Expandable stimulation leads and methods of use

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are provided for stimulating a target tissue, particularly a dorsal root ganglion. The devices and systems have one or more electrodes, wherein the electrodes are positionable in disperse locations within the specific target area. In some embodiments, the position of at least some of the electrodes is adjustable and optionally independently positionable. Some or all of the electrodes may be used to stimulate the desired tissue, such as to stimulate a specific portion of the target area. Or, the one or more electrodes that fall near the target tissue may be used to stimulate the tissue while the other electrodes are not used. When stimulating the dorsal root ganglion, sensory pain signals are blocked providing relief to the patient.

1 . A method of stimulating a dorsal root ganglion comprising:
 advancing a shaft toward the dorsal root ganglion;   extending at least two electrode shafts from the shaft, wherein each electrode shaft has an electrode; positioning each electrode in proximity to the dorsal root ganglion; and   energizing at least one of the electrodes to stimulate the dorsal root ganglion.   
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein energizing includes energizing a minimum number of electrodes to stimulate the dorsal root ganglion and not energizing remaining electrodes. 
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein energizing includes energizing at least one electrode positioned near the dorsal root ganglion and not energizing at least one other electrode positioned further way from the dorsal root ganglion. 
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein extending includes extending at least one of the electrode shafts radially outwardly from the shaft. 
     
     
         5 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein extending includes extending the at least two electrode shafts in directions at least 45 degrees apart. 
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 5 , wherein extending includes extending the at least two electrode shafts in directions at least 90 degrees apart. 
     
     
         7 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein extending includes extending a plurality of electrode shafts in a circular configuration radially outwardly from the shaft. 
     
     
         8 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein extending includes extending the at least two electrode shafts through separate lumens in the shaft. 
     
     
         9 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein extending includes extending at least some of the at least two electrode shafts through a common lumen in the shaft. 
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein advancing includes advancing the shaft through an epidural space. 
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein advancing includes approaching the dorsal root ganglion from outside of a spinal column. 
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein advancing includes advancing the shaft at least partially through a foramen. 
     
     
         13 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein positioning includes steering each electrode shaft. 
     
     
         14 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein positioning includes independently positioning each electrode shaft. 
     
     
         15 . A lead comprising:
 a shaft having a distal end split into at least two finger portions, wherein the finger portions are movable radially outwardly from the shaft: and   an electrode disposed on each finger portion,   
     
     
         16 . A lead as in  claim 15 , wherein the at least two finger portions are alignable with a longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         17 . A lead as in  claim 16 , wherein at least one finger portion is precurved so as to move radially outwardly by recoil. 
     
     
         18 . A lead as in  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a sheath positionable at least partially over the distal end of the shaft so as to hold the at least two finger portions in alignment with the longitudinal axis and retractable to release the at least one precurved finger portion allowing recoil.   
     
     
         19 . A lead as in  claim 15 , wherein at least one finger portion includes a pull-wire. 
     
     
         20 . A lead as in  claim 15 , wherein at least one finger portion is independently movable.