Patent · US Expired

Epicardial lead for minimally invasive implantation

US5871532A · kind A · utility

215Cited by
17References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 22, 1997
Grant dateFeb 16, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 22, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N2001/058
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A lead assembly for fixation to a human heart via thoracoscopy is provided. The lead assembly includes a lead that has a connector for connection to a cardiac stimulator, such as a pacemaker, a cardioverter/defibrillator, or a sensing instrument. A fixation mechanism is coupled to the lead that includes a tubular housing and a proximally projecting hook that is adapted to engage heart tissue. The hook is pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position. The lead and the hook are manipulated by a stylet. The lead assembly also includes a tubular introducer that is passed through the chest wall of a patient and used to place the lead proximate the epicardium.

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