Method and apparatus for subcutaneously advancing a device between locations

摘要

A method and apparatus (10) for advancing a device (12) underneath the skin (102) in a mammalian body comprises a casing (50) made of a magnetic material. The casing (50) has a closed tip (64) at one end and an aperture (65) in an opposite end. The casing (50) includes an annular inner surface (70) that defines a cavity (76) within the casing for receiving a device (12) that projects through the aperture (65). The casing (50) further includes structure for attaching to the device (12). The casing (50) is operable to advance the device (12) through tissue (100) underlying the skin (102) in response to movement of a magnetic field across the skin.