Abstract: An implantable stimulation system including an epidural lead for spinal cord stimulation that includes a paddle having an array of electrodes coupled to conductors within the lead body. The paddle includes score lines that extend along the length and width of either the front or back facets of the paddle portion. The score lines increase the flexibility of the paddle in both the length and width directions which facilitate the implantation of the paddle within the epidural space of the spinal cord, and further permits the paddle to conform more uniformly to the target area of implantation to minimize the gap between the electrodes and targeted fibers.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation system including an epidural lead for spinal cord stimulation that includes a paddle having an array of electrodes coupled to conductors within the paddle body. The paddle is elongated in shaped with the distal end of the paddle having a tabbed or extended portion with the lead exiting the extended portion of the paddle an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the paddle.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a paddle lead is implanted within a patient such that the electrodes are positioned within the cervical or thoracic spinal levels. An electrode combination on a first row of electrodes can be determined that is effective for a first pain location with minimal effects on other regions of the body. The first pain location can be addressed by stimulating a first dorsal column fiber due to the relatively fine electrical field resolution achievable by the multiple columns. Then, another electrode combination on a second row of electrodes can be determined for a second pain location with minimal effects on other regions. The second pain location could be addressed by stimulating a second dorsal column fiber. After the determination of the appropriate electrodes for stimulation, the patient's IPG can be programmed to deliver pulses using the first and second rows according to the determined electrode combinations.