Integrated subcutaneous tunneling and carrying tool
US6605094B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/320044
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A subcutaneous tunneling and carrying tool has a handle, a rod, and a carrier. The tool is used in connection with the implantation of electrical stimulators within the body, and more particularly facilitates the surgical procedure in the connection of an electrode lead extension to the implantable stimulator when the electrode and stimulator may not be co-located. In one embodiment, tunneling is accomplished by a tip that also serves to connect the tool to a disposable carrier in which the lead extension connector is packaged. In another embodiment the carrier comprises a carrier body and a removable cover, wherein the carrier cover covers a carrier cavity during tunneling and includes a tunneling end, and the carrier cover is removed after tunneling to expose the carrier cavity, into which carrier cavity the electrode lead extension is inserted to carry back through the tunnel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.