Medical electrical lead and introducer system for implantable pulse generator
US5443492A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2001/0578
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable lead for establishing electrical contact between a medical device and body tissue, in which an active fixation mechanism secures the lead in place while allowing a distal electrode on the lead to mechanically "float" with respect to the body tissue. In one embodiment, the active fixation mechanism comprises a curved hook disposed on the lead at a point spaced proximally back from the distal end of the lead. The curved hook defines a helix around at least a portion of the lead's circumference. A hollow introducer needle is slidably disposed on the lead. The hollow needle provided with a longitudinal slit in a distal section of is length, such that the distal section of the needle can be advanced over the distal end of the lead, past the fixation hook, which is received in the longitudinal slit. With the needle slid over the distal end of the lead, the needle is stabbed tangentially into an implant site, bringing the fixation hook proximal to the surface of the body tissue. Then, the needle is twisted (bringing about a twisting of the lead), causing the curved fixation hook to pierce and engage the body tissue, securing the lead in place. Then the needle is withdrawn f…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.