Torque device for left ventricular lead systems

• US 6,033,414 A
• Filed: 06/18/1998
• Issued: 03/07/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Westlund, Randy, Tockman, Bruce A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirsch, Paul J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Priddy, Michael B.
• Application Number:
  US09/100,164
• Time in Patent Office: 628 Days
• Field of Search: 607/122, 606/129, 604/158, 604/159
• US Class Current: 606/129
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00469 for insertion of instruments, e.g. guide wire, optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/09116 Design of handles or shafts or gripping surfaces thereof for manipulating guide wires
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/09041 Mechanisms for insertion of guide wires
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/057 Anchoring means; Means for fixing the head inside the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2001/0578 having means for removal or extraction

Abstract

The present invention is a torque handle for use in inserting and positioning a pacing lead and guide wire, such as within a coronary vein. The torque handle is a handle with a lumen extending therethrough. A first clamping arrangement is located on the handle and receives the guide wire therethrough. A second clamping arrangement is also located on the handle. The second clamping arrangement sized to receive the body of the lead therethrough. In use, the physician determines whether torque is to be transmitted along the lead, the guide wire or both. Torque is transmitted by clamping or loosening the designated clamping arrangement around the lead, the guide wire or both, and then rotating the handle. As the handle is rotated, torque is transmitted along the length of the clamped lead or guide wire or both.

Claims

1. A torque handle for use in positioning a lead and guide wire arrangement used with a cardiac stimulating lead, said torque handle comprising:

(a) a handle member with a lumen extending therethrough;

(b) a first clamping arrangement on said handle member, said first clamping arrangement sized to receive said lead therethrough and being selectively clamped onto said lead; and

(c) a second clamping arrangement on said handle member, said second clamping arrangement sized to receive said guide wire therethrough and being selectively clamped onto said guide wire.

2. A torque handle of claim 1 wherein said first clamping arrangement is configured to receive a terminal end of said lead.

3. A torque handle of claim 1 wherein said first clamping arrangement comprises a chuck and corresponding collet.

4. A torque handle of claim 1 wherein said second clamping arrangement comprises a chuck and corresponding collet.

5. A torque handle of claim 3 wherein said second clamping arrangement comprises a chuck and corresponding collet.

6. A torque handle used in the insertion and positioning of a cardiac stimulating lead and guide wire, said torque handle comprising:

(a) a handle with a lumen extending therethrough, said handle adapted to be affixed to a proximal end of said lead and guide wire, said lumen receiving said lead and guide wire therewithin,

(b) a first threaded end on said handle member;

(b) a second threaded end on said handle member;

(c) a first collet inserted into said lumen and extending out from said first threaded end;

(d) a first chuck surrounding said first threaded end and said first collet, said first chuck having a threaded internal bore for mating with said first threaded end of said handle member whereby said first chuck may be selectively rotated between a first position compressing said first collet about said guide wire and a second position not compressing said first collet about said guide wire;

(e) a second collet inserted into said lumen on said second threaded end of said handle member and extending out from said threaded end; and

(d) a second chuck surrounding said second threaded end and said second collet, said second chuck having a threaded internal bore for mating with said second threaded end of said handle member whereby said second chuck may be selectively rotated to a third position compressing said second collet about said lead and a fourth position not compressing said second collet about said lead.