MRVA JOSEPH J (US)
THROPE GEOFFREY B
STROTHER ROBERT B (US)
MRVA JOSEPH J (US)
THROPE GEOFFREY B
US20020055761A1 | 2002-05-09 | |||
US6735474B1 | 2004-05-11 |
transcutaneously activate and deactivate or modify the output of the pulse generator. The controller 26 may, e.g., be a simple magnet that, when placed near the site where the pulse generator 18 is implanted (see Fig. 32), toggles a magnetic switch within the implantable pulse generator 18 between an on condition and an off condition, or advances through a sequence of alternative stimulus modes pre-programmed by the clinician into implantable pulse generator 18. Alternatively, the controller 26 may comprise more sophisticated circuitry that would allow the individual to make these selections through an RF field (magnetic and/or electric) that passes through the skin and tissue within an arm' s length distance from the implanted pulse generator. According to its programmed rules, when switched on, the implantable pulse generator 18 generates prescribed stimulation waveforms through the lead 12 and to the electrode 16. These waveforms bilaterally stimulate the left and right branches of the dorsal genital nerves in a manner that achieves the desired physiologic response. It has been discovered that bilateral stimulation of the dorsal genital nerves achieved by placement of a single electrode 16 at a unique location in the body (which will be described in greater detail later) , achieves the desired physiologic result of consistently and effectively inhibiting unwanted bladder contractions. This makes possible the treatment of UUI and/or mixed UUI and SUI or other urinary continence dysfunctions. Using the controller 26, the individual may turn on or turn off the continence control waveforms at will or adjust the strength, depending, e.g., upon the time of day or fluid consumption. B. Physician Surgical Tools The implant system 10 shown in Fig. 1 makes desirable a system of physician surgical tools (shown in Fig. 2) to facilitate implantation of the implant system 10 in the intended way, desirably on an outpatient basis. The surgical tool system 28 shown in Fig. 2 includes a needle 30 (or trocar) and a companion introducer sleeve 32. The sleeve 32 is electrically insulated or insulated except at its tip. The needle 30 is also electrically insulated, except at its tip. The tool system 28 also includes an external pulse generator 34, which operates to generate stimulation wave pulses of the same type as the implanted pulse generator 18. The external pulse generator 34 includes a connector cable 36 to couple the pulse generator 34 to the needle 30. A patch electrode 38 is also included, which is to be placed on the skin of the individual and coupled to the external pulse generator 34, to serve as a return path for the stimulation waveforms. In use (as will be described in greater detail later) , and with the individual subject to anesthesia, the needle 30 is placed tip-first into the sleeve 32, and the sleeve 32 and needle 30 are advanced percutaneously into the targeted tissue region in the lower abdomen. The needle 30 and return electrode 38 are coupled to the external pulse generator 34, to apply stimulation waveforms through the tip of the needle concurrent with positioning of the needle 30. By monitoring anal pressure and/or contractions, patient-reported sensations, and/or bladder contractions in concert with applying stimulation waveforms through the tip of the needle 30 - e.g., using standard clinical urodynamic monitoring instruments -- the physician can probe the tissue region, penetrating and withdrawing the needle 30 as necessary in a minimally invasive way, until a subcutaneous location where optimal intended stimulation results are realized. Once this location is found, the needle 30 can be withdrawn from the sleeve 32, followed by insertion of the lead 12, electrode-first, through the sleeve 32 into the location. Then the sleeve 32 is withdrawn which fixes the location of the electrode 16, as will be described in greater detail later. Desirably, the external pulse generator 34 is coupled to the lead 12 through the cable 36 to confirm that the electrode 16 resides in the desired location before tunneling the lead. The tool system 28 also includes a tunneling tool 40. In use (as will also be described later), and with an individual still possibly subject to only local anesthesia, the tunneling tool 40 is manipulated by the physician to route the lead 12 subcutaneousIy to the pocket site where the pulse generator 18 is to be implanted. The lead 12 is coupled to the pulse generator 18. The lead 12 and pulse generator 18 are placed into the subcutaneous pocket, which is sutured closed. Using the surgical tool system 28, the implant system 10 can be implanted in the manner shown in Figs. 5A and 5B. C. Test Screening Tools In the above description, the surgical tool system 28 is used to implant the implant system 10 in a single surgical procedure. Alternatively, and desirably, a two- stage surgical procedure can be used. The first stage comprises a screening phase that performs test stimulation using a temporary external