Strain Relief System For Spinal Cord Stimulation Lead

Abstract

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 . 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.