(54) METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR
FACILITATING STIMULATION OF ONE OR
MORE STIMULATION SITES
(75) Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Santa Clarita, CA
(US); James C. Makous, Santa Clarita,
CA (US); Laurence Dale Watkins,
London (GB); Daniel S. Bennett,
Broomfield, CO (US)
(73) Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation, Valencia, CA (US)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 797 days.
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
(21) Appl.No.: 11/728,816
(22) Filed: Mar. 26, 2007
Related U.S. Application Data
(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 11/259,176, filed on Oct. 25, 2005.
(60) Provisional application No. 60/661,700, filed on Mar. 14, 2005.
Methods of facilitating stimulation of a stimulation site within a patient include implanting a distal portion of a first stimulating member such that the distal portion of the first stimulating member is in communication with a first stimulation site located within a patient, securing the distal portion of the first stimulating member at a first securing site with a first securing device positioned proximal to the first stimulation site, forming a first loop of at least 360 degrees with a portion of the first stimulating member proximal to the first securing device, securing the first loop with a second securing device at a second securing site having a position that is greater than or equal to substantially 180 degrees but less than or equal to substantially 315 degrees along the first loop from the first securing site, and positioning the second securing device and a stimulator to be coupled to a proximal end of the first stimulating member to maintain a curve in the first stimulating member of at least 45 degrees between the second securing device and the stimulator.
24 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
