The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 28, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 09, 1999
Michael E. McIvor, St. Petersburg, FL (US);
Kenneth C. Gardeski, Plymouth, MN (US);
Pedro A. Meregotte, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Mathew D. Bonner, Plymouth, MN (US);
Timothy G. Laske, Shoreview, MN (US);
Linda L. Lach, Vadnais Heights, MN (US);
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
An introducer or guide catheter for directing an implantable medical device such as a lead or catheter to a desired location within a patient's body. In one embodiment of the invention, the introducer comprises a two-lumen tube. A first lumen is configured to receive the implantable medical device that is to be introduced. A second lumen is provided to receive an insertable, elongated guiding member such as a stylet, which may be shapable in various orientations, and which may be used to alter the configuration of the introducer. The second lumen may be provided with an internal coil or other tubular reinforcement member to prevent perforation of this lumen by the guiding member when the introducer is in the patient's body. In order to facilitate removal of the introducer over an implantable medical device having a connector or fitting that is larger than the internal diameter of the first lumen, the introducer may be adapted to be slit or split along its length. In some embodiments of the invention, the introducer may be rendered splittable by provision of a weakened zone along its length. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the introducer may be provided with a luer lock at its proximal end to facilitate connection of the introducer to a hemostasis valve, t-fitting, or the like.