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 - 13 . (canceled)
14 . A method for deploying a neurostimulator in close proximity to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of a subject, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a neurostimulator delivery apparatus and a neurostimulator releasably coupled to the neurostimulator delivery apparatus, the neurostimulator delivery apparatus comprising a handle portion, an elongate shaft extending from the handle portion, and an arcuate distal deployment portion;
(b) mating the distal deployment portion with a distal portion of a surgical tool already positioned in or about a craniofacial region;
(c) manipulating the neurostimulator so that an integral stimulation lead thereof progressively emerges from the distal deployment portion into close proximity with the SPG; and
(d) withdrawing the neurostimulator delivery apparatus from the subject;
wherein steps (c) and (d) are performed simultaneously.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein said providing step further comprises the steps of:
inserting a distal end of the integral stimulation lead into a splittable sheath of the distal deployment portion;
advancing the integral stimulation lead through the splittable sheath until a stimulator body of the neurostimulator is seated within a portion of the distal deployment portion; and
manipulating the neurostimulator so that the stimulator body is securely seated within the distal deployment portion.
16 . The method of claim 14 , wherein said mating step further comprises the steps of:
providing a surgical tool having an insertion groove on the distal portion thereof; and
slidably engaging the distal deployment portion into contact with the insertion groove.
17 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the craniofacial region is a PPF.