Slitting tool
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorsKenneth C. Gardeski, Stanten C. Spear, Andrzej M. Malewicz, Jeremy J. Odegard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A slitting tool is provided for severing a tubular body such as the body of an introducer or a guide catheter that is positioned around an implantable medical device (IMD) such as a lead or another catheter. The slitting tool includes a body member that has a surface adapted to be gripped by a user. The surface includes a channel that is provided to align the IMD with respect to the body of the slitting tool. The gripping action of the user maintains the IMD within the channel such that the channel need not attach to the IMD. The slitting tool includes a cutting member coupled to the body member and positioned to sever the tubular body without severing the IMD.
Claims36
A slitting tool for use in severing a tubular body positioned around an implantable medical device (IMD), comprising:
- a body member having a surface adapted to be gripped by a user, the surface having a channel to align the IMD, and whereby gripping action of the user maintains the IMD within the channel;
- and
- a cutting member coupled to the body member and positioned to sever the tubular body without severing the IMD.
A method for allowing a user to sever a tubular body positioned around an implantable medical device (IMD), comprising:
- a.) providing a slitting tool having a cutting member and a surface adapted to be gripped by a user, the surface having a channel to align the IMD;
- b.) aligning a portion of the IMD within the channel;
- c.) positioning a finger of the user over the channel to maintain the IMD in position;
- and
- d.) directing the IMD toward the cutting member.
A slitting tool for use in severing a tubular body positioned around an implantable medical device (IMD), comprising:
- body means for gripping by a user, the body means having channel means for aligning the IMD, and whereby gripping action of the user maintains the IMD within the channel means;
- and
- cutting means for severing the tubular body without severing the IMD.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.