MULTI-PURPOSE MEDICAL TOOLS AND METHODS FOR GAINING ACCESS TO EXTRAVASCULAR SPACES IN A PATIENT

摘要

This disclosure describes various examples of multi-purpose tools and associated methods for safely gaining access to extravascular spaces. The multi-purpose tools described herein are particularly suited for safely gaining access to the sub-sternal space underneath the sternum/ribcage as well as tunneling subcutaneously above the ribcage for the purpose of positioning of a medical electrical lead. This eliminates the need for separate tools for tunneling in different extravascular spaces by providing a single tool capable of the multiple uses.

主权项

1. A multi-purpose tunneling tool comprising:
an elongate tunneling member including a relatively straight proximal segment, a distal segment, and a blunt tip, the proximal segment defining a longitudinal axis of the tunneling member, the distal segment extending along a single pre-formed bend from the proximal segment to the blunt tip, the distal segment being co-planar with the proximal segment, and the segments enclosing an angle of between approximately 150 degrees and approximately 170 degrees; a handle including a lock-and-release mechanism that forms a junction between the handle and the proximal segment of the tunneling member; and an alignment horn extending from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, alongside and coplanar with the tunneling member, the horn being relatively straight between the first and second ends thereof and substantially parallel to the tunneling member proximal segment, the first end of the alignment horn being coupled to the handle; and wherein the lock-and-release mechanism of the handle is configured to allow detachment of the handle from the tunneling member, and to allow rotation of the tunneling member 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis thereof, relative to the handle, from a first position to a second position, the tunneling member distal segment extending directly toward the alignment horn in the first position, and the tunneling member distal segment extending directly away from the alignment horn in the second position.