Patent · US Expired

Heart synchronized extractor for an implanted object

US5674217A · kind A · utility

183Cited by
35References
28Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 1993
Grant dateOct 7, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N2001/0578
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A lead extraction device synchronized to the cardiac cycle which utilizes laser light to separate an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from fibrous scar tissue and thereby permit the implanted object to be extracted from a body. The extraction device features a catheter having a central lumen dimensioned so a pacemaker lead will fit within. The catheter is thereby guided by the lead. The catheter has at least one optical fiber to emit laser light from the distal end and thereby separate the lead from fibrous scar tissue. A means for generating a control pulse in response to a sensed ECG signal permits the catheter to by synchronized to the cardiac cycle. In such a manner laser light may be controlled so as to avoid striking the heart at a vulnerable period in the cardiac cycle.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.