Patent · US Expired

Epicardial lead placement for bi-ventricular pacing using thoracoscopic approach

US7270669B1 · kind B1 · utility

141Cited by
29References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 5, 2003
Grant dateSep 18, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 28, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/0587
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for placing an epicardial lead over a desired, predetermined location on the left ventricle using a minimally invasive approach. A thoracoscope having a handle portion and a probe tube defining a central opening is placed through an incision in the patient generally aligned with the desired position for the pacing lead. An introducer and pacing lead are placed within the central opening of the thoracoscope and moved into contact with the pericardium at the desired lead location. An attachment member of the pacing lead attaches an electrode of the pacing lead to the pericardium. The pacing lead includes a mesh disk surrounding the electrode to aid in long term attachment of the electrode to the heart. Alternatively, the pericardium can be incised such that the lead is placed directly over the epicardial surface of the left ventricle.

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