CA2198100C - Implantable endocardial lead with self-healing retractable fixation apparatus - Google Patents
Implantable endocardial lead with self-healing retractable fixation apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2198100C CA2198100C CA002198100A CA2198100A CA2198100C CA 2198100 C CA2198100 C CA 2198100C CA 002198100 A CA002198100 A CA 002198100A CA 2198100 A CA2198100 A CA 2198100A CA 2198100 C CA2198100 C CA 2198100C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lead
- electrode
- stylet
- coil
- catheter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
- A61N1/04—Electrodes
- A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
- A61N1/056—Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
- A61N1/057—Anchoring means; Means for fixing the head inside the heart
- A61N1/0573—Anchoring means; Means for fixing the head inside the heart chacterised by means penetrating the heart tissue, e.g. helix needle or hook
Abstract
An implantable endocardial lead (10) with a retractable helix (48). A specialized stylet (50) can be inserted into the lead (10) at the proximal e nd and passed through the lead to the distal end. Located at the distal end of the lead is a piston (44) supporting the helix (48). The piston is attached to a coiled trifilar conductor (22) and has an electrode (14) adjacent the heli x. Immediately adjacent the piston proximally an additional first short coil of wire is interlocked between the wires of the trifilar conductor (22), providing a female thread within the conductor. The stylet has a second sing le strand short coil segment spot welded to the stylet adjacent a distal end therof. The stylet (50) is rotated to screw the second short coil segment on the stylet into the first short coil adjacent the piston.
Description
WO 9G/19259 PCTIU59i1I6264 IMPLANTABLE ENDOCARDIAL LEAD WITH
SELF-HEALING RETRACTABLE FIXATION APPARATUS
Technical Field The present invention relates generally to cardiac stimulation, and more particularly to an implantable endocardial lead for stimulation or sensing electrical activity of the heart in connection with an implantable pacemaker.
The lead employs a retractable fixation mechanism which can be repeatedly exposed to or shielded from tissue during the process of securing the lead to cardiac tissue.
Background Art There are generally two types of body implantable leads used with cardiac pacemakers -- one which requires surgery to expose the myocardial tissue to which an electrode is affixed and another which can be inserted through a body vessel, such as a vein, into the heart where an electrode contacts the endocardial tissue. In the latter type, the endocardial lead is often secured to the heart through the endothelial lining by a helix affixed to a distal end of the lead. When the end of the lead contacts the lining of the heart at a desired location, the lead may be secured in place by rotating the lead, thus screwing the helix into the heart tissue.
A helix system has been relatively effective in securing an endocardial lead once the initial location of the lead has been achieved. However. it is undesirable to expose the helix while the Lead is being inserted through a blood vessel into the heart. Moreover, it is difficult to precisely place an endocardial lead on the first attempt. It is common for a physician to repeatedly attempt to place an endocardial lead having a helix securing means. It is desirable, therefore, to be able to shield the helix during the WO 96119259 ,~ PCTlUS9511G2G4 i _2_ insertion of the lead through the vein and between attempts to implant the lead on the heart lining. In the prior art, various apparatus have been proposed for achieving the desired result. For example, U.S. Patent No, 3,974,834 to Lawrence M. Kane, discloses an implantable intervascu(ar lead having an accordion-fold sleeve surrounding a helix. The sleeve is retractable to expose the helix and re-expandable to cover the . helix in the event the helix is unscrewed and withdrawn. An object of the invention is to permit the lead to be inserted into and guided through a body vessel withaut snagging the body vessel.
Another attempt at solving these problems is disclosed in U.S. Patenf No. 4,146,036 #o Robert G. butcher and Albert S. Benjamin. This patent discloses a body implantable, intervascular lead, having a helix fixation means.
Apparatus for shielding the helix comprises a moveable piston or shaft located within the coils of the helix. The shaft is spring-loaded in a retracted position by the action of an elastomeric boot which also serves to seal oft body fluids from the interior of the lead. A stylet passes through a lumen in the lead and acts against a proximal end of the shaft to force the shaft forward through the helix thus forming a partial barrier and inhibiting the helix fram coming in contact with tissue, at least in the axial direction.
In U.S. Patent No. 4,649,938 to William A. McArthur, an endocardial lead with an extendiblelretractable helix fixation means is described. The helix is mounted on a bobbin carried within the electrode tip. The bobbin and helix are retracted into the electrode tip by the action of a spring and are extended out of the tip by pressure from the end of the stylet inserted through a lumen in the lead.
In U.S. Patent No. 5,056,516 to Spehr described an endocardial lead with a flexible, tubular lanyard. The lanyard passed through a lumen from a proximal end of the lead to a distal end of the lead, where the lanyard was aftached to a sliding member supporting a helix. When the helix was in an exposed position, torque could be transmitted from the proximal end of the lanyard to the distal end thereof through a piston and thence to the helix to screw the helix into the endocardial tissue. To stiffen the lead during implantation, a stylet could be inserted into the lumen in the lanyard. The invention of this later patent has been assigned to the same assignee as our present invention. The patent was designated as an improvement on an invention of Bradshaw, U.S. Patent No. 4,913,164.
