements. The first lead body has at least one first detail on the first lead body distal end that is configured to engage at least one second detail on the second lead body distal end that is complimentary to the first detail to mechanically couple the first lead body to the second lead body. Many embodiments of the implantable neurological stimulation lead with interlocking elements and its methods of operation are possible.

Method of use of implantable percutaneous stimulation lead

Low resistivity, implantable electrical connectors and biomedical leads having the connectors mechanically coupled in a non-welded attachment to low resistivity wires to extend implanted device battery life. One electrical connector includes an electrically conductive housing having a longitudinal aperture and an inner facing circumferential channel. A spring disposed within the channel can contact an inserted electrode. The housing can include at least one hole adjacent a mechanically deformable side wall for mechanically securing an electrical conductor inserted within the hole. The low resistivity, implantable, biocompatible electrical connectors and leads can be used in neurological and cardiac applications.

Electrical connectors for medical lead having weld-less wiring connection

Implantable percutaneous stimulation lead with interlocking elements

A needle assembly for introduction of a paddle style lead near a spinal column of a patient includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, a lumen with a continuous oblong cross section, and a paddle style lead adapted to accept a stiffening member. The distal end of the body has an introducer portion where the top side of the introducer has an orifice to allow for protrusion of the paddle style lead from the lumen into the spinal column area. The needle has a hub affixed to the proximal end of the body which is adapted to receive a stylet. The needle may also have a stylet that is inserted within the lumen. The introducer of the needle has a curvature extending from the bottom side toward the top side at the distal end and guides the introduction of the paddle style lead near the spinal column.

Apparatus and method for percutaneous implant of a paddle style lead

A selectively aspirating stylet assembly comprises a stylet having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end in fluid communication with a fluid supply and the distal end disposed at or near the end of a catheter, cannula or other generally tubular member that is to be inserted to a specified location within a patient's body, so as to create a fluid flow path from the fluid supply through the generally tubular member to the specified location. A valve assembly located within the fluid flow path is operable to close off a fluid column within the stylet assembly to facilitate placement of the tubular member within the body, and to control the flow of fluids within the assembly. Insertion of the tubular member into the body is accomplished by placing a portion of the stylet within the tubular member; closing the valve assembly to create a closed fluid column; inserting the stylet/tubular member assembly into the body; and then, during the withdrawal of the stylet, opening or closing the valve assembly as necessary to control the flow of fluid within the stylet/tubular member assembly to avoid substantial aspiration of body fluid and tissue.

Selectively aspirating stylet

A medical connector and method of using the connector to connect separate sections of medical tubing, especially tubing which is to be implanted in the human body. The connector includes generally cylindrical first and second end portions, the diameter of which are smaller than an enlarged middle portion. The end portions are sized to fit within the lumens of the tubing sections. The connection is made by grasping the enlarged middle portion and slipping each end portion into a respective tubing section until the tubing sections abut tubing stop surfaces located at each end of the enlarged middle portion. The enlarged middle portion makes the connector easy to handle and the tubing stop sections provide for accurate alignment of the connector between the tubing sections.

Growing community of inventors

Minneapolis, MN, United States of America

Jane L Kohnen