NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD
Improved electrical stimulation leads are disclosed. Such leads may be provided with a distal electrode and electrode retention elements, such as tissue anchors. The electrode may be electrically coupled to an electrical connector that is disposed at a proximal end of the lead through one or more cables, which may conduct electricity through one or more conductive strands. The electrode may be formed from an extension of one of such cables coiled about a portion of the lead body.
1 . A neurostimulation lead comprising:
a lead body extending along a lead length from a proximal end to a distal end;
at least one lead retention element extending radially outward from said lead body;
a connector element disposed at said proximal end, said connector element comprising an electrically conductive surface;
an electrode disposed closer to said distal end than all of said at least one lead retention element;
wherein said electrode is electrically coupled to said electrically conductive surface.
2 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode is electrically coupled to said electrically conductive surface through a plurality of insulated, electrically conductive cables.
3 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 2 , wherein at least one electrically conductive cable comprises a plurality of electrically conductive strands.
4 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 3 , wherein each electrically conductive wire comprises a plurality of electrically conductive strands.
5 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 4 , wherein each strand comprises a stainless steel tube.
6 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 3 , wherein each strand comprises a stainless steel tube.
7 . A neurostimulation load according to claim 6 , wherein each cable comprises more than ten strands.
8 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 7 , wherein each cable comprises nineteen strands.
9 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one lead retention element comprises a distal tine set disposed closer to the distal end than to the proximal end.
10 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 9 , wherein the distal tine set comprises a plurality of elongate tines, each extending radially outward to a free end.
11 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of paddle tines, each extending substantially parallel to at least one elongate tine.
12 . A neurostimulation lead. according to claim 9 , wherein the at least one lead retention element further comprises a proximal tine set disposed between the distal tine set and the proximal end.
13 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 12 , wherein the distal tine set is located closer to the electrode than to the proximal tine set.
14 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 12 , wherein both the proximal tine set and the distal tine set are located closer to the distal end than the proximal end.
15 . A neurostimulation lead according to claim 12 , wherein the proximal tine set comprises a plurality of caddie tines extending each extending radially outward to a proximal paddle free end.