A removable lanyard and stylet was disclosed by Spehr and Foster in U.S. Patent 5,129,404. Brewer described a lead with a removable threaded stylet in U.S. Patent 4,924,881.
Disclosure of Invention In one aspect of the invention there is provided a lead for implantation in a patient, the lead including a catheter adapted for insertion into a chamber of the patient's heart having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough from the proximal end to the distal end. An electrode is slidingly received in the lumen of the distal end of the catheter. A coil conductor has at least one wire attached to the electrode and is disposed within the lumen and adapted to transmit electrical impulses between the electrode and the proximal end of the catheter. The coil conductor has an inside diameter and defines an access. Fixation means is attached distally to the electrode for securing the electrode to the lining of the heart chamber, the fixation means being adapted to fit within the lumen of the catheter. A wire coil segment is attached proximally to the electrode and is adapted for connection to a stylet. The coil segment has an expandable and retractable inside diameter, the inside diameter being smaller than the inside diameter of the coil conductor when retracted and having an axis parallel to the axis of the coil conductor. The wire coil segment forms a female thread within the coil conductor.
-3a-In other words, the present invention provides an implantable endocardial lead with retractable fixation means. In a preferred embodiment, the fixation means comprises a helix which can be repeatedly both retracted within a distal end of the lead and displaced outside the distal end of the lead. The lead defines a lumen from its proximal to its distal end. A specialized stylet can be inserted into the lumen at the proximal end and passed through the lead to the distal end.
Located at the distal end of the lead is a piston supporting the helix. The piston is preferably, but not necessarily, constrained to slide along the axis of the lead. The piston is attached to a coiled trifilar conductor and has an electrode adjacent the helix. Immediately adjacent the piston proximally an additional first short coil of wire is interlocked between the wires of the trifilar conductor. The short coil has about five to ten turns proximally from the piston and a smaller diameter than the trifilar conductor.
The stylet comprises a wire having a distal end or tip. Preferably, the distal tip has a slightly reduced section adjacent to the tip which is more flexible than the remaining stylet. Adjacent this section, we have attached a______________________________________________________________________________ __________ WO 96119259 ~ ~ PCTlUS9Sl162G4 second single strand short coil segment. This coil segment is spot welded to the stylet. In operatian, the stylet is inserted into the lead and rotated to screw the second shod coil segmene on the stylet into the first short coil adjacent the piston. The piston can then be pushed by the stylet to expose the helix, or putted by the engagement of the two short coils to withdraw the helix into the distal end of the lead. If too much tension is placed on the piston through the stylet, the short coils will disengage by the first coil being forced between the wires of the trifilar conductor. When the stylet is withdrawn so that the distal end does not overlap the first short coil, the first short coil will again collapse to its smaller diameter, thus making the apparatus self-healing. The stylet can then be rethreacied into the first short coil.
It is a principal object to provide an implantable endocardial lead with retractable fixation means wherein the fixation means can be repeatedly shielded and exposed during the implantation process.
A further object is to provide a lead wherein the ftxation means is selectively shielded within a distal end of the lead and wherein the fixation means is selectively exposed and shielded by the acfion of a removable stylet.
Another abject is to provide an implantable lead with a retractable fixation means which is self-healing.
These and ofher objects and features will be apparent from the detailed description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.
W0961192_59 ~ PCTlUS95116264 _5_ Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a prospective view of an implantable endocardial lead according to our invention.
' 5 FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a distal tip of the lead taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a stylet for use with the lead of FIG 1.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the distal tip of FIG.
SELF-HEALING RETRACTABLE FIXATION APPARATUS
Technical Field The present invention relates generally to cardiac stimulation, and more particularly to an implantable endocardial lead for stimulation or sensing electrical activity of the heart in connection with an implantable pacemaker.
The lead employs a retractable fixation mechanism which can be repeatedly exposed to or shielded from tissue during the process of securing the lead to cardiac tissue.
Background Art There are generally two types of body implantable leads used with cardiac pacemakers -- one which requires surgery to expose the myocardial tissue to which an electrode is affixed and another which can be inserted through a body vessel, such as a vein, into the heart where an electrode contacts the endocardial tissue. In the latter type, the endocardial lead is often secured to the heart through the endothelial lining by a helix affixed to a distal end of the lead. When the end of the lead contacts the lining of the heart at a desired location, the lead may be secured in place by rotating the lead, thus screwing the helix into the heart tissue.
