Abstract: A lead-implantation tool for implanting a lead into a patient includes an elongated body having a distal portion with a tip configured to separate patient tissue to form, or extend through, a tunnel in the tissue when the body is advanced along the tissue. A lead-retention element is formed along the distal portion of the body and includes a cutout defined along the body with a cutout surface wall inset from the body's outer surface. A protrusion extends outwardly from the cutout surface wall with at least a portion of the protrusion extending towards the tip. The protrusion is entirely inset from, or flush with, the body's outer surface. The protrusion is configured to removably receive and retain a portion of the lead while the distal portion of the body is advanced along the tissue and to separate from the lead as the body is withdrawn from the tissue.

Abstract: A medical device kit includes a tunneling tool configured to form a tunnel through patient tissue for receiving an electrical stimulation lead. The tunneling tool includes a tunneling-tool body having an elongated shape with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The tunneling-tool body is formed from a material configured to be manually bent prior to insertion into patient tissue to conform to an anatomical contour through which the tunnel is to extend. A blunt tip is disposed at the distal portion. The blunt tip is configured to tunnel through patient tissue. A tunneling-tool suture-receiving element is disposed along the proximal portion of the tunneling-tool body. The tunneling-tool suture-receiving element is configured to receive a suture extendable along the tunnel formed by the tunneling tool.

Abstract: A lead-implantation tool for implanting a lead into a patient includes an elongated body having a distal portion with a tip configured to separate patient tissue to form, or extend through, a tunnel in the tissue when the body is advanced along the tissue. A lead-retention element is formed along the distal portion of the body and includes a cutout defined along the body with a cutout surface wall inset from the body's outer surface. A protrusion extends outwardly from the cutout surface wall with at least a portion of the protrusion extending towards the tip. The protrusion is entirely inset from, or flush with, the body's outer surface. The protrusion is configured to removably receive and retain a portion of the lead while the distal portion of the body is advanced along the tissue and to separate from the lead as the body is withdrawn from the tissue.

Abstract: A medical device kit includes a tunneling tool configured to form a tunnel through patient tissue for receiving an electrical stimulation lead. The tunneling tool includes a tunneling-tool body having an elongated shape with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The tunneling-tool body is formed from a material configured to be manually bent prior to insertion into patient tissue to conform to an anatomical contour through which the tunnel is to extend. A blunt tip is disposed at the distal portion. The blunt tip is configured to tunnel through patient tissue. A tunneling-tool suture-receiving element is disposed along the proximal portion of the tunneling-tool body. The tunneling-tool suture-receiving element is configured to receive a suture extendable along the tunnel formed by the tunneling tool.