Method and apparatus for extraction of a subcutaneous electrode

• US 7,090,682 B2
• Filed: 11/05/2001
• Issued: 08/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cameron Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Cameron Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Bardy, Gust H., Sanders, Gary H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pezzuto, Robert E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mullen, Kristen
• Application Number:
  US10/011,949
• Publication Number:
  US 20020107559A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,744 Days
• Field of Search: 606/108, 606/129, 606190-192, 606/194, 606/198, 607/116, 607/119, 600372-374, 600/377, 604/101.02, 604/103.05, 604104-107
• US Class Current: 606/129
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/375 Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3906 characterised by the form of the shockwave
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3956 Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/39622 Pacing therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3968 Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings A61N1/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3975 Power supply A61N1/378 takes precedence

Abstract

A lead assembly is implanted utilizing a lead introducer inserted within an opening of the lead housing. The lead introducer includes an insertion portion and a handle connected to the insertion portion. The lead assembly can be extracted with a lead extractor inserted within an opening of the lead housing. The lead extractor includes an insertion portion having an expandable element, a flexible biocompatible covering around the expandable element, and a handle connected to the insertion portion.

Claims

1. A method of extracting a lead electrode assembly subcutaneously implanted in a patient, comprising:

providing an extractor, the extractor including an insertion portion having an expandable element, and a biocompatible, flexible covering disposed around the expandable element;

inserting the extractor into an opening in the lead electrode assembly;

expanding the expandable element to contact the opening of the lead electrode assembly; and

removing the extractor and the lead electrode assembly from the patient.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the extractor further comprises a handle assembly connected to the insertion portion.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a tab and a housing.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the expandable element comprises a wedge connected to the handle and two or more prongs;

and

wherein the step of expanding the expandable element involves moving the handle assembly away from the insertion portion, thereby moving the wedge to separate the two prongs.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein each of the two or more prongs further comprises a barb-shaped outside portion for contact with the opening of the lead electrode assembly.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the housing is connected to the insertion portion and the tab is connected to the wedge and the wedge is positioned between the prongs;

wherein the step of expanding the expandable element involves moving the tab away from the housing, thereby drawing the wedge between the prongs and moving the prongs outward to contact the opening of the lead electrode assembly.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the extractor further comprises an insertion portion that comprises a polymeric material.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting essentially of a polyurethane, a polyamide, a polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a polyether block amide (PEBA), a polytetrafluohoethylene (PTFE), a silicone, and mixtures thereof.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the covering flexes as the expandable element is expanded.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the covering is disposed around the entire insertion portion.

11. An extractor for extracting a lead electrode assembly subcutaneously implanted in a patient, comprising:

an insertion portion for insertion into an opening in the lead electrode assembly, the insertion portion including an expandable element;

a handle assembly connected to the insertion portion, the handle assembly including a tab movable within a housing; and

a biocompatible, flexible covering disposed around the expandable element;

wherein the expandable element includes a wedge and two prongs;

wherein the handle assembly is connected to the wedge; and

wherein the wedge is positioned to separate the two prongs when the handle assembly is moved away from the insertion portion.

12. The extractor of claim 11, wherein the two prongs further comprise a barb-shaped outside portion for contact with the opening of the lead electrode assembly.

13. The extractor of claim 11, wherein the housing is connected to the insertion portion and the tab is connected to the wedge such that when the tab is moved away from the housing, the wedge separates the two prongs.