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Bruce A. Tockman, Scandia US

Bruce A. Tockman, Scandia, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090043351Method and apparatus to perform electrode combination selection - Approaches for selecting an electrode combination of multi-electrode pacing devices are described. Electrode combination parameters that support cardiac function consistent with a prescribed therapy are evaluated for each of a plurality of electrode combinations. Electrode combination parameters that do not support cardiac function are evaluated for each of the plurality of electrode combinations. An order is determined for the electrode combinations based on the parameter evaluations. An electrode combination is selected based on the order, and therapy is delivered using the selected electrode combination.02-12-2009
20090082838LEFT-VENTRICULAR LEAD FIXATION DEVICE IN CORONARY VEINS - Methods for medical lead fixation in coronary veins according to embodiments of the present invention include advancing a lead body into a branch vessel of a coronary vein, inserting a fixation line and expandable anchor structure through the lead body, past a distal end of the lead body, and into the branch vessel, engaging a wall of the branch vessel with the expandable anchor structure, and coupling the fixation line with the lead body. Apparatus for medical lead fixation in a coronary vein according to embodiments of the present invention include a lead body having one or more electrodes, a fixation line, an expandable anchor structure coupled to the fixation line, the fixation line and anchor structure deployable through the lead body into the branch vessel, and a means for coupling the lead body to the fixation line.03-26-2009
20090177209VASCULAR FIXATION DEVICE - In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cardiac lead device including a fixation mechanism slidably attached to the lead such that when the fixation mechanism is expanded in to contact with a body lumen, the lead may be moved relative to the fixation mechanism if desired. Such lead movement may be limited by complimentary structure on the lead body and the fixation mechanism that prevents the lead from moving unless sufficient force is applied to the lead.07-09-2009
20090192582Sensor Guided Epicardial Lead - Implantable cardiac monitoring and stimulation methods and devices with epicardial leads having sensor feedback. A fixed or extendable/retractable sensor may be displaceable within the lead's lumen and configured to sense the presence of an anatomical feature or physiological parameter of cardiac tissue in proximity with the lead body's distal end. The sensor may include an ultrasonic sensing element, a perfusion sensor, a photoplethysmographic sensor, or a blood oximetry sensor. Methods of determining suitability for implanting a lead involve the steps of accessing an epicardial surface of the heart, and moving the cardiac lead to an implant site at the epicardial surface. A transmitted signal is directed at the implant site. A reflected signal is received, indicative of the presence of a blood vessel at the implant site. A determination may be made to determine whether the implant site is suitable or unsuitable based on the reflected signal.07-30-2009
20090259283SHEATHED LEAD FOR PACING OR DEFIBRILLATION - A cardiac lead assembly includes a sheath disposed over a majority of the outer surface of a cardiac lead body including a fixation helix located at its distal end. The sheath protects the fixation member during delivery of the lead assembly to a target location within a patient's heart. The sheath can include one or more means adapted for splitting the sheath such that the sheath can be removed from about the lead body once the lead has been implanted.10-15-2009
20100010608Guide Wire Stylet - A cardiac lead system includes a cardiac lead having a lumen, and a guide member displaceable within the lumen. The guide member includes a guide wire extension that extends distal to the elongated body of the guide member. The guide wire extension is dimensioned to pass through an external distal opening of the cardiac lead lumen. Engagement of stop features or a stop mechanism of the cardiac lead system provides a push point for advancing the cardiac lead system through the patient's anatomy.01-14-2010
20100042175IMPLANTABLE LEAD AND CORONARY VENOUS PRESSURE SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A cardiac rhythm management system comprises a medical electrical lead, a pressure sensing element, and an implantable pulse generator. The lead is sized to be advanced through the right atrium and coronary sinus into a coronary vein adjacent to the left ventricle. The lead includes an opening intermediate its proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally within the body in communication with the opening. The pressure sensing element is movably disposed in lead lumen and is dimensioned to extend through the opening in the lead, and includes a flexible, elongated conductive member having a distal end, and a pressure transducer coupled to the distal end of the conductive member. The pulse generator is configured to receive cardiac rhythm signals from the electrode and fluid pressure signals from the pressure transducer.02-18-2010
20100063569CONFORMAL ELECTRODES FOR SHAPED MEDICAL DEVICE LEAD BODY SEGMENTS - A medical lead includes a lead body having at least one conductor extending from a proximal end of the lead body to a distal end of the lead body. The proximal end is adapted to be connected to a pulse generator, and the distal end includes a curved portion. One or more electrodes are operatively connected to the at least one conductor and coupled to the curved portion of the lead body. At least a portion of each of the one or more electrodes includes an arrangement of interconnected, spaced-apart elements that are selectively configured to allow the one or more electrodes to conform to contours of the curved portion during and after implantation of the medical lead.03-11-2010
20100210923DEPLOYABLE SENSOR PLATFORM ON THE LEAD SYSTEM OF AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - Systems and methods for deploying a sensor assembly onto a cardiac lead are disclosed. The sensor assembly can include a resilient cuff having one or more sensor modules for sensing physiological parameters within the body. The resilient cuff may have a substantially cylindrical shape having an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the lead body onto which the cuff is deployed such that the cuff is retained on the lead body by frictional forces. The sensor assembly may be deployed in conjunction with a new lead to be implanted within a chamber of the patient's heart or a body vessel, or may be deployed onto an existing, implanted lead implanted within the patient's body.08-19-2010

Patent applications by Bruce A. Tockman, Scandia, MN US