Abstract: In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting a paddle style electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the paddle style electrical stimulation lead and may be inserted into a human body near the nerve tissue. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the guide wire, a body region having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the outer sheath, and one or more transition regions substantially connecting the tip end with the body region.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a lead introducer kit for preparing to implant an electrical stimulation lead for electrical stimulation of nerve tissue is provided. The lead introducer kit includes a needle, a guide wire, a lead blank having a similar shape and size as an electrical stimulation, and an introducer. The lead blank is configured for insertion into the human body to determine whether the electrical stimulation lead may be inserted into position proximate nerve tissue to be stimulated. The introducer includes an inner penetrator removably housed within an outer sheath and including an inner channel configured to accommodate the guide wire. The inner penetrator is configured to be advanced along the guide wire to a desired location relative to the nerve tissue and removed from the outer sheath leaving the outer sheath in position for insertion of the lead blank to determine whether the electrical stimulation lead may be inserted into position proximate the nerve tissue to be stimulated.