Electrode insertion tools, lead assemblies, kits and methods for placement of cardiac device electrodes

• US 8,718,793 B2
• Filed: 08/01/2006
• Issued: 05/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cameron Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Cameron Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: O'Connor, Stephen A. P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Koharski, Christopher D
• Assistant Examiner(s): D ABREU, MICHAEL JOSEPH
• Application Number:
  US11/497,203
• Publication Number:
  US 20080046056A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,835 Days
• Field of Search: 607/119, 607/122, 607/129
• US Class Current: 607/119
• 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 1/0587 Epicardial electrode systems; Endocardial electrodes piercing the pericardium

Abstract

Insertion tools, lead assemblies, kits, and methods for placement of cardiac device electrodes. In some embodiments, an insertion tool having a proximal end and a distal, dissecting end includes a structure configured to receive or engage a structure on a lead assembly. Some embodiments include a lead assembly having an end including a structure configured for engaging the distal end of an associated insertion tool. Some embodiments include kits or systems including both an insertion tool and a lead assembly, each having a structure for engaging the other. In these embodiments, the engaging structures may take several forms including threads, small posts, circular or semi-circular receiving members, and/or a slot. Some embodiments also include methods for placement of cardiac device electrodes with the assistance of an associated insertion tool, wherein the cardiac device electrodes are associated with a lead assembly having an end configured to engage a distal, dissecting portion of an associated insertion tool.

Claims

1. A system for implanting an implantable cardiac stimulus device having an implantable canister, the system comprising:

an introducer tool for implanting a lead for the implantable cardiac stimulus device, the introducer tool having a proximal end with a handle, a distal end including a dissecting tip, and a shaft therebetween, the distal end also including an engaging structure disposed on an outer portion of the shaft at a location proximal of but adjacent to the dissecting tip; and

a cardiac electrode lead having at least one of a sensing electrode and/or a stimulus electrode disposed thereon, the lead comprising a first end having a receiving structure configured to receive the dissecting tip therein and engage the engaging structure of said introducer tool, and a second end having an attachment structure for attaching to the implantable canister;

wherein;

the engaging structure and the first end of the lead are configured for releasable coupling to one another;

the engaging structure includes a threaded portion;

the receiving structure includes threads for matching the engaging structure; and

the threaded portion of the engaging structure forms part of an outer surface of the dissecting tip of the introducer tool.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving structure and the engaging structure are configured for twisting engagement thereof.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the introducer tool further comprises means for locking the introducer tool and the cardiac electrode lead in an engaged state.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the dissecting tip further comprises a dissecting portion proximal to the engaging structure, the dissecting portion shaped to further separate subcutaneous tissue relative to the dissecting tip such that, when the engaging structure is used to secure the lead thereto, and the handle is pulled in a proximal direction, the dissecting portion reduces drag on the lead.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the dissecting tip, engaging structure, and dissecting portion of the tool generally form a conical portion with a discontinuity at the engaging structure, the discontinuity extending at least partly about the conical portion.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the discontinuity extends wholly around the conical portion.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the tool further comprises means for locking the tool to the lead when engaged therewith, and the lead further comprises corresponding means for locking the lead to the tool when engaged therewith.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the tool further comprises a locking member coupled to a control mechanism disposed relative to the handle, the locking member configured to lock the tool in an engaged position in response to actuation by the control mechanism.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the tool further includes a shoulder adjacent and proximal to the dissecting tip, wherein the shoulder is shaped for non-traumatic passage in a proximal direction through subcutaneous tissue such that atraumatic passage of the lead occurs when the tool is withdrawn through tissue while engaged with the lead at the engaging structure of the tool.