Surgical lead paddle

Abstract

The present invention provides for an improved apparatus and method for electrical stimulation. A paddle having a thickness up to 0.030 inches is implanted adjacent the spinal cord dura mater to reduce the likelihood of paralysis due to stress on the spinal cord attributed to bulkier leads. The paddle is then positioned so that at least one of a plurality of electrodes is positioned over the area of the spinal cord requiring pain treatment; and then electric stimulation is applied to the electrodes to effect pain treatment. In another embodiment the paddle is curved about a vertical axis to substantially match the shape of a human spinal cord dura mater to help reduce lead migration.

1 . An implantable medical lead for electrical stimulation, comprising:
 a paddle, comprising;
 first and second paddle elements; 
 wherein the first paddle element includes means for receiving the second paddle element; 
 wherein the second paddle element includes at least one aperture; 
   at least one electrode disposed between first and second paddle elements and further being conductively exposed through the at least one aperture;
 wherein the at least one electrode includes;
 a base, an annular side surface extending from the base; and a top surface circumscribed by the side surface; and 
 wherein the base is larger than the aperture and secures the electrode between the first and second paddle elements. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The lead of  claim 1 , further including a plurality of electrodes, and wherein the second paddle element includes a plurality of apertures equal to the number of electrodes, wherein each electrode is conductively exposed through a corresponding aperture. 
     
     
         3 . The lead of  claim 2 , where in the number of electrodes is 8. 
     
     
         4 . The lead of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode further includes means for receiving a conduit, wherein the conduit is adapted for receiving a conductor into electrical connection with the electrode. 
     
     
         5 . The lead of  claim 5 , wherein a conductor is crimped within the conduit. 
     
     
         6 . The lead of  claim 6 , wherein the conduit is welded to the base.