Catheter and associated system for pacing the heart
US5423878A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/046
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The apparatus comprises a probe having a tip portion, a first electrode mounted on a terminal free end of the tip portion and a second electrode spaced along the tip portion from the first electrode for supplying a reference potential. The probe is constructed so as to hold the first electrode in contact with tissue of an in vivo beating heart with a positive pressure without causing macroscopic damage to the heart tissue while orienting the probe such that the second electrode is spaced from the heart tissue. A stylet is retractably mounted within the probe, for allowing a physician to maneuver the probe through a vein or the like. Once the probe is in position, it may be replaced by a probe of a different shape. The probe may also be retracted while being inserted, for preventing internal injury to the patient. The stylet may have a noncircular cross-section for restricting directions in which it can bend. In an alternative embodiment, a combination catheter is disclosed, including pacing electrodes for pacing the heart while measuring the potentials thereof. The pacing electrodes of this embodiment are placed near the tip of the catheter, and circumferentially displaced from one…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.