System and method for positioning an implantable medical device within a body
First Claim
1. An implantable medical device (IMD) adapted for implantation within a body, comprising:
- an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including an inner lumen;
a helix residing within the inner lumen and adapted to be extended beyond the distal end of the elongated body, at least a portion of the helix having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the elongated body when the helix is extended to aid in affixing the helix in an implantation; and
a fixation assembly coupled to a proximal end of the helix and including a coupling member having a stylet interface slot wherein selective engagement with and rotation of the coupling member via the stylet interface slot, in a respective predetermined direction causes the helix to be extended and retracted, the fixation assembly being adapted to allow for retraction of the helix such that the helix re-assumes a compressed configuration within the inner lumen.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A transvenous implantable medical device adapted for implantation in a body, and which is particularly adapted for use in a vessel such as the coronary sinus or cardiac great vein. The implantable medical device may take the form of a lead or catheter, and includes an extendable distal fixation member such as a helix. In one embodiment, the fixation member is a helix constructed of a shape memory metal or other super-elastic material. Upon deployment, the helix assumes a predetermined helix shape larger than the diameter of the lead body diameter. The helix functions to wedge or fix the lead within the vessel in a manner that does not impede the flow of blood through the vessel. The helix may be retracted for ease of repositioning and/or removal. In one embodiment of the invention, the fixation member may be advanced using a stiffening member such as a stylet. In another embodiment, the helix is coupled to a coiled conductor such that rotation of the conductor extends or retracts the helix. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a helix lumen including a flexible fluid-tight seal may be utilized to house the helix when it is in the retracted position.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. An implantable medical device (IMD) adapted for implantation within a body, comprising:
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an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including an inner lumen;
a helix residing within the inner lumen and adapted to be extended beyond the distal end of the elongated body, at least a portion of the helix having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the elongated body when the helix is extended to aid in affixing the helix in an implantation; and
a fixation assembly coupled to a proximal end of the helix and including a coupling member having a stylet interface slot wherein selective engagement with and rotation of the coupling member via the stylet interface slot, in a respective predetermined direction causes the helix to be extended and retracted, the fixation assembly being adapted to allow for retraction of the helix such that the helix re-assumes a compressed configuration within the inner lumen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of retaining an implantable medical device (IMD) at a desired implant site within a body, wherein the IMD includes an elongated body having a distal end including a lumen, and an expandable helix residing within the lumen and having a coupling member coupled with a proximal portion of the helix, the method comprising:
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guiding the distal end of the IMD to the desired implant site;
inserting a removable stylet through the elongated body to engage the coupling member;
advancing the helix beyond the distal end by actuating the stylet so that the helix expands, and wherein at least a portion of the helix has a diameter larger than the diameter of the elongated body to aid in affixing the helix. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A medical lead adapted for implantation within the coronary sinus, comprising:
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a lead body having a distal end that defines an inner recess;
an expandable helix residing within the inner recess that is adapted to be advanced outside the inner recess, at least a portion of the helix being capable of expanding to have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the lead body to aid in affixing the helix; and
a coupling member affixed to a proximal portion of the helix and including a stylet receiving slot, wherein selective engagement with and rotation of the coupling member via the stylet receiving slot allows the helix to be advanced. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification