Methods and apparatus for defibrillating a heart refractory to electrical stimuli
US6224617A · kind A · utility
1,458Cited by
9References
22Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3784
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for defibrillating a heart in fibrillation are provided using apparatus that forms a plurality of transmural channels in a wall of the heart. The apparatus includes a single-use handpiece having a mechanical cutting head and means for stabilizing the cutting head in contact with the tissue. The handpiece is coupled by a disposable cable to a controller that houses a vacuum pump and mechanisms for driving the cutting head. The cutting head is adapted to cooperate with the vacuum pump to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.