Peripheral nerve field stimulator curved subcutaneous introducer needle with wing attachment specification

Abstract

An apparatus for use in peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) whereby a plurality of curved introducer needles, of varying curvatures, are provided to permit the physician to best locate the region of oligodendrocytes that contain the A Beta fibers by matching the lumbar lordosis. A wing device is also provided that is attachable to the hub of the curved needle introducer which gives the physician better ability to maneuver the needle during insertion as well as permitting tenting of the skin. The invention benefits a large number of painful disorders arising from pathology in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. In addition, this invention can also help a large number of other conditions including but not limited to failed back surgery syndrome/post-laminectomy pain, occipital/suboccipital headaches, scar pain, post herpetic neuralgia pain, mononeuritis multiplex, and pain following joint surgery (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder).

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A device for implanting an electrical stimulation lead for peripheral nerve stimulation within a living being, the device comprising:
 an elongated curved stylet having a proximal end and a distal end;   a first hub attached to the proximal end of the stylet, the first hub having a generally rectangular prism shaped first portion with a nub extending from a first edge of the first portion, the first hub including a generally rectangular prism shaped second portion connected to the first portion;   an elongated curved introducer having a proximal end and a distal end, the introducer for receiving therein the stylet;   a second hub attached to the proximal end of the introducer, the second hub having a generally rectangular prism shaped first portion, the first portion of the second hub having a first face with the second hub attached at the first face to the proximal end of the introducer, the second hub including a second portion extending from a second face of the first portion, the second face being distal and opposite the first face of the second hub, the second portion including a recess, the recess being shaped and sized to mate with the nub extending from the first edge of the first portion of the first hub, such that when the stylet is inserted into the introducer, the nub mates with the recess; and   a grip, the grip being hollow and generally rectangular prism shaped, the grip having two opposing open ends, the grip having a first side, the first side being severed the length of the first side between the two open ends, the grip sized and shape to be releasably attached to and over the second hub with the severed first side facilitating the attachment and removal of the grip with the second hub; and   the grip including a first generally planar wing extending generally perpendicular from a second side of the grip, the first wing for at least facilitating the manipulation of the introducer by the fingers of a user.   
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein the grip includes a second generally planar wing extending generally perpendicular from a third side of the grip. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the third side of the grip is opposite the second side of the grip. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein each of the stylet and the introducer are curved at an angle of curvature between 15° and 35°. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 20 , and further including an indicator at a proximal end the introducer that permits a user to track a relative orientation of the introducer when the introducer is passed through portions of the living being. 
     
     
         25 . An apparatus for implanting an electrical stimulation lead for peripheral nerve stimulation within tissue a living being, the device comprising:
 an elongated stylet having a proximal end and a distal end and a curved portion intermediate the proximal end and the distal end;   a first hub attached to the proximal end of the stylet, the first hub having a generally rectangular prism shaped first portion with a nub extending from a first edge of the first portion, the first hub including a generally rectangular prism shaped second portion connected to the first portion;   an elongated introducer having a proximal end and a distal end, and a curved portion intermediate the proximal end and the distal end of the introducer, the introducer for receiving therein the stylet, with the angle of curvature of the curved portion of the introducer being the same as the angle of curvature of the curved portion of the stylet;   a second hub attached to the proximal end of the introducer, the second hub having a generally rectangular prism shaped first portion, the first portion of the second hub having a first face with the second hub attached at the first face to the proximal end of the introducer, the second hub including a second portion extending from a second face of the first portion, the second face being distal and opposite the first face of the second hub, the second portion including a recess, the recess being shaped and sized to mate with the nub extending from the first edge of the first portion of the first hub, such that when the stylet is inserted into the introducer, the nub mates with the recess; and   a grip, the grip being hollow and generally rectangular prism shaped, the grip having two opposing open ends, the grip having a first side, the first side being severed the length of the first side between the two open ends, the grip sized and shape to be releasably attached to and over the second hub with the severed first side facilitating the attachment and removal of the grip with the second hub; and   the grip including a first generally planar wing extending generally perpendicular from a second side of the grip, the first wing for at least facilitating the manipulation of the introducer by the fingers of a user.   
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the grip includes a second generally planar wing extending generally perpendicular from a third side of the grip. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the third side of the grip is opposite the second side of the grip. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the curved portions of each of the stylet and the introducer are curved at an angle of curvature between 15° and 35°. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , and further including an indicator at a proximal end the introducer that permits a user to track a relative orientation of the introducer when the introducer is passed through portions of the living being.