Patent · US Expired

Modified guidewire for left ventricular access lead

US6356791B1 · kind B1 · utility

126Cited by
5References
38Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 17, 1999
Grant dateMar 12, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 17, 2019

Classification

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

Abstract

An improved guidewire for assisting in implantation of a cardiac lead includes three sections. The most distal zone is sufficiently floppy to prevent trauma to the vessel walls through which the guidewire and lead are inserted. An intermediate zone is generally stiffer and has a cross-section less than or equal to the cross-section of the distal zone. The third zone is stiffer yet and is joined to the intermediate zone by a shoulder. The shoulder cooperates with protrusions on the lead to transfer forces between the guidewire and lead. A removal wire having temporary locking means to lock the removal wire to the lead is employed to remove the guide catheter without moving the lead from its desired location. Lubricious coatings are also provided to reduce friction between the lead and guidewire.

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