Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
An insertion tool for installing a positive fixation cardiac stimulation lead of the type comprising an elongated flexible insulated conductor having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end connected to a rigid open conductive helix, said helix projecting from an insulative head member, said head member having a smooth surface, said tool comprising: (a) a rigid cylindrical, elongated handle; (b) a suction cup member affixed to one end of said rigid handle, said suction cup member having a concave surface conforming to said smooth surface of said head member; (c) means affixed to said handle for retaining said insulated conductor adjacent the length of said elongated handle when said suction cup member grips said smooth surface of said head member; and (d) means for selectively breaking a vacuum between said suction cup member and said smooth surface of said head member from a location remote from said suction cup member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
An insertion tool for installing a positive fixation cardiac stimulation lead of the type comprising an elongated flexible insulated conductor having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end connected to a rigid open conductive helix, said helix projecting from an insulative head member, said head member having a smooth surface, said tool comprising: (a) a rigid cylindrical, elongated handle; (b) a suction cup member affixed to one end of said rigid handle, said suction cup member having a concave surface conforming to said smooth surface of said head member; (c) means affixed to said handle for retaining said insulated conductor adjacent the length of said elongated handle when said suction cup member grips said smooth surface of said head member; and (d) means for selectively breaking a vacuum between said suction cup member and said smooth surface of said head member from a location remote from said suction cup member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The insertion tool as in claim 1 wherein said rigid cylindrical handle is a tube having a central bore extending the length thereof and wherein said means for selectively breaking further includes a rigid rod slidingly disposed in said central bore, said rod being longer than the length of said handle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sutureless myocardial lead implantation device of claim 1, wherein said rigid cylindrical, elongated handle is comprised of a rigid plastic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The insertion tool of claim 1, wherein said suction cup member is formed from an elastomeric material.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of attaching a positive fixation cardiac stimulating lead to a living heart comprising the steps of: (a) providing a positive fixation lead having a rigid, helical electrode projecting normally from a lead head, said lead head having a smooth surface; (b) providing a lead insertion tool having an elongated rigid tubular handle with a proximal end and a distal end, there being a suction cup affixed to said distal end and a rigid rod extending through the center of said tubular handle and projecting beyond said proximal end; (c) pressing said suction cup against said smooth surface to create a vacuum therebetween; (d) positioning said helical electrode against the heart while rotating said handle to screw said helical electrode into said heart; and (e) depressing the exposed end of said rigid rod to distort said suction cup to the point of breaking the vacuum.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of attaching a positive fixation cardiac stimulating lead to a living heart comprising the steps of: (a) providing a positive fixation lead having a rigid, helical electrode projecting normally from a lead head, said lead head having a smooth surface; (b) providing a lead insertion tool having an elongated rigid tubular handle with a proximal end and a distal end, there being a suction cup affixed to said distal end and a rigid rod extending through the center of said tubular handle and projecting beyond said proximal end; (c) pressing said suction cup against said smooth surface to create a vacuum therebetween; (d) positioning said helical electrode against the heart while rotating said handle to screw said helical electrode into said heart; and (e) depressing the exposed end of said rigid rod to distort said suction cup to the point of breaking the vacuum.