A paddle lead insertion kit includes a paddle lead and an insertion kit. The paddle lead includes a stylet lumen defined in a paddle body. The insertion tool includes a stylet channel defined along the insertion tool. A stylet is disposed in the stylet channel and transitions between a refracted position and an extended position. When the stylet is in the retracted position, the stylet is disposed completely within the stylet channel. When the stylet is in the extended position, the stylet extends outwardly from the stylet channel and is insertable into the stylet lumen of the paddle lead. A slide assembly is coupled to the stylet and controls transitioning of the stylet between the retracted position and the extended position.
