Method and apparatus for guiding an external needle to an implantable device

US8475407B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Scott L. Kalpin · Harris, US
• Andrew Bzostek · Erie, US
• Steven L. Hartmann · Superior, US
• Matthew W. Koenig · Dacono, US
• Brad Jacobsen · Erie, US
• Scott A. Sarkinen · Minneapolis, US
• Peter J. Borowitz · La Petite Bellangeraie, US
• Bradley A. Jascob · Broomfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 11, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 2, 2013
• Expiry date: May 18, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/3958
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A support tool for a supply assembly delivers a functional fluid to an implantable medical device. The supply assembly defines a supply axis. The support tool includes a support member defining an opening. The opening has a support axis, and the opening is configured to receive the supply assembly. The support member includes a three dimensionally contoured nesting surface that conforms to a corresponding three dimensionally contoured surface of the supply assembly. The corresponding surface of the supply assembly nests against the nesting surface to support the supply assembly such that the supply axis remains substantially fixed relative to and aligned with the support axis.