A helix system has been relatively effective in securing an endocardial lead once the initial location of the lead has been achieved. However. it is undesirable to expose the helix while the Lead is being inserted through a blood vessel into the heart. Moreover, it is difficult to precisely place an endocardial lead on the first attempt. It is common for a physician to repeatedly attempt to place an endocardial lead having a helix securing means. It is desirable, therefore, to be able to shield the helix during the WO 96119259 ,~ PCTlUS9511G2G4 i _2_ insertion of the lead through the vein and between attempts to implant the lead on the heart lining. In the prior art, various apparatus have been proposed for achieving the desired result. For example, U.S. Patent No, 3,974,834 to Lawrence M. Kane, discloses an implantable intervascu(ar lead having an accordion-fold sleeve surrounding a helix. The sleeve is retractable to expose the helix and re-expandable to cover the . helix in the event the helix is unscrewed and withdrawn. An object of the invention is to permit the lead to be inserted into and guided through a body vessel withaut snagging the body vessel.
Another attempt at solving these problems is disclosed in U.S. Patenf No. 4,146,036 #o Robert G. butcher and Albert S. Benjamin. This patent discloses a body implantable, intervascular lead, having a helix fixation means.
Apparatus for shielding the helix comprises a moveable piston or shaft located within the coils of the helix. The shaft is spring-loaded in a retracted position by the action of an elastomeric boot which also serves to seal oft body fluids from the interior of the lead. A stylet passes through a lumen in the lead and acts against a proximal end of the shaft to force the shaft forward through the helix thus forming a partial barrier and inhibiting the helix fram coming in contact with tissue, at least in the axial direction.
In U.S. Patent No. 4,649,938 to William A. McArthur, an endocardial lead with an extendiblelretractable helix fixation means is described. The helix is mounted on a bobbin carried within the electrode tip. The bobbin and helix are retracted into the electrode tip by the action of a spring and are extended out of the tip by pressure from the end of the stylet inserted through a lumen in the lead.
In U.S. Patent No. 5,056,516 to Spehr described an endocardial lead with a flexible, tubular lanyard. The lanyard passed through a lumen from a proximal end of the lead to a distal end of the lead, where the lanyard was aftached to a sliding member supporting a helix. When the helix was in an exposed position, torque could be transmitted from the proximal end of the lanyard to the distal end thereof through a piston and thence to the helix to screw the helix into the endocardial tissue. To stiffen the lead during implantation, a stylet could be inserted into the lumen in the lanyard. The invention of this later patent has been assigned to the same assignee as our present invention. The patent was designated as an improvement on an invention of Bradshaw, U.S. Patent No. 4,913,164.
A removable lanyard and stylet was disclosed by Spehr and Foster in U.S. Patent 5,129,404. Brewer described a lead with a removable threaded stylet in U.S. Patent 4,924,881.
Disclosure of Invention In one aspect of the invention there is provided a lead for implantation in a patient, the lead including a catheter adapted for insertion into a chamber of the patient's heart having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough from the proximal end to the distal end. An electrode is slidingly received in the lumen of the distal end of the catheter. A coil conductor has at least one wire attached to the electrode and is disposed within the lumen and adapted to transmit electrical impulses between the electrode and the proximal end of the catheter. The coil conductor has an inside diameter and defines an access. Fixation means is attached distally to the electrode for securing the electrode to the lining of the heart chamber, the fixation means being adapted to fit within the lumen of the catheter. A wire coil segment is attached proximally to the electrode and is adapted for connection to a stylet. The coil segment has an expandable and retractable inside diameter, the inside diameter being smaller than the inside diameter of the coil conductor when retracted and having an axis parallel to the axis of the coil conductor. The wire coil segment forms a female thread within the coil conductor.
-3a-In other words, the present invention provides an implantable endocardial lead with retractable fixation means. In a preferred embodiment, the fixation means comprises a helix which can be repeatedly both retracted within a distal end of the lead and displaced outside the distal end of the lead. The lead defines a lumen from its proximal to its distal end. A specialized stylet can be inserted into the lumen at the proximal end and passed through the lead to the distal end.
Located at the distal end of the lead is a piston supporting the helix. The piston is preferably, but not necessarily, constrained to slide along the axis of the lead. The piston is attached to a coiled trifilar conductor and has an electrode adjacent the helix. Immediately adjacent the piston proximally an additional first short coil of wire is interlocked between the wires of the trifilar conductor. The short coil has about five to ten turns proximally from the piston and a smaller diameter than the trifilar conductor.
The stylet comprises a wire having a distal end or tip. Preferably, the distal tip has a slightly reduced section adjacent to the tip which is more flexible than the remaining stylet. Adjacent this section, we have attached a______________________________________________________________________________ __________ WO 96119259 ~ ~ PCTlUS9Sl162G4 second single strand short coil segment. This coil segment is spot welded to the stylet. In operatian, the stylet is inserted into the lead and rotated to screw the second shod coil segmene on the stylet into the first short coil adjacent the piston. The piston can then be pushed by the stylet to expose the helix, or putted by the engagement of the two short coils to withdraw the helix into the distal end of the lead. If too much tension is placed on the piston through the stylet, the short coils will disengage by the first coil being forced between the wires of the trifilar conductor. When the stylet is withdrawn so that the distal end does not overlap the first short coil, the first short coil will again collapse to its smaller diameter, thus making the apparatus self-healing. The stylet can then be rethreacied into the first short coil.
