DOTTERING TOOLS FOR IMPLANTING MEDICAL DEVICES

摘要

Insertion tools for medical applications. An illustrative example is an insertion tool for implanting a lead such as a subcutaneous defibrillation lead, which includes a handle at a proximal end, a catheter, and a distal end. A plurality of stylets having dottering tips are provided in the insertion tool. Reciprocating action of the dottering tips and/or stylets is imparted to dissect through subcutaneous tissue and create a tunnel for implantation of the lead.

主权项

1. A method of implanting a subcutaneous lead using a dottering tool to establish a tunnel for the subcutaneous lead, the dottering tool having a catheter with proximal and distal ends, a handle at the proximal end of the catheter, a plurality of stylets having dottering tips, and an actuator coupled to the plurality of stylets to drive the stylets in reciprocating motion, the method comprising:
inserting the dottering tool through an incision into a subcutaneous space of a patient; activating reciprocating motion of the plurality of dottering tips; and forming a tunnel by advancing the dottering tool with the dottering tips activated in reciprocating motion through subcutaneous tissue of the patient, wherein the dottering tips dissect the subcutaneous tissue by their reciprocating motion as the tunnel is formed by advancement of the dottering tool.