INTERVENTIONAL MEDICAL SYSTEMS, TOOLS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

摘要

A tool of an interventional medical systems system includes a core configured to be temporarily attached to the implantable medical device, as the tool deploys the device to expose a fixation member of the device for engagement with tissue at a target implant site; the core is then employed to verify adequate fixation of the deployed device via a tug test. An operator determines that the device is adequately fixed by the engaged fixation member, if a tug force that is applied to the core modifies the temporary attachment between the core and the device, to allow release of the device from the temporary attachment. A tether, which is fixedly attached to the core, may be employed to create the temporary attachment between the core and the device, or the temporary attachment may be created by a snap fit formed between the core and the attachment structure of the device.

主权项

1. A method for deploying an implantable medical device, the device comprising an attachment structure and a fixation member, the fixation member being configured to engage tissue at an implant site, and the method comprising:
loading the device into a distal-most portion of a delivery tool, such that the attachment structure of the device is located in proximity to a distal opening of a core of the tool; creating a temporary attachment between the attachment structure of the device and the core of the tool, either before or after loading the device, the temporary attachment being located in proximity to the distal opening of the core; advancing the delivery tool within a venous system of a patient to locate the loaded and temporarily attached medical device at a target implant site; retracting the distal-most portion of the delivery tool relative to the core and the device, after advancing the delivery tool, to expose the fixation member of the device for engagement of tissue at the implant site; performing a tug test by applying a tug force to the core of the delivery tool, after engaging the fixation member; and determining that the device is adequately fixed by the engaged fixation member, if the tug test modifies the temporary attachment to allow release of the device from the temporary attachment.