It is a principal object to provide an implantable endocardial lead with retractable fixation means wherein the fixation means can be repeatedly shielded and exposed during the implantation process.
A further object is to provide a lead wherein the ftxation means is selectively shielded within a distal end of the lead and wherein the fixation means is selectively exposed and shielded by the acfion of a removable stylet.
Another abject is to provide an implantable lead with a retractable fixation means which is self-healing.
These and ofher objects and features will be apparent from the detailed description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.
W0961192_59 ~ PCTlUS95116264 _5_ Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a prospective view of an implantable endocardial lead according to our invention.
' 5 FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a distal tip of the lead taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a stylet for use with the lead of FIG 1.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the distal tip of FIG.
2 with the stylet of FIG. 3 inserted therein.
Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout. FIG. 1 shows an endocardial lead, generally designated 10. The lead 10 has a suture sleeve 12 which slides along the lead 10 and which can be attached at an entrance into a vein of a patient in a conventional manner. The lead 10 also has an electrode 14 located at a distal end 16 of the lead.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lead 10 comprises a polyurethane sheath or catheter 18 which defines a lumen 20 along a longitudinal axis of the lead 10.
Within the lumen 20, there is a coil conductor 22 for transmitting electrical impulses between the electrode 14 and a proximal end 24 of the lead 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a trifilar conductor is shown as the coil conductor 22. The coil conductor 22 wraps around a crimp plug 26 at the distal end 16 of the lead 10.
The electrode 14 comprises a contact 28 and a conductive sleeve 30.
The conductive sleeve 30 fits over the crimp plug 26 and the coil conductor 22.
WO 96119259 r~ ~ ~ ~ PCTIGS951162h:1 A first single strand short coil segment 32 is interposed between the coils of the trifilar conductor 22 and adjacent crimp plug 26. As can best be seen in FIG. 4, the short coil segment 32 has a smaller normal interior diameter than does the trifilar conductor 22. This causes the short coil segment 32 to effectively form a thread within the trifilar conductor 22. The short coil segment 32 ext~:nds along the crimp plug 26 and for preferably between five and ten turns proximally from the crimp plug -26. The four elements just mentioned are secured together by a crimp 34 in the conductive sleeve 30.
A silicone rubber sheath 36 houses the electrode 14. The silicone rubber sheath 36 comprises a distal edge 38 wtrich is open to allow the electrode to be exposed. Near the distaff edge 38 is a radiopaque ring 40 which is useful to a physician in placing the lead 10 within the heart of the patient . Proximal from the radiopaque ring 40 is an hexagonal chamber 42.
The hexagonal chamber 42 houses a male hexagonal piston 44. The silicone rubber sheath 36 is connected to the polyurethane sheath 18 by a polyurethane splice tube 46. The silicone sheath 36 is glued to the polyurethane sheath 18 and the polyurethane splice tube 46 with silicone medical adhesive. Polyurethane adhesive bonds the polyurethane sheath 18 to the polyurethane splice tube 46.
In the illustrated embodiment, a fixation means is illustrated by a helix 48. The piston 44 and contact 28 support the helix 48 in relatively constant alignment along the longitudinal axis of the lead 10. The piston 44 slidably engages the hexagonal chamber 42 of the silicone sheath 36. In our preferred embodiment, the hexagonal chamber 42 and the hexagonal piston 44 permit the helix 48 to be rotated by rotating the entire lead. However, it is equally possible to omit this feature and permit the piston to rotate inside the electrode. Torque would be applied to the helix through a stylef, to be , described hereafter. Such a configuration would be especially well adapted for use in atrial leads, which frequently have a "J'° shape which prevents the entire lead from being turned.
11'096!19259 q ~~ PCTIUS95I1G26a A stylet 50 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The stylet 50 comprises a stylet wire 52. The stylet wire 52 has a handle 54 at a proximal end 56. A distal end 58 ~ is inserted info the lead 10. Adjacent the distal end 58 is a reduced diameter segment 60 which renders the stylet wire 52 slightly more flexible distally. A
second single strand coil segment 62 of wire is wound along the reduced segment 60. The single strand coil segment 62 has a distal end 64 and a proximal end 66. These ends 64, 66 are attached to the stylet, preferably by welding. The second coiled segment 62 has a similar pitch and inner diameter as the first short coil segment 32. The second coil segment 62 is preferably about 4 or 5 coils long. The first short segment 32 and the second Gail segment 62 thus form female and male threads respectively. Clearly, the short coil segment 62 could be replaced by actual threads, as suggested by Brewer, U. S. Patent 4,924,881.
The two short coil segments 32, 62 can threadably engage each other.
The stylet 50 passes through the coil 22 within the lumen 20 from the proximal end 24 to the distal end 16 of the lead 10. The distal end 58 of the stylet can then be threaded into the short coil segment 32. By pushing on the stylet a physician can expose the helix 48 outside of the distal end 16 of the lead 10.