pulse generator to evaluate if an individual is a suitable candidate for extended placement of the implantable pulse generator. The first stage can be conducted, e.g., during a nominal two week period. If the patient is a suitable candidate, the second stage can be scheduled, which is the implantation of the pulse generator 18 itself, as described above. A test screening system 42 (shown in Fig. 3) can be provided to facilitate the two stage procedure. The test screening system 42 includes the lead 12 and electrode 16, which are the same as those included with the implant system 10 shown in Fig. 1. The test screening system 42 also includes a percutaneous extension cable 44, which is sized and configured to be tunneled subcutaneousIy from the pocket site to a remote site (e.g. 5-10 cm medially) where it exits the skin. The percutaneous extension cable has a proximal and distal end. The proximal end carries a receptacle 46 for connection to the industry-standard size plug on the end of the lead 12. The distal end of the percutaneous extension cable 44 carries a plug 48 that couples to an external test cable 88, which itself is coupled to an external pulse generator 34, which the test screening system 42 further includes. The external pulse generator 34 can also be of the same type previously described in connection with the surgical tool system 28. In this arrangement, the patch return electrode 38 is included, or is otherwise available, to be coupled to the external pulse generator 34. An alternative form of an external pulse generator 34, usable with the test screening system 42, will be described later. The test screening system 42 also includes the external test cable 88. One end of the external test cable 88 carries a plug 90 to connect to the external pulse generator 34. The other end of the external test cable 88 includes a connector to receive the plug 48 of the percutaneous extension cable 44. This end of the external test cable 88 can also be sized and configured to connect directly to the surface patch electrode 38. In use (as will be described in greater detail later) , the physician makes use of the needle 30 and sleeve 32 of a surgical tool system 28 to implant the electrode 16 and lead 12 in the desired location, in the manner previously described. These components of a surgical tool system 28 can be provided with the test screening system 42. The percutaneous extension cable 44 is coupled to the lead 12. Using the tunneling tool 40 of a surgical tool system 28, the physician subcutaneousIy tunnels the percutaneous extension cable 44 to a suitable exit site, which is desirably remote from the site where the pocket for the implanted pulse generator is to be created in the second phase. Further details of this will be described in greater detail later. A short length of the percutaneous extension cable 44 that carries the plug 48 extends outside the exit site, for coupling the electrode 16 to the external pulse generator 34 via the test cable 88. The return patch electrode 38 is also coupled to the external pulse generator 34. The individual patient wears the external pulse generator 34 and return patch electrode 38 for the prescribed test period. The external pulse generator 34 supplies the prescribed stimulation regime. If an improvement in urinary continence is achieved, the second phase is warranted. In the second phase, the percutaneous extension cable 44 is removed and discarded, and the implantable pulse generator is connected to the lead 12 and installed in a pocket remote from the electrode 16 in the manner previously described. D. Clinician Tools A clinical tool system 50 is desirably provided to condition the implanted pulse generator 18 to perform in the intended manner. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the clinical tool system 50 includes a clinical programmer 52 and perhaps a separate wand connected to the programmer by a cable. The clinical programmer 52 can be placed into transcutaneous communication with an implanted pulse generator 18, e.g., through a radio-frequency magnetic and/or electric field (see Fig. 31) , or using a wand. The clinical programmer 52 may incorporate a custom program operating on a handheld computer or other personal digital appliance (PDA) . Should a personal digital appliance be used with a custom program, then the circuitry necessary to generate and detect the RF fields used to communicate with the implanted pulse generator would be located in the wand. The clinical programmer 52 or PDA includes an on-board microprocessor powered by a rechargeable, on-board battery (not shown) . The microprocessor carries embedded code which may include pre-programmed rules or algorithms that allow a clinician to remotely download program stimulus parameters and stimulus sequences parameters into the pulse generator. The microprocessor of the clinical programmer 52 is also desirably able to interrogate the pulse generator and upload operational data from the implanted pulse generator. II. Implanting the Implant System A. The Anatomic Landmarks As already described, certain components of the implant system 10 are sized and