Surgically Implantable Electrodes

Abstract

The present inventions provide for paddle lead electrodes that are capable of performing peripheral nerve stimulation, thereby modulating, controlling and/or reducing neuropathic pain in a patient, that are also surgically implantable, and that will remain fixed in place at the site of implantation when in use. More specifically, one or more embodiments of the electrodes of the present inventions are capable of being surgically implanted underneath a sheath of protective connective tissue that covers electrically excitable tissues and are adapted to electrically stimulate those tissues. Electrodes contemplated by embodiments of the present inventions are particularly well suited for perineurial implantation. Embodiments of the present inventions include methods of use associated with the electrodes.

1 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An electrode assembly for implantation in a patient, comprising:
 a paddle body formed of a flexible elastomeric material; the paddle body containing a forward portion and an opposing rear portion, the forward portion connected to the rear portion by said flexible elastomeric material, the forward portion including a plurality of electrical contacts disposed within the forward portion toward a ventral surface of the paddle body and the rear portion devoid of electrical contacts,   at least one contact wire disposed within said flexible elastomeric material and interconnected to at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts, the contact wire extending along at least a portion of the forward portion of the paddle;   a lead connection located along a dorsal surface of the forward portion of the paddle body, wherein the lead connection directionally transitions the at least one contact wire from a first orientation substantially planar to the dorsal surface of the forward portion to a second orientation substantially transverse the dorsal surface of the forward portion, the at least one contact wire exiting the paddle body from the dorsal surface of the forward portion.   
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein said paddle body includes a groove formed between said forward portion and said rear portion, said groove increasing the flexibility between the forward portion and the rear portion. 
     
     
         21 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the forward portion includes a distal end spaced from said lead connection, said distal end tapered in thickness to facilitate surgical implantation. 
     
     
         22 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the forward portion has a first length and the rear portion has a second length, the first length being greater than the second length. 
     
     
         23 . The assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the forward portion first length is at least twice as large as the rear portion second length. 
     
     
         24 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the paddle body has a thickness less than 4 millimeters. 
     
     
         25 . The assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the rear portion includes a rear portion ventral surface and the paddle body defines an insertion configuration with the rear portion ventral surface in close proximity to the forward portion ventral surface, and an anchoring configuration with the rear portion ventral surface and the front portion ventral surface spaced from each other and facing the same direction.