Method of using finishing wire with large ball-nose tip

#The invention relates generally to methods of using finishing wires, and more particularly to method of using finishing wires involving securing of leads during cardiac pacing lead implantation procedures.

#Implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs) are well known and effective devices for treating patients with cardiac rhythmic dysfunction. The ICD has a pulse generator and an electrical lead with an electrode at the tip. The ICD implantation procedure generally takes about two hours and is relatively low risk, as it rarely requires open heart surgery. Usually, one to two lead wires are placed through a large vein in the chest and threaded down to the inside of the heart. The lead wires are then connected to the pulse generator, which is placed in a pocket under the skin of the patient.

#The details of the implantation procedure vary depending of the condition and anatomy of the patient, but typically a guiding catheter is introduced through a major blood vessel such as the cephalic vein. The catheter is then moved through the vasculature to locate an access vessel of interest in the heart, such as the coronary sinus ostium. The catheter can either be navigated on its own through the venous pathway to the ostium or be slid over a previously inserted guide wire. After the coronary sinus ostium has been located by the guiding catheter, an ICD lead can be inserted through the catheter into the coronary sinus or one of its branches.

#FIG. 1 is an external view of a finishing wire particularly well suited for use when inserting a payload into a destination vessel of a patient's heart according to one embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 2 is an external view of the finishing wire from FIG. 1 showing sectional measurements; and

#FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of a pacing lead showing the distal end of a uniquely shaped finishing wire interfacing with the pacing lead during a lead implantation procedure.

#While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It is to be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

#In the following description of the illustrated embodiments, references are made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

#The present invention is directed to methods of using a uniquely shaped finishing wire. The present invention is particularly useful during catheter removal after implantation of an implantable cardiac device, such as a pacing lead. A finishing wire methodology of the present invention employs a finishing wire having a unique tip shape that is optimized for this task.