By pulling on the stylet, the helix 48 can be withdrawn within the lead 10. If excessive force is used to withdraw the helix 48, the first short tail segment 32 will be expanded into the tri6lar conductor 22. However, as soon as the distal end 58 of the stylet has disengaged from the first coil segment 32, fhe first coil segment 32 will resume its previous smaller diameter, thus making this apparatus self-healing. During implantation, the helix 48 can be repeatedly moved into and out of the distal end 16 of the lead 10 until proper placement has been achieved. Then the physician can withdraw the stylet 50.
The styiet 50 can be replaced in the lead or withdrawn therefrom as often as desired. It can also be replaced in the lead after the lead has be implanted for a period of time, should it become necessary to reposition the lead and if it is desired to retract the helix within the lead.
Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout. FIG. 1 shows an endocardial lead, generally designated 10. The lead 10 has a suture sleeve 12 which slides along the lead 10 and which can be attached at an entrance into a vein of a patient in a conventional manner. The lead 10 also has an electrode 14 located at a distal end 16 of the lead.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lead 10 comprises a polyurethane sheath or catheter 18 which defines a lumen 20 along a longitudinal axis of the lead 10.
Within the lumen 20, there is a coil conductor 22 for transmitting electrical impulses between the electrode 14 and a proximal end 24 of the lead 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a trifilar conductor is shown as the coil conductor 22. The coil conductor 22 wraps around a crimp plug 26 at the distal end 16 of the lead 10.
The electrode 14 comprises a contact 28 and a conductive sleeve 30.
The conductive sleeve 30 fits over the crimp plug 26 and the coil conductor 22.
WO 96119259 r~ ~ ~ ~ PCTIGS951162h:1 A first single strand short coil segment 32 is interposed between the coils of the trifilar conductor 22 and adjacent crimp plug 26. As can best be seen in FIG. 4, the short coil segment 32 has a smaller normal interior diameter than does the trifilar conductor 22. This causes the short coil segment 32 to effectively form a thread within the trifilar conductor 22. The short coil segment 32 ext~:nds along the crimp plug 26 and for preferably between five and ten turns proximally from the crimp plug -26. The four elements just mentioned are secured together by a crimp 34 in the conductive sleeve 30.
A silicone rubber sheath 36 houses the electrode 14. The silicone rubber sheath 36 comprises a distal edge 38 wtrich is open to allow the electrode to be exposed. Near the distaff edge 38 is a radiopaque ring 40 which is useful to a physician in placing the lead 10 within the heart of the patient . Proximal from the radiopaque ring 40 is an hexagonal chamber 42.
The hexagonal chamber 42 houses a male hexagonal piston 44. The silicone rubber sheath 36 is connected to the polyurethane sheath 18 by a polyurethane splice tube 46. The silicone sheath 36 is glued to the polyurethane sheath 18 and the polyurethane splice tube 46 with silicone medical adhesive. Polyurethane adhesive bonds the polyurethane sheath 18 to the polyurethane splice tube 46.
In the illustrated embodiment, a fixation means is illustrated by a helix 48. The piston 44 and contact 28 support the helix 48 in relatively constant alignment along the longitudinal axis of the lead 10. The piston 44 slidably engages the hexagonal chamber 42 of the silicone sheath 36. In our preferred embodiment, the hexagonal chamber 42 and the hexagonal piston 44 permit the helix 48 to be rotated by rotating the entire lead. However, it is equally possible to omit this feature and permit the piston to rotate inside the electrode. Torque would be applied to the helix through a stylef, to be , described hereafter. Such a configuration would be especially well adapted for use in atrial leads, which frequently have a "J'° shape which prevents the entire lead from being turned.
11'096!19259 q ~~ PCTIUS95I1G26a A stylet 50 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The stylet 50 comprises a stylet wire 52. The stylet wire 52 has a handle 54 at a proximal end 56. A distal end 58 ~ is inserted info the lead 10. Adjacent the distal end 58 is a reduced diameter segment 60 which renders the stylet wire 52 slightly more flexible distally. A
second single strand coil segment 62 of wire is wound along the reduced segment 60. The single strand coil segment 62 has a distal end 64 and a proximal end 66. These ends 64, 66 are attached to the stylet, preferably by welding. The second coiled segment 62 has a similar pitch and inner diameter as the first short coil segment 32. The second coil segment 62 is preferably about 4 or 5 coils long. The first short segment 32 and the second Gail segment 62 thus form female and male threads respectively. Clearly, the short coil segment 62 could be replaced by actual threads, as suggested by Brewer, U. S. Patent 4,924,881.
The two short coil segments 32, 62 can threadably engage each other.
The stylet 50 passes through the coil 22 within the lumen 20 from the proximal end 24 to the distal end 16 of the lead 10. The distal end 58 of the stylet can then be threaded into the short coil segment 32. By pushing on the stylet a physician can expose the helix 48 outside of the distal end 16 of the lead 10.
