Lead insertion tool for hemostatic introducer system
AssigneeCardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
InventorsCurtis C. Lindstrom, James D. Kadera
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tool for protecting a cardiac stimulating lead from damage upon passing through a hemostasis valve of a vascular introducer in the course of an implantation procedure comprises a splittable, peal-away sheath that is rendered sufficiently rigid by a tool dilator or placement of the lead body within the sheath so that the combination can be forced through a self-closing aperture formed through the hemostatic valve member. The use of the tubular sheath in breaching the self-closing aperture shields the lead electrodes and any covering that may be present from becoming distorted as well as from contamination by silicon oil commonly found in vascular introducers having a hemostasis valve.
Claims12
A lead insertion tool adapted for use with a lead introducer having an elastomeric hemostasis valve with a self-closing aperture, said tool comprising:
- (a) a tubular sheath having a relatively thin wall at least one longitudinal groove formed inwardly thereof to facilitate rupture of the sheath along said groove and a lumen sized to receive a medical lead therethrough;
- and
- (b) a tool dilator having a generally rigid shaft which when inserted through the lumen of the tubular sheath renders the sheath sufficiently rigid to allow insertion of the sheath and dilator through the self-closing aperture of the lead introducer.
A lead insertion tool adapted for use with a lead introducer having an elastomeric hemostasis valve with a self-closing aperture formed therethrough, said tool comprising:
- (a) a tubular sheath having a relatively thin wall with at least one longitudinally groove formed inwardly thereof to facilitate rupture of the sheath along said groove and a lumen sized to receive a lead body therethrough with a predetermined clearance fit, the tubular sheath being sufficiently rigid to be insertable through the self-closing aperture of the hemostasis valve.
A method for facilitating insertion of a relatively limp medical lead through a self-closing aperture in an elastomeric hemostasis valve of a lead introducer comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a lead insertion tool having a tubular sheath with a wall defining a lumen, the wall having at least one longitudinal groove formed inwardly thereof to facilitate rupture of the sheath along said groove, said lumen sized to receive a lead body therethrough with a predetermined clearance fit, said tubular sheath being sufficiently rigid when surrounding a lead to allow insertion through the self-closing aperture of the hemostasis valve;
- (b) inserting a distal end portion of a medical lead into the lumen of the tubular sheath;
- (c) inserting the tubular sheath containing the distal end portion of the medical lead through the self-closing aperture of the elastomeric hemostasis valve;
- (d) sliding the tubular sheath in a proximal direction along the lead body and out from the self-closing aperture leaving the lead body in place;
- and
- (e) removing the tubular sheath by tearing same along the longitudinal wall.
A method for facilitating insertion of a relatively limp medical lead through a self-closing aperture in an elastomeric hemostasis valve of a lead introducer comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a lead insertion tool having a tubular sheath with a wall defining a lumen, the wall having at least one longitudinal groove formed inwardly thereof to facilitate rupture of the sheath along said groove, said lumen sized to receive a lead body therethrough with a predetermined clearance fit, said tubular sheath being sufficiently rigid when surrounding a lead to allow insertion through the self-closing aperture of the hemostasis valve;
- (b) providing a tool dilator having a generally rigid shaft of a predetermined length and diameter;
- (c) inserting the tool dilator into the lumen of the tubular sheath;
- (d) passing the tubular sheath with the tool dilator through the self-closing aperture of the hemostasis valve;
- (e) removing the tool dilator from the lead insertion tool;
- and
- (f) inserting a distal end of the medical lead through the lumen of the lead insertion tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.