Strain Relief System For Spinal Cord Stimulation Lead
An anchor for spinal electrical stimulation leads having a first, extended portion adapted to be inserted through the spine and into the spinal column, and a second, shorter portion adapted to be sutured to the fascia on the outside of the spine. The extended portion assists with positioning of the electrode tip onto the spinal cord on provides strain relief for the electrode. The anchor further comprises an inner tube disposed inside of the housing along an intermediate portion between the extended portion and the shorted portion. When the outside portion of the tubular housing is sutured to the fascia of a patient, the inner tube is compressed against the electrical lead, thereby locking it in place and preventing migration over time.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to a strain relief system for implantable electrical stimulation leads.
2. Description of the Related Art
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is frequently used to treat patients with chronic neuropathic pain in who have not found relief using other treatments. In general, neurostimulation works by applying an electrical current to the nerves located near the source of chronic pain. More particularly, a thin wire with an electrical lead at one end is implanted into a patient in the location to be treated, such as a particular portion of the spine. An electrical generator connected to the wire is used to deliver electrical current to the lead, thereby stimulating the nerves at the treatment location.
Although spinal cord stimulation may produce dramatic results for patient pain care, the systems used to supply the electrical stimulation to the spine are subject to failure and may lead to reduced effectiveness or require additional surgery to correct or replace the defective portions of the system. The most common complications associated with spinal cord stimulation fall into two general categories. The first category of problems that affects spinal cord stimulation systems is the migration of the electrodes away from the intended targets. This complication may occur in over ten percent of patients receiving spinal cord stimulation. The second category of problems that affects spinal cord stimulation systems is the breakage of the electrical leads. This complication may occur in nearly ten percent of patients receiving spinal cord stimulation. As a result of these complications, the spinal cord stimulation system may need to be repaired or replaced, if possible, through additional patient surgical procedures. Thus, the risks to the patient of more serious complications and the overall costs associated with obtaining neurostimulation treatment are increased.
Convention methods for affixing stimulation leads in place include suture sleeves having elastomeric gripping portions positioned therein. When the suture sleeve is sutured into position along the spinal column, the gripping sleeve is compressed around the pacing lead, thereby enhancing retention of the lead. While such systems may limit lead migration, they do not limit the stresses that cause fracturing or breaking of the lead wires. Conventional methods for reducing fracturing involve the use of strain relief members that extend from the lead anchors. Unfortunately, these strain relief members simply relocate stress points and thus fail to reduce the occurrence of fractures.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is therefore a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for anchoring spinal cord stimulation leads that reduces lead migration.
It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for anchoring spinal cord stimulation leads that reduces lead fractures.
It is an additional object and advantage of the present invention to provide a system for anchoring spinal cord stimulation leads that reduces the risks to patients.
It is another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a system for anchoring spinal cord stimulation leads that reduces the risks to patients.
In accordance with the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention is an anchor for spinal electrical stimulation leads. The anchor comprises a flexible, tubular housing through which an electrical stimulation electrode may be passed. The housing generally comprises a central portion adapted for attachment to the fascia of the spine, a rear portion extending from the back of the central portions, and a front portion extending forwardly from the central portion. The central portion of the housing may optionally comprise a pair of flanges extending transversely outwardly, each of which includes a pair of holes formed therethrough for accepting the sutures. The central portion of the housing may further include an inner tube disposed therein. When the central portion of the tubular housing is sutured to the fascia of a patient, the inner tube is compressed against the electrical lead, thereby locking it in place and preventing migration of the lead. The front portion of the housing is dimensioned to be inserted at least partially through the ligamentum flavum (interspinal ligament) and, preferably, entirely through the ligamentum flavum into the epidural space of the spine. The anchor is preferably manufactured from a flexible polymer so that the front portion of the housing can bend flex after passing through the spine and into the spinal cavity, thereby providing strain relief for an electrical lead passing therethough and reducing fracturing of the electrical lead. The material used to form the anchor may further be impregnated with barium so that the anchor is visible when imaged using a fluoroscope.
The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in
Housing 14 includes a central portion 20 adapted to be sutured to the fascia on the outside of the spine. Central portion 20 of housing 14 may further optionally comprise a set of flanges 22 extending from opposing sides of housing 14 to provide additional locations for the attachment of sutures. Each flange 22 includes a pair of apertures 24 formed therethrough. Apertures 24 are dimensioned to accept the sutures used to secure anchor 10 to the fascia of the spine. Central portion 20 of housing 14 may also include a series of grooves 26 formed in an outer portion thereof to provide for interlocking of anchor 10 with the sutures used to secure anchor 10 to the fascia of the spine.
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Claims
1. An apparatus for anchoring a neurostimulation lead in a patient, comprising:
- a tubular housing having a first portion for anchoring the housing proximately to the spinus process of the patient and a second portion extending from the first portion for providing strain relief; and
- wherein said second portion is configured to extend at least partially into the ligamentum flavum of the patient when said first portion is attached to the patient.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion is configured to extend entirely through the ligamentum flavum into the epidural space of the patient.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion is between 12 and 18 centimeters long.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one flange extending outwardly from the first portion of the housing.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each flange includes at least two holes formed therethrough.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one ridge extending circumferentially around the first portion of the housing.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tube positioned in the first portion of the housing.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the tube is compressible.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchor has a durometer between about forty and sixty.
10. A neurostimulation system kit, comprising:
- an anchor comprising a tubular housing having a first portion extending longitudinally along an axis and a second portion extending from the first portion, wherein said second portion is configured to extend at least partially into the ligamentum flavum of the patient when said first portion is attached proximately to the spinus process of the patient.
- a neurostimulation lead adapted to be passed through the first and second portions of the anchor into the epidural space of the spine of a patient; and
- an electrical generator adapted for attachment to the lead and delivering electrical energy to the patient through the lead.
11. The anchor of claim 10, wherein the second portion of the housing is configured to extend entirely through the ligamentum flavum into the epidural space.
12. The anchor of claim 10, wherein the second portion is between 12 and 18 centimeters long.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 25, 2007
Publication Date: Apr 30, 2009
Inventor: James M. Kowalczyk (Manlius, NY)
Application Number: 11/924,070
International Classification: A61N 1/00 (20060101); A61B 17/00 (20060101); A61B 17/56 (20060101);