SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRODE PLACEMENT IN THE PERICARDIAL SAC OF A PATIENT

摘要

A device for stabilizing an electrode adjacent to a sympathetic nerve of a patient includes an elongated placement catheter having an electrode mounted at its distal end. The placement catheter is dimensioned for advancement through the potential space between the myocardium and the pericardial sac around the heart muscle of the patient, to position the electrode adjacent the sympathetic nerve. When activated, an engagement mechanism on the placement catheter inserts an anchor into the myocardium to stabilize and maintain the location of the electrode relative to the sympathetic nerve.

主权项

1. A device for stabilizing an electrode adjacent to a sympathetic nerve of a patient to stimulate the nerve for improved heart muscle function which comprises:
an elongated placement catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, with the electrode mounted at the distal end of the placement catheter, wherein the placement catheter is dimensioned for insertion into the potential space between the myocardium and the pericardial sac around the heart muscle, and for advancement of the placement catheter through the potential space to position the electrode adjacent a sympathetic nerve; an engagement mechanism located on the placement catheter adjacent the electrode; and a means for activating the engagement mechanism to insert an anchor therefrom into the myocardium to stabilize and maintain the location of the electrode relative to the sympathetic nerve.