configured to be implanted in adipose tissue in a particular location in an individual's lower abdomen, where it has been discovered that effective bilateral stimulation of both the left and right branches of the dorsal genital nerves can be achieved with a single electrode. The main anatomic landmark guiding the unique placement of these components is the pubic symphysis. As Fig. 6 shows, the hip bones are two large, irregularly shaped bones, each of which develops from the fusion of three bones, the ilium, ischium, and pubis. The ilium is the superior, fan-shaped part of the hip bone. The ala of the ilium represents the spread of the fan. The iliac crest represents the rim of the fan. It has a curve that follows the contour of the ala between the anterior and posterior superior iliac spines. As Figs. 6 and 7 show, the sacrum is formed by the fusion of five originally separate sacral vertebrae. The hip bones are joined at the pubic symphysis anteriorly and to the sacrum posteriorly to form the pelvic girdle (see Fig. 6) . The pelvic girdle is attached to the lower limbs. Located within the pelvic girdle are the abdominal viscera (e.g., the ileum and sigmoid colon) and the pelvic viscera (e.g., the urinary bladder and female reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries) . Within this bony frame (see Figs. 6 and 7), the pudendal nerve is derived at the sacral plexus from the anterior divisions of the ventral rami of S2 through S4. The pudendal nerve extends bilaterally, in separate branches on left and right sides of the pelvic girdle. Each branch accompanies the interior pudendal artery and leaves the pelvis through the left and right greater sciatic foramens between the piriformis and coccygeus muscles. The branches hook around the ischial spine and sacrospinous ligament and enter the skin and muscles of the perineum through the left and right lesser sciatic foramen. As shown in Fig. 8, the bilateral left and right braches extend anteriorly through the perineum, each ending as the dorsal genital nerve of the penis or clitoris. The genital nerves are the chief sensory nerve of the external genitalia. The Figures are largely based upon the anatomy of a female, but the parts of the male perineum are homologues of the female. As Fig. 8 shows, in the male and female, adipose tissue 54 overlays the pubic symphysis. The bilateral branches of the genital nerves innervate this tissue region. In the female, this tissue region is known as the mons pubis. In the male, the penis and scrotum extend from this region. Further discussion regarding the fixation of the lead 12 and electrode 16 in adipose tissue 54 will be described later. B. Implantation Methodology Representative surgical techniques will now be described to place an electrode 16 and lead 12 in a desired location in adipose tissue 54 at or near the pubic symphysis. It is this desired placement that makes possible the bilateral stimulation of both left and right branches of the dorsal genital nerves with a single lead 12 to provide continence. Before implantation, it is recommended that an oral broad spectrum antibiotic is given and continued for 5 days. The lower abdomen from the pubic symphysis to umbilicus and from the anterior iliac spines bilaterally are prepped with Betadine (or Hibiclens Solutions for cases of Betadine allergy) . As before generally described, implantation of the implant system 10 shown in Fig. 1 can entail a single surgical procedure or a two-step surgical procedure. Each will now be described. 1. Single Surgical Procedure Figs. 9 to 20 illustrate steps of implanting an implant system 10 in a single surgical procedure. Locating the Lead/Electrode The site for the needle puncture 60 is located midline or near-midline, near the inferior border of the pubic symphysis aiming toward the clitoris (or the base of the penis in males) . Local anesthesia - e.g., 1% Lidocaine (2-5 ccs) or equivalent -- is injected prior to making the anticipated needle 30 puncture site. Once local anesthesia is established, as shown in Fig. 9, the needle 30 and sleeve 32 are advanced percutaneousIy into the anesthetized site 60 to a depth necessary to reach the target site between the pubic symphysis and the clitoris. As Fig. 10 shows, the needle 30 is coupled to the external pulse generator 34 (via the cable 36) , to apply stimulation waveforms through the needle tip concurrent with positioning of the needle 30. A patch electrode 38 placed on the skin of the individual is also coupled to the external pulse generator 34 to serve as a return path for the stimulation waveforms. The physician monitors anal pressure, and/or anal sphincter contractions, patient-reported sensations, and/or bladder contractions in concert with applying stimulation waveforms through the needle tip, penetrating and withdrawing the needle 30 as necessary in a minimally invasive way, until a subcutaneous location where bilateral stimulation of both left and right branches of the genital nerves results. As Fig. 11 shows, once this location is found, the external pulse generator 34 is disconnected and the needle 30 is withdrawn from the sleeve 