Minimally invasive method to implant a subcutaneous electrode
Inventors
Reddy, G. Shantanu • Tockman, Bruce A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10617402-B2
Publication Date
2020-04-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and tool kits for implanting a lead subcutaneously. Examples include tool kits and methods for establishing first and second subcutaneous tunnels at an angle relative to one another to facilitate introduction of a lead to the subcutaneous space. In an example, a first insertion tool is used to establish a first subcutaneous tunnel, and a second insertion tool, with or without the use of a blunt dissector, sheath, guidewire, or steering mechanism, is used to initiate or form the second subcutaneous tunnel. Such methods and tool kits may reduce the number of incisions needed to implant a subcutaneous lead along a subcutaneous path having a curve therein.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a method of implanting a subcutaneous defibrillation lead in a patient using an implantation tool kit configured to establish subcutaneous tunnels using a first insertion tool and a second insertion tool. The method includes making a first incision and inserting the first insertion tool via the first incision to direct the first insertion tool to a target location to establish a first subcutaneous tunnel extending along a first axis toward the target location.
The method further includes extending a second insertion tool from within the first insertion tool to form at least a portion of a second subcutaneous tunnel along a second axis. The distal end of the first insertion tool lies on the first axis when the second insertion tool is extended along the second axis at an angle of at least 30 degrees from the first axis, thereby forming the second subcutaneous tunnel along the second axis.
The second insertion tool includes a proximal end with a handle and a distal end, and the extending step includes using a blunt dissector removably placed within the second insertion tool to dissect tissue. The second insertion tool is used to determine the direction in which the blunt dissector is directed.
Claims Coverage
The partial claim content is directed to a method with three central inventive features: angled formation of first and second subcutaneous tunnels using nested insertion tools, a removably placed blunt dissector for tissue dissection, and direction-determination of the dissector using the second insertion tool.
Angled formation of first and second subcutaneous tunnels using nested insertion tools
A method of implanting a subcutaneous defibrillation lead comprising making a first incision, inserting a first insertion tool to establish a first subcutaneous tunnel along a first axis, and extending a second insertion tool from within the first insertion tool such that the distal end of the first insertion tool lies on the first axis when the second insertion tool is extended at an angle of at least 30 degrees from the first axis to form at least a portion of a second subcutaneous tunnel along a second axis.
Removably placed blunt dissector in the second insertion tool for tissue dissection
The step of extending the second insertion tool includes using a blunt dissector removably placed within the second insertion tool to dissect tissue.
Second insertion tool determines direction of blunt dissector
The second insertion tool is used to determine the direction in which the blunt dissector is directed.
The claim coverage centers on forming an angled second subcutaneous tunnel using a second insertion tool extended from within a first insertion tool, with a minimum angle requirement, and on performing tissue dissection using a removably placed blunt dissector whose direction is determined by the second insertion tool.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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