Pacing Lead Conversion Tool for Helix Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip-on tools for rotating a connector pin in extendable cardiac pacing leads do not prevent spontaneous retraction of the helix during burrowing into target tissue, compromising fixation and pacing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A pacing lead conversion tool that temporarily converts an extendable cardiac pacing lead into a fixed lead by constraining the connector pin relative to the lead body, using a tool body with a central lumen and friction fits to resist spontaneous helix retraction, allowing for torque-limited rotation and facilitating stylet exchange and surgical cable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clip-on tool is used to rotate the connector pin for helix extension, then the helix can be extended to engage target tissue, but the tool cannot prevent spontaneous retraction of the helix during burrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion tool serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the extendable lead and the fixed lead configuration. By inserting the lead into the tool's central lumen and using the friction fit between the tool body and connector pin, the tool temporarily converts the lead into a fixed configuration, preventing helix retraction during burrowing while maintaining the ability to rotate the connector pin for helix extension when needed
2Ease of operation
If the connector pin is freely rotatable for helix extension, then helix deployment is easy, but spontaneous retraction occurs during burrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion tool implements dynamic control of the connector pin rotation. The friction fit between the tool body and connector pin allows controlled rotation for helix extension while preventing uncontrolled retraction during burrowing. The tool can be torqued to rotate the connector pin when needed, but resists torque that would cause spontaneous retraction, providing dynamic adjustment of helix position stability
3Reliability
If the tool body provides tight friction fit for connector pin, then helix retraction is prevented, but torque-limited rotation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion tool utilizes changes in friction parameters to achieve different operational modes. The friction fit between the tool body and connector pin is designed to be tight enough to prevent spontaneous retraction during burrowing, but the tool can be torqued to rotate the connector pin when needed for helix extension. The friction fit provides a threshold that distinguishes between normal operational rotation and harmful retraction forces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool reduces the likelihood of spontaneous helix retraction, ensuring effective delivery and fixation of the pacing lead, thereby enhancing the implantation process and maintaining stable pacing.
Implementation Method 1
The central lumen includes a locking lumen segment having a connector body subsegment and a pin subsegment. The connector body subsegment is sized to receive a connector body of a pacing lead in a first friction fit. The pin subsegment is sized to receive a connector pin of the pacing lead in a second friction fit.
Implementation Method 2
The pin subsegment is sized to receive a connector pin of the pacing lead in a second friction fit. The second friction fit is tighter than the first friction fit.
Data Source
AI summary
A pacing lead conversion tool and a method of using the pacing lead conversion tool to reversibly convert an extendable cardiac pacing lead into a fixed cardiac pacing lead. The pacing lead conversion tool includes a locking lumen configured to receive a pacing lead. The locking lumen includes a connector body segment to receive a connector body of the pacing lead in a first friction fit and a pin segment to receive a connector pin of the pacing lead in a second friction fit. The friction fits allow for relative rotation between a lead body of the pacing lead and the connector pin when the pacing lead conversion tool is twisted, and prevents relative rotation between the lead body and the connector pin when the cardiac pacing lead is burrowed through a target tissue. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.