Neural implant system and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a nerve implant system for transcutaneously delivering a nerve implant (1) to a patient's tissue. The nerve implant system comprises a nerve implant (1) having a housing portion (2) and an elongated electrode lead wire (3), and a delivery device (10) having a handle (11), a first needle (12), and a second needle (13). The first needle (12) is fixed to the handle, and the lumen of the first needle is configured to accommodate the housing portion of the nerve implant. The gauge of the second needle (13) is larger than the gauge of the first needle, and the second needle comprises a holding portion that partially surrounds the electrode lead wire and an open side surface that extends at least partially along the length of the second needle. The second needle is retractable to place the electrode lead wire in the patient's tissue. The electrode lead wire (3) comprises an elastically biased displacement prevention member (32). The displacement prevention member is aligned with the holding portion of the second needle so as to be constrained prior to deployment. The displacement prevention member is configured to move to a deployed position after retraction of the second needle.

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