32. As Fig. 12 shows, the lead 12, electrode-first, is passed through the sleeve 32 into the location. As Figure 13 shows, the introducing sleeve 32 is withdrawn, which fixes the location of the electrode 16. Desirably, the external pulse generator 34 is again coupled to the lead 12 via the cable 36 (see Fig. 14) to apply stimulation pulses through the electrode 16, to confirm that the electrode 16 resides in the location previously found. This aspect of the deployment of the electrode 16 will be described in greater detail later. Forming the Pulse Generator Pocket The incision site for forming the subcutaneous pocket 56 for the pulse generator comprises a lateral 2 cm incision 98 (see Fig. 15), which, in Fig. 15, is located at or near two finger-breaths medial to the anterior iliac spine and made in the direction of the dermatomal skin line. Local anesthesia - e.g., 1% Lidocaine (2-5 ccs) or equivalent -- is injected before making the incision in this site. Once local anesthesia is established, the incision for the pocket 56 is made using a skin knife. The incision is made large enough to accept the index or dissecting finger of the implant physician. As Fig. 15 shows, a subcutaneous pocket 56 is made to accept the pulse generator 18 using blunt dissection techniques of the subcutaneous tissues. The axis of the pocket 18 follows the direction of the dermatomal skin line and the entrance site of the lead 12/electrode 16. Tunneling the Lead Having developed the subcutaneous pocket 56 for the pulse generator 18, a subcutaneous tunnel is formed for connecting the electrode 16 to the pulse generator 18. First (as Fig. 15 shows), the size of the needle puncture site 60 is increased using a skin knife. Next, the tunneling tool 40 (shown in Fig. 2) is passed through the pocket incision site 98 (see Fig. 16) toward and through the needle puncture site 60. The tunneling tool 40 desirably includes a removable blunt tip 62 (see Fig. 2) that is present during tunneling, but that is removed once passage through the distant incision site 60 occurs. With the blunt tip 62 removed, the lead 12 can be passed through the open lumen of the tunneling tool 40 to the pocket incision site 98, as Fig. 17 shows. Withdrawal of the tunneling tool 40 delivers the plug 22 of the lead 12 through the pocket incision 98 into the procedural field. It should be appreciated that, in an alternative technique, a tunneling tool 40 comprising a stylet and sheath can be placed at the site of the needle puncture site and advanced toward the pocket incision. Removal of the stylet allows the physician to pass the lead 12 through the sheath to the pocket incision site, followed by removal of the sheath. Connecting the Lead to the Pulse Generator Once the lead 12 has been tunneled to the pocket incision site (see Fig. 18) , the plug 22 can be connected to the pulse generator 18. Implanting the Pulse Generator Once the lead 12 has been connected to the pulse generator 18, the lead 12 and pulse generator can be placed into the pocket 56 (as Fig. 19 shows) . The pulse generator 18 is located approximately lcm from the surface of the skin; and the cable is oriented with an open loop of cable to allow for motion of the abdominal contents without transmitting forces along the cable and lead. Both wound sites are irrigated with irrigation solutions (1/2 strength betadine or Hibiclens solution or equivalent) . The skin sites are closed using Derma-bond glue or stitches of 4-0 vicryl, as Fig. 20 shows. Dressing is desirably applied for about twenty-four hours. The incisions are desirably kept dry for forty- eight hours. 2. Two Stage Surgical Procedure Figs. 21 to 30 illustrate steps of implanting an implant system 10 in a two stage surgical procedure. As before described, the first stage installs the electrode 16 and lead 12 in the manner described above, and connects the lead 12 to a temporary external pulse generator 34. If the use of the external pulse generator 34 achieves the desired results, a pulse generator is implanted in the second stage in the manner described above. a. The First Stage Tunneling the Lead and Percutaneous Extension Cable for Connection to an External Pulse Generator The same preoperative antibiotics and skin prep as previously described are performed. Under anesthesia, the electrode 16/lead 12 are located and tunneled to the site that will later (in stage 2) hold the pulse generator. In the first stage (see Fig. 21), the lead 12 is connected to the percutaneous extension cable 44, which has been earlier described and is shown in Fig. 3. After placement of the electrode 16/lead 12 and the connection of the percutaneous extension cable 44, as Fig. 22 shows, under anesthesia, a first incision 64 is formed at the intended site of the pocket 56 for the implanted pulse generator 18. As before described, this site 64 is generally located two finger-breaths medial to the anterior iliac spine and made in the direction of the dermatomal skin line. The size of the needle puncture site 60 is also increased using a skin knife, in preparation for tunneling. As Fig. 23 shows, a tunneling tool 40 (shown in Fig. 2) is passed