FORCE ASSESSMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LEAD EXTRACTION

• US 20090234367A1
• Filed: 02/25/2009
• Published: 09/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Atrial Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Atrial Systems, LLC
• Inventors: Verma, Sumit
• Granted Patent: US 9,032,806 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/129
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0261 Strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4851 Prosthesis assessment or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/056 Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/0028 Force sensors associated with force applying means G01L5/0052, G01L5/0057, G01L5/0061 take precedence

Abstract

A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.

Claims

1. A method for lead extraction, said method comprising:

providing a force gauge;

measuring a traction force with the force gauge;

providing a strain gauge;

measuring a countertraction force with the strain gauge; and

presenting data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.

2. A method for lead extraction in accordance with claim 1 further comprising coupling the force gauge to a stylet that is configured to apply the traction force to a tissue-lead interface, wherein the force gauge is at least one of a spring, a fiber optic sensor, a miniature load cell, and a piezoelectric material.

3. A method for lead extraction in accordance with claim 1 further comprising coupling the strain gauge to a sheath that is configured to apply the countertraction force about a tissue-lead interface, wherein the strain gauge is at least one of a spring, a fiber optic sensor, a miniature load cell, and a piezoelectric material.

4. A method for lead extraction in accordance with claim 1 further comprising presenting an alert that is at least one of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a tactile signal when at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

5. A method for lead extraction in accordance with claim 1 further comprising presenting an alert that is at least one of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a tactile signal when a ratio of the countertraction force to the traction force is outside a predetermined range.

6. A method for lead extraction in accordance with claim 1 further comprising plotting the data for a predetermined period of time.

7. A method for lead extraction in accordance with claim 1 further comprising displaying an image of a tissue-lead interface.

8. An interface comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the interface is configured to:

receive a traction force;

receive a countertraction force; and

present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.

9. An interface in accordance with claim 8 that is further configured to present an alert that is at least one of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a tactile signal when at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

10. An interface in accordance with claim 8 that is further configured to present an alert that is at least one of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a tactile signal when a ratio of the countertraction force to the traction force is outside a predetermined range.

11. An interface in accordance with claim 8 that is further configured to plot the data for a predetermined period of time.

12. An interface in accordance with claim 8 that is further configured to display an image of a tissue-lead interface.

13. A force assessment device comprising:

a force gauge configured to measure a traction force;

a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force; and

an interface communicatively coupled to said force gauge and said strain gauge, said interface configured to present data regarding at least one of said traction force and said countertraction force.

14. A force assessment device in accordance with claim 13, wherein said force gauge is coupled to a stylet that is configured to apply said traction force to a tissue-lead interface, wherein said force gauge is at least one of a spring, a fiber optic sensor, a miniature load cell, and a piezoelectric material.

15. A force assessment device in accordance with claim 13, wherein said strain gauge is coupled to a sheath that is configured to apply said countertraction force about a tissue-lead interface, wherein said strain gauge is at least one of a spring, a fiber optic sensor, a miniature load cell, and a piezoelectric material.

16. A force assessment device in accordance with claim 13, wherein said interface is further configured to present an alert that is at least one of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a tactile signal when at least one of said traction force and said countertraction force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

17. A force assessment device in accordance with claim 13, wherein said interface is further configured to present an alert that is at least one of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a tactile signal when a ratio of said countertraction force to said traction force is outside a predetermined range.

18. A force assessment device in accordance with claim 13, wherein said interface is further configured to plot said data for a predetermined period of time.

19. A force assessment device in accordance with claim 13 further comprising an imaging mechanism that is configured to display an image of a tissue-lead interface.

20. A force assessment device in accordance with claim 13 further comprising an automatic mechanism that is configured to reduce at least one of said traction force and said countertraction force when said at least one of said traction force and said countertraction force exceeds a predetermined threshold.