By pulling on the stylet, the helix 48 can be withdrawn within the lead 10. If excessive force is used to withdraw the helix 48, the first short tail segment 32 will be expanded into the tri6lar conductor 22. However, as soon as the distal end 58 of the stylet has disengaged from the first coil segment 32, fhe first coil segment 32 will resume its previous smaller diameter, thus making this apparatus self-healing. During implantation, the helix 48 can be repeatedly moved into and out of the distal end 16 of the lead 10 until proper placement has been achieved. Then the physician can withdraw the stylet 50.
The styiet 50 can be replaced in the lead or withdrawn therefrom as often as desired. It can also be replaced in the lead after the lead has be implanted for a period of time, should it become necessary to reposition the lead and if it is desired to retract the helix within the lead.
Claims (11)
1. A lead assembly for implantation in apatient, the assembly comprising:
a catheter (18) adapted for insertion into a chamber of the patient's heart having a proximal end (24) and a distal end (16) and a lumen (20) extending therethrough from said proximal end (24) to said distal end (16) thereof;
an electrode (14) slidingly received within said lumen at said distal end (16) of said catheter (18), a coil conductor (22) liaving at least one wire attached to said electrode and being disposed within said lumen (20) and adapted to transmit electrical impulses between the electrode and said proximal end of said catheter, said coil conductor (22) having an inside diameter;
fixation means (48) attached distally to said electrode for securing said electrode (14) to the lining of the heart chamber, the fixation means being adapted to fit within the lumen of said catheter; and a stylet (50) adapted to be received within said coil conductor (22) characterized by a wire coil (32) attached to said electrode (14), said coil (32) having an expandable and retractable inside diameter, said inside diameter being smaller than said inside diameter of said coil conductor (22) when retracted;
said stylet (50) having a threaded segment (62) at a distal end thereof, said threaded segment (62) being adapted to engage said wire coil (32); and whereby said wire coil can be displaced into said coil conductor by said threaded segment of said stylet, thereby disengaging said stylet by expanding said inner diameter of said wire coil, said wire coil being restored to its original inner diameter after removal of said threaded segment from said wire coil.
a catheter (18) adapted for insertion into a chamber of the patient's heart having a proximal end (24) and a distal end (16) and a lumen (20) extending therethrough from said proximal end (24) to said distal end (16) thereof;
an electrode (14) slidingly received within said lumen at said distal end (16) of said catheter (18), a coil conductor (22) liaving at least one wire attached to said electrode and being disposed within said lumen (20) and adapted to transmit electrical impulses between the electrode and said proximal end of said catheter, said coil conductor (22) having an inside diameter;
fixation means (48) attached distally to said electrode for securing said electrode (14) to the lining of the heart chamber, the fixation means being adapted to fit within the lumen of said catheter; and a stylet (50) adapted to be received within said coil conductor (22) characterized by a wire coil (32) attached to said electrode (14), said coil (32) having an expandable and retractable inside diameter, said inside diameter being smaller than said inside diameter of said coil conductor (22) when retracted;
said stylet (50) having a threaded segment (62) at a distal end thereof, said threaded segment (62) being adapted to engage said wire coil (32); and whereby said wire coil can be displaced into said coil conductor by said threaded segment of said stylet, thereby disengaging said stylet by expanding said inner diameter of said wire coil, said wire coil being restored to its original inner diameter after removal of said threaded segment from said wire coil.
2. The lead assembly according to claim 1 wherein said wire coil is disposed along said at least one wine of said coil conductor.
3. The lead assembly according to claim 2 wherein said threaded segment on said stylet comprises a coiled wire secured to said stylet.
4. The load assembly according to any of claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein the fixation means comprises a helix.
5. The lead assembly according to claim 4 further comprising means (43, 44) for preventing the helix from rotating with respect to said catheter.
6. The lead assembly according to claim 5 wherein the rotation preventing means comprises an hexagonal inner surface on the catheter and a mating hexagonal outer surface on the electrode.
7. A lead for implantation in a patient, the lead comprising:
a catheter (18) adapted for insertion into a chamber of the patient's heart having a proximal end (24) and a distal end (16) and a lumen (20) extending therethrough from said proximal end (24) to said distal end (16) thereof;
an electrode (14) slidingly received within said lumen (20) at said distal end (16) of said catheter (18), a coil conductor (22) having at least one wire attached to said electrode (11) and being disposed within said lumen (20) and adapted to transmit electrical impulses between the electrode (14) and said proximal end (24) of said catheter (18), said coil conductor 922) having an inside diameter and defining an axis;
and fixation means (48) attached distally to said electrode (14) for securing said electrode (14) to the lining of the heart chamber, the fixation means (48) being adapted to fit within the lumen (20) of said catheter (18);
characterized by a wire coil segment (32) attached proximally to said electrode (14) and adapted for connection to a stylet, said coil segment (32) having an expandable and retractable inside diameter, said inside diameter being smaller than said inside diameter of said coil conductor (22) when retracted and having an axis parallel to said axis of said coil conductor (22), said wire coil segment (32) forming a female thread within said coil conductor.