through the first incision 64 toward and through the needle puncture site 60 (or vice versa) , as previously described. The blunt tip 62 of the tunneling tool 40 is removed, and the percutaneous extension cable 44 and connected lead 12 are passed through the open lumen of the tunneling tool 40 to the first incision site 64. Withdrawal of the tunneling tool 40 delivers the plug 48 of the percutaneous extension cable 44 through the first incision 64 into the procedural field. As Fig. 25 shows, a second incision site 66 is made across the pelvis away from the first incision site 64. The percutaneous extension cable 44 will be eventually routed to the second incision site 66. In this way, should infection occur in the region where the percutaneous extension cable 44 extends from the skin, the infection occurs away from the region where the pocket 56 for the implanted pulse generator 18 is to be formed (i.e., at the first incision site 64) . The first incision site 64 is thereby shielded from channel infection during the first stage, in anticipation forming a sterile pocket 56 for the implantable generator in the second stage. More particularly, the tunneling tool 40 is advanced from the second incision site 66 subcutaneousIy toward and through the first incision site 64 (or vice versa) . As Fig. 26 shows, the blunt tip 62 of the tunneling tool 40 is removed, and the percutaneous extension cable 44 is passed through the open lumen of the tunneling tool 40 to the second incision site. Withdrawal of the tunneling tool 40 (see Fig. 27) delivers the plug 48 of the percutaneous extension cable 44 through the second incision 66 into the procedural field. A short length of the percutaneous cable 44 is then secured externally to the skin with sterile tape 100. At this point the plug 48 at the end of the percutaneous extension cable 44 is available for connection to the external test cable 88 (as Fig. 28 shows) . The remainder of the percutaneous cable 44 is located under the skin and is free of exposure to outside contamination. The sterile tape 100 covering the exit site and the re-growth of tissue maintains this sterile barrier. All wound sites are irrigated with irrigation solutions and closed using Derma-bond glue or stitches of 4-0 vicryl, as Fig. 28 shows. An external pulse generator 34 of the type previously described is coupled to the exposed plug 48 of the percutaneous extension cable through an external test cable 88, as Fig. 28 shows. The patch electrode 38 is placed on the skin and likewise coupled to the external pulse generator 34. The individual wears the external pulse generator 34 (e.g., in a belt holster or taped to the skin) and return patch electrode 38 (on the skin) for the prescribed test period. The external pulse generator 34 supplies the prescribed stimulation regime. If an improvement in urinary continence is achieved during the test phase, the second phase of the surgical procedure is scheduled to proceed. Instead of using an external pulse generator 34 as shown in Fig. 28, a neuromuscular stimulation device 68 can be used of the type described in copending United States Patent Application Serial No. 10/777,771, filed February 12, 2004 and entitled "Portable Percutaneous Assemblies, Systems, and Methods for Providing Highly- Selective Functional or Therapeutic Neurostimulation, " which is incorporated herein by reference. As shown in Fig. 42, the device 68 comprises a skin-worn patch or carrier, which can be carried, e.g., by use of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, without discomfort and without affecting body image on the torso of an individual near the second incision. The carrier carries an on-board electronics pod, which generates the desired electrical current patterns. The pod houses microprocessor-based, programmable circuitry that generates stimulus currents, time or sequence stimulation pulses, and logs and monitors usage. The electronics pod also includes an electrode connection region, to physically and electrically couple the lead 12 to the circuitry of the electronics pod. The carrier also includes a power input bay, to receive a small, lightweight, primary cell battery, which can be released and replaced as prescribed. The battery provides power to the electronics pod. It is contemplated that, in a typical regime during stage one, the individual will be instructed to regularly remove and discard the battery (e.g., about once a day or once a week), replacing it with a fresh battery. This arrangement simplifies meeting the power demands of the electronics pod. The use of the neuromuscular stimulation device parallels a normal, accustomed medication regime, with the battery being replaced at a prescribed frequency similar to an individual administering a medication regime in pill form. b. The Second Stage Removing the Percutaneous Extension Cable The same preoperative antibiotics and skin prep as previously described are performed. In the second stage, the external pulse generator 34, return electrode 38, and external test cable 88 are disconnected from the percutaneous extension cable 44. As shown in Fig. 29, under local anesthesia, the