ROTATABLE LEAD INTRODUCER

摘要

Minimally invasive introducers and methods that can be used for rotationally securing devices within the human body. Introducers can include a distal element (56) for releasably engaging a lead head controllable from a proxima l control (54) located outside of the body. An inner stem (108) can extend between a proximal portion and a distal portion, and be pivotally and rotatably coupled to the distal lead engagement mechanism. An outer tube (11 8) can be rotatably disposed over the inner stem and be flexibly coupled over t he pivot to rotationally drive the distal element. A helical epicardial- myocardial lead electrode can be secured and oriented straight ahead and introduced through a port or small incision with the introducer in a straigh t configuration. The introducer can then be bent and rotated to screw the helical electrode into the heart.