a catheter (18) adapted for insertion into a chamber of the patient's heart having a proximal end (24) and a distal end (16) and a lumen (20) extending therethrough from said proximal end (24) to said distal end (16) thereof;
an electrode (14) slidingly received within said lumen (20) at said distal end (16) of said catheter (18), a coil conductor (22) having at least one wire attached to said electrode (11) and being disposed within said lumen (20) and adapted to transmit electrical impulses between the electrode (14) and said proximal end (24) of said catheter (18), said coil conductor 922) having an inside diameter and defining an axis;
and fixation means (48) attached distally to said electrode (14) for securing said electrode (14) to the lining of the heart chamber, the fixation means (48) being adapted to fit within the lumen (20) of said catheter (18);
characterized by a wire coil segment (32) attached proximally to said electrode (14) and adapted for connection to a stylet, said coil segment (32) having an expandable and retractable inside diameter, said inside diameter being smaller than said inside diameter of said coil conductor (22) when retracted and having an axis parallel to said axis of said coil conductor (22), said wire coil segment (32) forming a female thread within said coil conductor.
8. The lead according to claim, 7 wherein said wire coil is disposed along said at least one wire of said coil conductor.
9. The lead assembly according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the fixation means comprises a helix.
10. The lead assembly according to claim 9 further comprising means (42, 44) for preventing the helix from rotating with respect to said catheter.
11. The lead assembly according to claim 10 wherein the rotation preventing means comprise an hexagonal inner surface on the catheter and a mating hexagonal outer surface on the electrode.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/358,936 US5593433A (en) | 1994-12-19 | 1994-12-19 | Implantable endocardial lead with self-healing retractable fixation apparatus |
| US08/358,936 | 1994-12-19 | ||
| PCT/US1995/016264 WO1996019259A1 (en) | 1994-12-19 | 1995-12-18 | Implantable endocardial lead with self-healing retractable fixation apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2198100A1 CA2198100A1 (en) | 1996-06-27 |
| CA2198100C true CA2198100C (en) | 2001-06-05 |
Family
ID=23411644
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002198100A Expired - Fee Related CA2198100C (en) | 1994-12-19 | 1995-12-18 | Implantable endocardial lead with self-healing retractable fixation apparatus |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5593433A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0799075B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10512466A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2198100C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69518543T2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996019259A1 (en) |
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| EP1378262A3 (en) * | 1998-06-12 | 2004-03-17 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Modified guidewire for left ventricular access lead |
| US6108582A (en) | 1998-07-02 | 2000-08-22 | Intermedics Inc. | Cardiac pacemaker lead with extendable/retractable fixation |
| US6463334B1 (en) | 1998-11-02 | 2002-10-08 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Extendable and retractable lead |
| US6501990B1 (en) | 1999-12-23 | 2002-12-31 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Extendable and retractable lead having a snap-fit terminal connector |
| SE9901032D0 (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 1999-03-22 | Pacesetter Ab | Medical electrode lead |
| US20040236396A1 (en) * | 1999-04-05 | 2004-11-25 | Coe Michael Sean | Lead locking device and method |
| US8428747B2 (en) * | 1999-04-05 | 2013-04-23 | The Spectranetics Corp. | Lead locking device and method |
| US7499756B2 (en) * | 1999-04-05 | 2009-03-03 | Spectranetics | Lead locking device and method |
| US6167315A (en) * | 1999-04-05 | 2000-12-26 | Spectranetics Corporation | Lead locking device and method |
| US6269272B1 (en) | 1999-08-03 | 2001-07-31 | Intermedics, Inc. | Cardiac pacemaker lead with dual pitch fixation apparatus |
| SE0000548D0 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2000-02-18 | Pacesetter Ab | Electrode |
| US6512959B1 (en) * | 2000-11-28 | 2003-01-28 | Pacesetter, Inc. | Double threaded stylet for extraction of leads with a threaded electrode |
| US6611710B2 (en) | 2000-11-29 | 2003-08-26 | Pacesetter, Inc. | Double threaded stylet for extraction of leads with a threaded electrode |
| US20020072737A1 (en) * | 2000-12-08 | 2002-06-13 | Medtronic, Inc. | System and method for placing a medical electrical lead |
| US6763270B1 (en) | 2001-08-07 | 2004-07-13 | Pacesetter, Inc. | Lead extraction mechanism for active fixation leads |
| AU2002952663A0 (en) * | 2002-11-14 | 2002-11-28 | Western Sydney Area Health Service | An intramural needle-tipped surgical device |
| US7245973B2 (en) | 2003-12-23 | 2007-07-17 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | His bundle mapping, pacing, and injection lead |
| US7831311B2 (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2010-11-09 | Medtronic, Inc. | Reduced axial stiffness implantable medical lead |
| US7519432B2 (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2009-04-14 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical lead with helical reinforcement |
| US20060089692A1 (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2006-04-27 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical lead with stylet guide tube |