first and second incisions 64 and 66 are reopened. The connection between the percutaneous extension cable 44 and lead 12 is disconnected. The percutaneous extension cable 44 is removed through the second incision 66 and discarded, as Fig. 29 shows. Forming the Pulse Generator Pocket Following removal of the percutaneous extension cable 44, the first incision 64 is enlarged to form a subcutaneous pocket 56 to accept the pulse generator 18 using blunt dissection techniques of the subcutaneous tissues, as previously described (see Fig. 30) . The connector 14 of the lead 12 is extracted through the pocket 56 into the procedural field. Connecting the Lead to the Pulse Generator With the pocket 56 formed (see Fig. 18) , and the lead 12 delivered into the procedural field, the lead can now be connected to the pulse generator 18. Implanting the Pulse Generator Once the lead 12 has been connected to the pulse generator 18, the lead 12 and pulse generator can be placed into the pocket 56 (as Fig. 19 shows) . The pulse generator is located approximately lcm from the surface of the skin; and the cable is oriented with an open loop of cable to allow for motion of the abdominal contents without transmitting forces along the cable and lead. The wound sites (first and second incisions) are irrigated with irrigation solutions (1/2 strength betadine or Hibiclens solution) . The skin sites are closed using Derma-bond glue or stitches of 4-0 vicryl, as Fig. 20 shows. Dressing is desirably applied for about twenty-four hours. The incisions are desirably kept dry for forty- eight hours. III. Features of the Lead and Electrode A. Implantation in Adipose Tissue Neurostimulation leads and electrodes that may be well suited for implantation in muscle tissue are not well not suited for implantation in soft adipose tissue 54 in the targeted location at or near the pubic symphysis. This is because adipose tissue 54 is unlike muscle tissue, and also because the vascularization and innervation of tissue at or near the pubic symphysis is unlike tissue in a muscle mass. Muscular tissue is formed by tough bundles of fibers with intermediate areolar tissue. The fibers consist of a contractile substance enclosed in a tubular sheath. The fibers lend bulk, density, and strength to muscle tissue that are not found in soft adipose tissue 54. Muscles are also not innervated with sensory nerves or highly vascularized with blood vessels to the extent found in the pubic region of the body. Adipose tissue 54 (see Fig. 33) consists of small vesicles, called fat-cells, lodged in the meshes of highly vascularized areolar tissue containing minute veins, minute arteries, and capillary blood vessels. The fat-cells vary in size, but are about the average diameter of 1/500 of an inch. They are formed of an exceedingly delicate protoplasmic membrane, filled with fatty matter, which is liquid during life and turns solid after death. They are round or spherical where they have not been subject to pressure; otherwise they assume a more or less angular outline. The fat-cells are contained in clusters in the areolae of fine connective tissue, and are held together mainly by a network of capillary blood vessels, which are distributed to them. The lead 12 and electrode 16 are sized and configured to be inserted into and to rest in soft adipose tissue 54 (see Fig. 34) in the lower abdomen without causing pain or discomfort or impact body image. Desirably, the lead 12 and electrode 16 can be inserted using a small (e.g., smaller than 16 gauge) introducer with minimal tissue trauma. The lead 12 and electrode 16 are formed from a biocompatible and electrochemically suitable material and possess no sharp features that can irritate tissue during extended use. Furthermore, the lead 12 and electrode 16 possess mechanical characteristics including mechanical compliance (flexibility) along their axis (axially) , as well as perpendicular to their axis (radially) , and unable to transmit torque, to flexibly respond to dynamic stretching, bending, and crushing forces that can be encountered within soft, mobile adipose tissue 54 in this body region without damage or breakage, and to accommodate relative movement of the pulse generator coupled to the lead 12 without imposing force or torque to the electrode 16 which tends to dislodge the electrode. Furthermore, the lead 12 and electrode 16 desirably include an anchoring means 70 for providing retention strength to resist migration within or extrusion from soft, mobile adipose tissue 54 in this body region in response to force conditions normally encountered during periods of extended use. In addition, the anchoring means 70 is desirably sized and configured to permit the electrode 16 position to be adjusted easily during insertion, allowing placement at the optimal location where bilateral stimulation of the left and right branches of the genital nerves occurs. The anchoring means 70 functions to hold the electrode at the implanted location despite the motion of the tissue and small forces transmitted by the lead due to relative motion of the connected pulse generator due to changes in body posture or external forces applied to the abdomen. However, the anchoring means 70 should allow reliable release of the electrode 16 at higher force levels, to permit withdrawal of the implanted electrode 16 by purposeful pulling on the lead 12 at such higher force levels, without breaking or leaving fragments, should removal of the implanted electrode 16 be desired. B. The Lead Figs. 36 and 37 show a representative embodiment of a lead 12 and electrode 16 that provide the foregoing features. The lead 12 comprises a molded or extruded component 72, which encapsulates a coiled stranded wire element 74. The wire element may be bifilar, as shown in Fig. 36. The molded or extruded lead 12 can have an outside diameter as small as about 1 mm. The lead 12 may be approximately 10 cm to 30 cm in length. The coil's pitch can be constant or, as Fig. 36 shows, the coil's pitch can alternate from high to low spacing to allow for flexibility in both compression and tension. The tight pitch will allow for movement in tension, while the open pitch will allow for movement in compression. C. The Electrode The electrode 16 or electrically conductive surface can be formed from PtIr (or, alternatively, 316L stainless steel) and possess a conductive surface of approximately 10 mm2 - 20mm2. This surface area provides current densities up to 2mA/mm2 with per pulse charge densities less than 0.5μC/mm2. Fig. 35 shows a monopolar electrode configuration. In use, the casing of the implanted pulse generator 18 serves as a return electrode. In the monopolar electrode arrangement, the single electrode 16 is provided at the distal-most end. Alternatively, one or more additional conductive surfaces can be provided, spaced proximally from the tip electrode 16, to provide a bipolar electrode configuration. D. The Anchoring Means In the illustrated embodiment (see Fig. 38B) , the anchoring means 70 takes the form of an array of flexible tines or filaments 76 proximal to the distal-most electrode 16. The tines 76 are desirably present relatively large, planar surfaces, and are placed in multiple rows axially along the lead 12. The tines 76 are normally biased toward a radially outward condition into tissue. In this condition, the large surface area and orientation of the tines 76 allow the lead 12 to resist dislodgement or migration of the electrode 16 out of the correct location in the surrounding tissue. In the illustrated embodiment, the tines 76 are biased toward a proximal-pointing orientation, to better resist proximal migration of the electrode 16 with lead tension. The tines 76 are desirably made from a polymer material, e.g., high durometer silicone, polyurethane, or polypropylene, bonded to or molded with the lead 12. The tines 76 can be deflected toward a distal direction in response to exerting a pulling force on the lead 12 at a threshold axial force level, which is greater than expected day-to-day axial forces. The tines 76 are sized and configured to yield during proximal passage through tissue in result to such forces, causing minimal tissue trauma, and without breaking or leaving fragments, despite the possible presence of some degree of tissue in-growth. This feature permits the withdrawal of the implanted electrode 16, if desired, by purposeful pulling on the lead 12 at the higher axial force level. Desirably, the anchoring means 70 is prevented from fully engaging body tissue until after the electrode 16 has been deployed. The electrode 16 is not deployed until after it has been correctly located during the implantation (installation) process. More particularly, as before described, the lead 12 and electrode 16 are intended to be percutaneously introduced through a sleeve 32 shown in Fig. 2 (this is also shown in Fig. 12) . As shown in Fig. 38A, the tines 76 assume a collapsed condition against the lead 12 body- when within the sleeve 32. In this condition, the tines 76 are shielded from contact with tissue. Once the location is found, the sleeve 32 can be withdrawn, holding the lead 12 and electrode 16 stationary (see Fig. 38B) . Free of the sleeve 32, the tines 76 spring open to assume their radially deployed condition in tissue, fixing the electrode 16 in the desired location. The position of the electrode 16 relative to the anchoring means 70, and the use of the sleeve 32, allows for both advancement and retraction of the electrode delivery sleeve during implantation while simultaneously delivering test stimulation. The sleeve 32 can be drawn back relative to the lead 12 to deploy the electrode 16 anchoring means 70, but only when the physician determines that the desired electrode location has been reached. The withdrawal of the sleeve 32 from the lead 12 causes the anchoring means 70 to deploy without changing the position of electrode 16 in the desired location (or allowing only a small and predictable, set motion of the electrode) . Once the sleeve 32 is removed, the flexible, silicone-coated or polyurethane-coat lead 12 and electrode 16 are left implanted in the tissue. As shown in Fig. 39, the anchoring means 70 can include an open-form conical structure 100 proximal to the distal-most electrode 