Introducer for therapy delivery elements

摘要

The disclosure describes an introducer for facilitating implantation of therapy elements into a patient. The introducer has an elongated body that defines a lumen for advancement of a therapy element to an implant site, and includes a curved portion medially located between substantially straight proximal and distal portions. As an example, the shape of the introducer may allow a clinician to more easily, and without substantially damaging surrounding tissue, find the correct tissue depth and follow that tissue depth to the implant site. For example, the introducer may facilitate implantation of a therapy element within or between desired layers of tissue of the patient. In some embodiments, fluid may be injected through the introducer to create a space within the tissue to implant the therapy element. Fluid may also be evacuated through the introducer prior to implantation.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
inserting an introducer into a patient, the introducer comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion into tissue of the patient, the elongated body defining a lumen; advancing the distal end of the elongated body through tissue of the patient to a position within the patient proximate to a therapy delivery site; introducing fluid proximate the distal end of the elongated body to create a space proximate to the therapy delivery site; and advancing a therapy element from the proximal end of the elongated body to the distal end of the elongated body through the lumen to position the therapy element within the space proximate to the therapy delivery site, wherein the therapy element includes at least one of a group consisting of:
an implantable medical device;a medical lead including an electrode; anda catheter configured to deliver a therapeutic agent.