| US7761170B2 (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2010-07-20 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical lead with axially oriented coiled wire conductors |
| US8005544B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2011-08-23 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Endocardial pacing devices and methods useful for resynchronization and defibrillation |
| AR047851A1 (en) * | 2004-12-20 | 2006-03-01 | Giniger Alberto German | A NEW MARCAPASOS THAT RESTORES OR PRESERVES THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ELECTRIC DRIVING OF THE HEART AND A METHOD OF APPLICATION |
| US8423139B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2013-04-16 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Methods, devices and systems for cardiac rhythm management using an electrode arrangement |
| US8010191B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2011-08-30 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Systems, devices and methods for monitoring efficiency of pacing |
| US8290586B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2012-10-16 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Methods, devices and systems for single-chamber pacing using a dual-chamber pacing device |
| US8010192B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2011-08-30 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Endocardial pacing relating to conduction abnormalities |
| US8326423B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2012-12-04 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Devices and methods for steering electrical stimulation in cardiac rhythm management |
| EP2144664B1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2013-06-12 | St. Jude Medical AB | A medical implantable lead with a header at a distal end and a marker thereon |
| US20090275862A1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Cook Incorporated | Guidewire and method of making same |
| AU2009327369B2 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2012-10-11 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Devices, methods, and systems including cardiac pacing |
| DE102009033767B4 (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2012-07-12 | Heraeus Precious Metals Gmbh & Co. Kg | Connection element for conduction coil |
| DE102009033770B4 (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2012-11-08 | Heraeus Precious Metals Gmbh & Co. Kg | Connection between stimulation electrode and conduction coil |
| DE102009033769B4 (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2012-09-20 | Heraeus Precious Metals Gmbh & Co. Kg | Crimp connection between stimulation electrode and conduction coil |
| US8565880B2 (en) | 2010-04-27 | 2013-10-22 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | His-bundle capture verification and monitoring |
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| US3974834A (en) * | 1975-04-23 | 1976-08-17 | Medtronic, Inc. | Body-implantable lead |
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| US4649938A (en) * | 1985-04-29 | 1987-03-17 | Mcarthur William A | Tissue-stimulating electrode having sealed, low-friction extendable/retractable active fixation means |
| US4913164A (en) * | 1988-09-27 | 1990-04-03 | Intermedics, Inc. | Extensible passive fixation mechanism for lead assembly of an implantable cardiac stimulator |
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| US5011482A (en) * | 1989-01-17 | 1991-04-30 | Cook Pacemaker Corporation | Apparatus for removing an elongated structure implanted in biological tissue |
| US5013310A (en) * | 1988-11-09 | 1991-05-07 | Cook Pacemaker Corporation | Method and apparatus for removing an implanted pacemaker lead |
| US4924881A (en) * | 1989-05-12 | 1990-05-15 | Intermedics, Inc. | Implantable endocardial lead with fixation device retractable by threaded stylet |
| US4972848A (en) * | 1989-08-23 | 1990-11-27 | Medtronic, Inc. | Medical electrical lead with polymeric monolithic controlled release device and method of manufacture |
| US5003992A (en) * | 1989-08-23 | 1991-04-02 | Holleman Timothy W | Atraumatic screw-in lead |
| US5056516A (en) * | 1989-11-02 | 1991-10-15 | Intermedics, Inc. | Implantable endocordial lead with torque-transmitting lanyard |
| US5020545A (en) * | 1990-01-23 | 1991-06-04 | Siemens-Pacesetter, Inc. | Cardiac lead assembly and method of attaching a cardiac lead assembly |
| US5129404A (en) * | 1990-12-21 | 1992-07-14 | Intermedics, Inc. | Implantable endocardial lead with retractable fixation apparatus |
| FR2696348B1 (en) * | 1992-10-01 | 1994-12-09 | Dev Et | Electrode for a retractable biological screw cardiac stimulation device. |
| US5421348A (en) * | 1993-11-29 | 1995-06-06 | Cordis Corporation | Rotating guidewire extension system with mechanically locking extension wire |
-
1994
- 1994-12-19 US US08/358,936 patent/US5593433A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1995
- 1995-12-18 CA CA002198100A patent/CA2198100C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-12-18 JP JP8519889A patent/JPH10512466A/en active Pending
- 1995-12-18 DE DE69518543T patent/DE69518543T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-12-18 EP EP95943794A patent/EP0799075B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-12-18 WO PCT/US1995/016264 patent/WO1996019259A1/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH10512466A (en) | 1998-12-02 |
| US5593433A (en) | 1997-01-14 |
| EP0799075B1 (en) | 2000-08-23 |
| EP0799075A1 (en) | 1997-10-08 |
| CA2198100A1 (en) | 1996-06-27 |
| DE69518543T2 (en) | 2001-06-13 |
| WO1996019259A1 (en) | 1996-06-27 |
| DE69518543D1 (en) | 2000-09-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |