Intravascular medical device

• US 20070179552A1
• Filed: 01/30/2006
• Published: 08/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: George J. Klein
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Anderson, Kenneth, Klein, George, Gebhardt, Ursula, Zillmer, Glenn, Dennis, Charles
• Granted Patent: US 7,627,376 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/056 Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/057 Anchoring means; Means for fixing the head inside the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37516 Intravascular implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37518 Anchoring of the implants, e.g. fixation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3785 generated by biological activity or substance, e.g. body movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source

Abstract

An implantable medical device is configured so that all of the major components including a housing and attached leads are disposed within the vasculature of a patient. A tether extends from the housing of the device to an implant location where the tether is secured to tissue outside of the vasculature. In this manner, an intravascular medical device may be implanted at a location remote from final placement, delivered via the vasculature and anchored at the initial entry point.

Claims

1. An intravascular medical device (IVMD) comprising:

a housing module;

a lead coupleable with a first end of the housing module;

a tether configured to secure the housing module within a vascular structure; and

a power source operably coupled with the housing module.

2. The IVMD of claim 1, wherein the power source include a rechargeable battery contained within the housing module.

3. The IVMD of claim 1, further comprising:

a recharging module coupled with the battery to recharge the batter.

4. The IVMD of claim 3, wherein the recharging module further comprises a receiver to receive radio frequency (FR) energy and a converter to convert the RF energy into electrical energy to recharge the battery.

5. The IVMD of claim 3, wherein the recharging module further comprises a motion activated generator that converts motions into electrical current to recharge the battery.

6. The IVMD of claim 5, wherein the motion activated generator includes a magnet and a coil.

7. The IMVD of claim 5, wherein the motion activated generator includes means for converting fluid motion around the IVMD into electrical energy.

8. The IVMD of claim 3, wherein the recharging module includes means for collecting charge from tissue proximate the IMVD.

9. The IVMD of claim 1, wherein the power source further comprises means for providing power to the IVMD by converting non-electrical energy into electrical energy.

10. The IVMD of claim 9, wherein the non-electrical energy is motion.

11. The IVMD of claim 9, wherein the non-electrical energy is fluid flow.

12. The IVMD of claim 9, further comprising a battery wherein the means for providing power provide the power to the battery.

13. The IVMD of claim 1, wherein the power source is replaceable separate from the lead.

14. A method comprising:

implanting a lead at an anatomical location;

implanting a housing having a power supply within a vascular structure, wherein the lead is operable coupled with the housing;

securing the housing within the vascular structure with a tether that is anchored at a proximal end outside of the vascular structure;

replacing the power supply subsequent to implanting the lead, implanting the housing and securing the housing, without removing the lead from the anatomical location.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein replacing the power supply further comprises:

accessing the tether post-implant;

removing the housing with the power supply;

implanting a second housing with a second power supply by directing the second housing with the tether;

16

coupling the second housing to the lead, wherein the lead remains attached to the anatomical location.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein replacing the power supply further comprises:

accessing the tether post-implant;

removing a portion of the housing including the power supply while leaving a tethered section of the housing;

implanting a second portion of the housing including a charged power supply by directing the second portion of the housing with the tether;

coupling the second portion of the housing with the charged power supply to the tethered section of the housing.

17. An intravascular medical device (IVMD) comprising:

a housing including one or more components of the IVMD;

means for securing the housing within a vascular structure with a tether coupleable to a location exterior to the vascular structure;

means for powering the IVMD; and

means modifying the means for powering.

18. The IVMD of claim 17, wherein the means for powering include a battery and the means for modifying include means for recharging the battery.

19. The IVMD of claim 17, wherein the means for modifying include means for replacing a first portion of the IVMD post implant without removing a second portion of the IVMD whereby the replaced first portion includes a charged battery.