Rotatable lead introducer

US7544197B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Greatbatch Ltd. · US

Inventors

• Daniel N. Kelsch · Saint Clairsville, US
• James L. Mellor · Windom, US
• Kenneth P. Rundle · Independence, US
• Roger B. Fell · London, US
• Scott E. Jahns · Hudson, US
• Dave S. Erickson · Stillwater, US
• Vincent A. Fischer, III · Minneapolis, US
• Kent D. Anderson · Champlin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 6, 2004
• Grant date: Jun 9, 2009
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2001/0578
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Minimally invasive introducers and methods that can be used for rotationally securing devices within the human body. Introducers can include a distal element for releasably engaging a lead head controllable from a proximal control located outside of the body. An inner stem can extend between a proximal portion and a distal portion, and be pivotally and rotatably coupled to the distal lead engagement mechanism. An outer tube can be rotatably disposed over the inner stem and be flexibly coupled over the pivot to rotationally drive the distal element. A helical epicardial-myocardial lead electrode can be secured and oriented straight ahead and introduced through a port or small incision with the introducer in a straight configuration. The introducer can then be bent and rotated to screw the helical electrode into the heart.