Abstract: A low-cost temporary lead for pacing, sensing, monitoring, or defibrillating at least a portion of a human or animal organ, and methods for implanting and making same. The lead has at least two electrodes and distal and proximal ends, and a novel weakened zone disposed between the blunt end of a needle and at least two electrical connectors attached to the proximal end of the lead body. The novel weakened zone permits the needle to be separated from the connectors by application of a sufficiently large bending moment or pulling force thereto. Following separation of the connectors from the needle, the connectors may be attached directly and quickly to an external electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A system for providing electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve through a lead. The lead features a lead body, a coupling for connecting a lead into a medical stimulator and a distal electrode assembly. The electrode assembly features a pair of oppositely disposed curved semi-circular cuffs disposed to conform a lumen therethrough. The ends of each cuff are mounted into a resilient hinge disposed upon the distal end of the lead body. The hinge biases the cuffs towards one another in such a manner that the lumen is maintained patent such that the nerve will remain therein. The hinge is further designed so as to be easily opened so as to spread the cuffs apart. Hinge opening is accomplished through a specialized implant tool, the implant tool being a generally cylindrical tube designed to meet about the lead body. A divergence in the lead body near the hinge permits the implant tool to engage the lead body in that section and thus forces the cuffs apart.

Abstract: A system and method for providing medical electrical stimulation to a portion of the nervous system. The system includes a rigid hollow needle having a lumen, a flexible lead body disposed within the lumen of the needle, the lead body having a insulated coiled proximal section and an electrode section, the proximal section comprising a conductor which is coiled and insulated, the electrode section comprises a portion of the coiled conductor which is not insulated. In an alternative embodiment the electrode section features a crimp core around which a distal end of the coiled conductor which is not insulated is crimped, the rigid hollow needle is metal but which is partially covered along its outer surface with an insulation. In still further embodiments the flexible lead body has a stylet lumen therein and the lead body also has a connector pin for electrically connecting the electrical conductor to a pulse generator.

Abstract: A lead for brain target localization in functional stereotactic brain surgery, the lead having at its distal end a micro-electrode for use in recording single cell discharge patterns so as to identify functional boundaries between brain structures; and a macro-electrode for delivering test stimulation for determining target location for optimal therapeutic benefit and minimum side effects. The macro-test stimulation electrode is carried at the end of the lead length, and has a conventional surface area in the range of 1-20 mm.sup.2 for stimulating chronic stimulation conditions. The micro-electrode is positioned at the distal end of an axially aligned probe which extends distally from the macro-electrode, and has a surface area adapted to enable a single cell recording; e.g., between 0.01 and 1000 .mu.m.sup.2. In an alternate embodiment, the tip micro-electrode is retractable so that the lead can be used for chronic brain stimulation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing electrical and/or fluid treatment within a patient's brain, the system and method utilizing a feedthrough assembly made of a compressible material, and a disk-like pinch-on part, or resilient clamping part, which is secured around the feedthrough assembly to provide radially inward compressive force to reliably fix the lead after it has been positioned relative to the patient's skull. The feedthrough assembly is suitably made of a compressible biocompatible material such as silicone rubber, and has a annular receiving groove which is located so that it is accessible above the cranium after the feedthrough assembly is fixed within a burr hole in the patient's head. The pinch-on part, or clamping means is manufactured in a normally closed position, but can be opened, as by use of a forceps-type instrument, for positioning around the assembly annular groove.