METHODS FOR LEAD PLACEMENT ON A SURFACE OF THE HEART
First Claim
1. A method for placing a lead on an epicardial surface of the heart with a lead placement apparatus, the lead placement apparatus including an elongated body having a lead receiving passageway extending therethrough, the method comprising:
- advancing a distal end of the lead placement apparatus to the epicardial surface in a minimally invasive manner;
steering the distal end of the lead placement apparatus in a plane parallel to the epicardial surface to an attachment site;
applying a vacuum force to a contact surface at the distal end of the lead placement apparatus to temporarily secure the contact surface to the epicardial surface at the attachment site;
advancing a lead through the lead receiving passageway to the attachment site; and
securing a distal end of the lead to the epicardial surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The methods and apparatus for lead placement on a surface of the heart are employed using an elongated body having proximal and distal end portions. The body defines a lead receiving passageway extending between a proximal inlet and a distal outlet for receiving a lead therethrough for contact with the heart surface. The elongated body is adapted for insertion between a pericardium and an epicardial surface. At least a portion of the body may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape adapted to retain the body orientation between the pericardium and the epicardial surface.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for placing a lead on an epicardial surface of the heart with a lead placement apparatus, the lead placement apparatus including an elongated body having a lead receiving passageway extending therethrough, the method comprising:
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advancing a distal end of the lead placement apparatus to the epicardial surface in a minimally invasive manner;
steering the distal end of the lead placement apparatus in a plane parallel to the epicardial surface to an attachment site;
applying a vacuum force to a contact surface at the distal end of the lead placement apparatus to temporarily secure the contact surface to the epicardial surface at the attachment site;
advancing a lead through the lead receiving passageway to the attachment site; and
securing a distal end of the lead to the epicardial surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for placing a lead on a heart surface with a lead placement apparatus, the lead placement apparatus including an elongated body having a lead receiving passageway extending therethrough, the method comprising:
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advancing a distal end of the lead placement apparatus to the heart surface in a minimally invasive manner;
temporarily and non-invasively holding a contact surface at the distal end of the lead placement apparatus to the heart surface at an attachment site using a suction force;
advancing a lead through the lead receiving passageway to the attachment site; and
securing a distal end of the lead to the heart surface. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for placing a lead on an epicardial surface of the heart with a lead placement apparatus, the lead placement apparatus including an elongated body having a lead receiving passageway extending therethrough, the method comprising:
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advancing a distal end of the lead placement apparatus to the epicardial surface in a minimally invasive manner;
suctioning a contact surface at the distal end of the lead placement apparatus to the epicardial surface at an attachment site;
advancing a lead through the lead receiving passageway to the attachment site;
directing a distal end of the lead towards the attachment site an angle to the epicardial surface at the attachment site;
pacing the heart with a pacing signal to determine whether the selected location is suitable for lead placement; and
securing the lead to the epicardial surface. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification