A low cost, disposable, zero insertion force cable connector for trial spinal cord stimulation

摘要

A low cost, disposable, zero insertion force cable connector used to connect a implantable electrical stimulation lead to a diagnostic cable is described. The stimulation lead can be inserted into the connector with the lead steering mechanism(stylet) installed. Accessibility to the lead placement steering mechanism allows optimal flexibility for lead placement and stimulation testing. The stylet can be rotated (without rotating the trial stimulation cable), removed, reinserted or replacedwith a contoured mechanism without breaking the electrical connection. The handle of the stylet is easy to rotate with simple finger manipulations. When a contoured stylet is rotated, and the lead is held static, the tip of the stimulation lead can beeasily directed. Once the steering direction has been established the straight stylet can be reinserted. This maybe repeated as many times as required, therefore improving placement accuracy and reduced lead implantation time.