Implantable lead with flexible paddle electrode array

Abstract

A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable puke generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flexible electrode for a neurostimulation lead comprising:
 at least a first segment and a second segment, with each of the first and second segments having an edge; and   flexible bridge joining the first and second segments, the flexible bridge connected to the edge of the first segment and the edge of the second segment.   
     
     
         2 . The flexible electrode of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible bridge having a curved transition portion positioned intermediate the first segment and the second segment. 
     
     
         3 . The flexible electrode of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible bridge is U-shaped. 
     
     
         4 . The flexible electrode of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible bridge is V-shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The flexible electrode of  claim 2 , wherein the first segment and the flexible bridge have the same thickness. 
     
     
         6 . The flexible electrode of  claim 1 , wherein the first segment is planar and rectangular. 
     
     
         7 . A flexible electrode for a neurostimulation lead comprising:
 at least a first segment and a second segment space apart from the first segment; and   a flex line passing between and connecting the first segment and the second segment.   
     
     
         8 . The flexible electrode of  claim 7 , wherein the flex line includes a living hinge joining the spaced-apart first and second segments, and further wherein the flexible electrode is of unitary and continuous construction such that the first segment, the second segment and the flexible living hinge are formed from a single material piece. 
     
     
         9 . The flexible electrode of  claim 8 , wherein the flexible living hinge comprises a V-shape or U-shape.