Integrated delivery and visualization tool for a neuromodulation system

• US 8,781,574 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2013
• Issued: 07/15/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Realeve LLC
• Original Assignee: Autonomic Technologies, Inc. (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Pless, Benjamin David, Boling, Carl Lance, Caparso, Anthony V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno, Carl H
• Assistant Examiner(s): Stice, Paula J
• Application Number:
  US13/784,452
• Publication Number:
  US 20130178701A1
• Time in Patent Office: 498 Days
• Field of Search: 600/2, 600/116, 600 45- 46
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00154 using guiding arrangements for insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00165 with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics A61B1/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/015 Control of fluid supply or evacuation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/042 characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/07 using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/313 for introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36114 Cardiac control, e.g. by vagal stimulation stimulating the heart A61N1/362
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for delivering a neurostimulator to a target tissue are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a delivery tool comprising a handle portion, an elongate shaft comprising a contoured distal portion, a visualization system embedded in the elongate shaft, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft configured to deploy the neurostimulator. The contoured distal portion can be shaped and configured to maintain contact with a posterior maxilla and elevate a periosteum off of the posterior maxilla to avoid soft tissue dissection. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator is implanted in close proximity to or touching the sphenopalatine ganglion.

Claims

1. A delivery tool configured to deliver a neurostimulator into a patient, comprising:

a handle portion;

an elongate shaft comprising a contoured distal portion, the contoured distal portion shaped and configured to maintain contact with a posterior maxilla and elevate a periosteum off of the posterior maxilla to avoid soft tissue dissection;

a visualization system embedded in the elongate shaft, the visualization system comprising an electronic chip positioned within the distal portion and configured to provide video and/or still images to be sent to a viewing system; and

an insertion groove on the elongate shaft configured to deploy the neurostimulator.

2. The delivery tool of claim 1, wherein the insertion groove is recessed into the elongate shaft.

3. The delivery tool of claim 1, wherein the visualization system comprises a light source.

4. The delivery tool of claim 1, further comprising a lens embedded at the distal portion, the lens constructed to allow for a focal length of between 2-15mm.

5. The delivery tool of claim 1, wherein the visualization system is configured to highlight differences between soft tissue and bone.

6. The delivery tool of claim 1, further comprising an aperture configured to dispense a fluid to a distal end of the delivery tool.

7. The delivery tool of claim 1, wherein the contoured distal portion has a thickness of between 2-5mm.

8. A delivery tool configured to deliver a neurostimulator into a patient, comprising:

a handle portion;

an elongate shaft comprising a contoured distal portion having a bifurcated distal dissecting tip, the contoured distal portion shaped and configured to maintain contact with a posterior maxilla and elevate a periosteum off of the posterior maxilla to avoid soft tissue dissection;

a visualization system embedded in the elongate shaft, the visualization system including a lens positioned between the bifurcated distal dissecting tip; and

an insertion groove on the elongate shaft configured to deploy the neurostimulator.

9. The delivery tool of claim 8, wherein the insertion groove is recessed into the elongate shaft.

10. The delivery tool of claim 8, wherein the lens constructed to allow for a focal length of between 2-15mm.

11. The delivery tool of claim 8, wherein the visualization system is configured to highlight differences between soft tissue and bone.

12. The delivery tool of claim 8, wherein the contoured distal portion has a thickness of between 2-5mm.