16, alone or in combination with one or more arrays of flexible tines 76 spaced more proximally away from the electrode. In the illustrated embodiment, the structure 100 comprises an array of circumferentially spaced-apart tines 102 joined by cross members 104, thereby forming a conically shaped basket structure that increases in diameter (i.e., by tapering radially outward) with distance from the electrode 12. The tines 102 and cross members 104 are desirably made from flexible or resilient wire or polymer material, so that the structure 100 can be collapsed back against the lead 12 into a low profile for introduction through the sleeve 32. Withdrawal of the sleeve 32 frees the structure 100 to resiliently spring into the open-form conical shape shown in Fig. 39. The structure 100 provides localized stabilization for the more distal regions of the lead 12, including the electrode 16, which is additive to the stabilization provided to the more proximal regions of the lead 12 by the more proximally spaced tines 76. Together, the structure 100 and the tines 76 provide complementary ("belt-and-suspenders" ) resistance against migration of the lead 12 and electrode 16 within mobile adipose tissue 54 in response to forces that tend to flex or twist the more distal regions of the lead 12 relative to more proximal regions of the lead 12. IV. Kits As Figs. 40 and 41 show, the various tools and devices as just described can be consolidated for use in functional kits 78, 80, and 82. The kits 78, 80, and 82 can take various forms. In the illustrated embodiment, each kit 78, 80, and 82 comprises a sterile, wrapped assembly. Each kit 78, 80, and 82 includes an interior tray 84 made, e.g., from die cut cardboard, plastic sheet, or thermo-formed plastic material, which hold the contents. Each kit 78, 80, and 82 also preferably includes directions 86 for using the contents of the kit to carry out a desired procedure. The directions 86 can, of course vary. The directions 86 shall be physically present in the kits, but can also be supplied separately. The directions 86 can be embodied in separate instruction manuals, or in video or audio tapes, CD's, and DVD's. The instructions 86 for use can also be available through an internet web page. The arrangement and contents of the kits 78, 80, and 82 can vary. For example, in Fig. 40, a representative kit 78 is shown for carrying out a single stage implant procedure as previously described. The kit 78 includes the implant system 10 comprising the implantable lead 12 and electrode 16, an implantable pulse generator 18, and an external controller 26. The kit 78 also includes the surgical tool system 28 comprising the needle 30, sleeve 32, and tunneling tool 40. An external pulse generator 34 can also be provided, but this device will typically be available in the surgical suite. The instructions 86 for use in the kit 78 direct use of these instruments to implant the lead 12 and electrode 16, form the subcutaneous pocket, tunnel the lead 12, and implant the pulse generator 18 in the subcutaneous pocket in the manner previously described and as shown in Figs. 9 to 20. The instructions 86 for use can also direct use of the external controller 26 to operate the implanted pulse generator 18, as well as use of a clinician programmer 52 to program the implanted pulse generator 18. As another example, in Fig. 41, two representative kits 80 and 82 are shown that, together, allow the physician to carry out a two stage surgical procedure. The first kit 80 includes the test screening system 42 comprising the implantable lead 12 and electrode 16, the percutaneous extension cable 44, and an external pulse generator 34 and patch electrode 38 for use on a temporary basis during the screening phase. The kit 80 also includes the surgical tools system comprising the needle 30, sleeve 32, and tunneling tool 40. The instructions 86 for use direct use of these instruments to install the lead 12 and electrode 16, tunnel the lead 12 and percutaneous cable 44, and connect the temporary external pulse generator 34 during a first surgical stage for patient screening purposes, in the manner previously described and as shown in Figs. 21 to 27. The instructions 86 for use can also direct use of the external pulse generator 34. The second kit 82 contains the instruments to carry- out the second stage of the procedure. The second kit 82 includes an implantable pulse generator 18, an external controller 26, and a tunneling tool 40. The instructions 86 for use direct use of these components to remove the percutaneous cable 44 and couple the lead 12 to the implantable pulse generator 18, and implant the implantable pulse generator 18 in a subcutaneous pocket in the manner previously described and as shown in Figs. 28 to 30 and 18 to 20. The instructions 86 for use can also direct use of the external controller 26 to operate the implanted pulse generator, as well as use of a clinician programmer to program the implanted pulse generator. Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Next Patent: SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING PORTIONS OF VISCOUS MATERIAL