Implantable flexible circuit leads and methods of use

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are provided for stimulation of tissues and structures within a body of a patient. In particular, implantable leads are provided which are comprised of a flexible circuit. Typically, the flexible circuit includes an array of conductors bonded to a thin dielectric film. Example dielectric films include polyimide, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or other biocompatible materials to name a few. Such leads are particularly suitable for stimulation of the spinal anatomy, more particularly suitable for stimulation of specific nerve anatomies, such as the dorsal root (optionally including the dorsal root ganglion).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for stimulating a tissue within a body comprising:
 positioning a lead comprising a flexible circuit having at least one electrode so that at least one of the at least one electrode is disposed near a dorsal root; and   supplying electrical energy to the at least one of the at least one electrode so as to stimulate at least a portion of the dorsal root.   
     
     
         2 . A method of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the dorsal root comprises a dorsal root ganglion. 
     
     
         3 . A method of  claim 1 , further comprising advancing the lead through a foremen. 
     
     
         4 . A method of  claim 1 , further comprising advancing the lead through an epidural space. 
     
     
         5 . A method of  claim 1 , further comprising joining the lead with an implantable pulse generator. 
     
     
         6 . A method of  claim 5 , further comprising implanting the lead and the implantable pulse generator wholly within the body. 
     
     
         7 . A flexible circuit lead for stimulating a body tissue comprising:
 an elongate structure having a distal end configured to be positioned near a dorsal root and a proximal end coupleable with a pulse generator, wherein the structure comprises a dielectric film;   at least one electrode disposed near the distal end; and   at least one conductive trace extending from the at least one electrode toward the proximal end so that stimulation energy is transmittable from the coupled pulse generator to the at least one electrode so as to stimulate the at least a portion of the dorsal root.   
     
     
         8 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 7 , wherein the at least one electrode is comprised of a biocompatible conductive metal, alloy or combination of these plated onto the dielectric film. 
     
     
         9 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 8 , wherein the biocompatible conductive metal, alloy or combination includes gold, titanium, tungsten, titanium tungsten, titanium nitride, platinum, iridium or platinum-iridium alloy. 
     
     
         10 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 7 , wherein the dielectric film has a thickness in the range of approximately 7.5 to 125 μm. 
     
     
         11 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 7 , wherein the at least one electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged substantially linearly along a longitudinal axis of the distal end. 
     
     
         12 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 7 , wherein the at least one electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged substantially linearly along a horizontal axis of the distal end. 
     
     
         13 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 7 , wherein the at least one electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes arranged in a substantially circular or arc shape. 
     
     
         14 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 7 , wherein the distal end has a pronged shape including at least two prongs. 
     
     
         15 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 8 , wherein one of the at least one electrodes is disposed near a tip of one of the at least two prongs. 
     
     
         16 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 7 , wherein the distal end is configured to wrap around the body tissue. 
     
     
         17 . A flexible circuit lead as in  claim 7 , wherein the distal end of the elongate structure is passable through a needle. 
     
     
         18 . A lead for stimulating a body tissue comprising:
 an elongate structure having a proximal end coupleable with a pulse generator and a distal end having two edges which are capable of being positioned in opposition, wherein the distal end includes at least two electrodes which generally oppose each other when the edges are positioned in opposition so as to stimulate the body tissue.   
     
     
         19 . A lead as in  claim 18 , wherein the distal end forms a V-shape or U-shape when the two edges are positioned in opposition which allows the body tissue to be positioned at least partially within the V-shape or U-shape.