Apparatus and method for delivering a neurostimulator into the pterygopalatine fossa
One aspect of the present disclosure includes a neurostimulator delivery apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft extending from the handle portion, and a distal deployment portion. The distal deployment portion is configured to releasably mate with a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation into a craniofacial region of a subject.
1. A neurostimulator delivery apparatus comprising:
a handle portion;
an elongated shaft extending from said handle portion;
a distal deployment portion configured to releasably mate with a neurostimulator, wherein the neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation into a pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) in a craniofacial region of a subject; and
a hub portion formed between said elongate shaft and said distal deployment portion, the hub portion comprising:
a lower surface extending along a first plane and integrally formed with oppositely disposed side walls;
at least one tang comprising an overhang portion extending along a second plane, the overhang portion being configured to engage a top portion of the neurostimulator such that the neurostimulator is retained substantially underneath the overhang portion and provide a retention force against the neurostimulator proximally towards the handle portion; and
a wall interconnecting the lower surface and the overhang portion and extending substantially perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane.
2. The neurostimulator delivery apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation on a posterior maxilla.
3. The neurostimulator delivery apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the neurostimulator further comprises:
a stimulator body;
an integral stimulation lead including one or more stimulating electrodes; and
an integral fixation apparatus configured to be formed around a zygomaticomaxillary buttress.
4. The neurostimulator delivery apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the neurostimulator is configured to lay flat against a posterior maxilla, and the stimulation lead is angled so as to maintain contact with the posterior maxilla as it extends to the PPF.
5. The neurostimulator delivery apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the stimulation lead is sized and configured to pass through a lateral opening of the PPF.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal deployment portion has an arcuate shape.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said hub portion further comprises a port configured to slidably receive a stimulator body of the neurostimulator.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tang is a plurality of tangs.
9. A neurostimulator delivery apparatus comprising:
a handle portion;
an elongated shaft extending from said handle portion;
a distal deployment portion;
a hub portion formed between said elongate shaft and said distal deployment portion, said hub portion being sized and configured to releasably mate with a neurostimulator; wherein the neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation into a pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) in a craniofacial region of a subject;
a spine member extending from and having a proximal end securely connected to said hub portion; and
a sheath securely disposed about a portion of said spine member, said sheath including a splittable seam, the sheath assuming an un-split configuration in a non-deployed configuration and a split configuration upon application of force to the handle portion of the neurostimulator delivery apparatus to release the neurostimulator.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said sheath further includes a tapered distal end portion that is unsupported by said spine member.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said sheath further comprises a first lumen configured to receive said spine member and a second lumen configured to receive an integral stimulation lead of the neurostimulator.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 , where said spine member is malleable.