Abstract: A spinal stimulation electrode assembly includes at least one wire lead having a proximal end adapted to couple to an electrical signal generator; a lamina hook having a blade hooking in a hooking direction; an electrode adapted to telescope from the blade in the hooking direction and having at least one electrical contact formed thereon that is electrically coupled to the wire lead; such that when the hook is disposed on a lamina of a spine and the electrode is telescoped from the blade, the electrical contact is positioned adjacent the spinal cord and an application of an electrical signal to the proximal end of the wire lead causes an electric potential to be applied to the spinal cord.

Abstract: An assembly for securing an electrode lead within a burr hole formed in a patient's skull. The assembly is provided for reliably, easily, and reversibly securing an implanted electrode lead such that the active portion of the lead which is inside the brain tissue within the skull is not subject to unwanted translations when the external portion of the lead is manipulated. The securing assembly has two separate components. The first is a bone port which seats within a preformed burr hole in the skull. The bone port is a cylindrical shaped short tube which includes a means for gripping the skull on the external periphery of the cylinder. The central axial hole of the port is designed to receive the second lead-locking portion of the assembly. The external surface of the lead-locking portion and the interior surface of the central axial hole of the port include an easily engageable coupling means, for example a bayonet locking mechanism.

Abstract: A spinal electrode for use in spinal cord stimulation having portions which are specifically provided for coupling the electrode to the adjacent spinal tissue so that displacement of the electrode cannot easily occur by normal bodily motion as is a failure mechanism of prior electrode designs. The distal end of the electrode which includes the electrical contacts also includes at least one laterally extending non-electrical portion. The extending portions are provided for receiving a suture or wire therethrough. The laterally extending portions may include a readily identifiable distinguishing feature, such as a color dye or a textural difference, so that it can be readily seen as a safe region through which a suture may be passed. Alternatively (or in addition), the laterally extending portions may include a through hole so that the tip of the electrode may be tied to the spinous process (or other spinal bone) by a wire.

Abstract: A spinal electrode for use in spinal cord stimulation included in a laminar hook so that displacement of the electrode cannot easily occur by normal bodily motion as is a failure mechanism of prior electrode designs. The electrical contacts of the electrode are disposed on the underside of the blade portion of the hook. The head of the hook, which seats above the lamina, is coupled either to the spinous process, or to the head of a hook which is positioned in an opposing orientation. The head of the hook in one embodiment includes a hole through which a wire may be passed to tie the hook to the spinous process, or to the other hook. In a second embodiment, the head of the hook has a notch formed in it so that it may receive an elastomeric band which is used to couple the head of the hook to the spinous process, or to another hook.