Lead fixation tool
A lead fixation tool includes a tapered opening for receiving and guiding a stylet into a lead. The fixation tool also includes an engagement mechanism for gripping a portion of the lead connector so that rotation of the tool causes rotation of an active fixation tip, such as a helical tip, coupled with the lead.
1. A lead fixation tool comprising:
a proximal portion having a tapered passage there through, with the tapered passage narrowing in a direction towards a distal portion; and
a distal portion having a channel in substantially axial alignment with the passage along a longitudinal axis, wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are rotatably coupled so that relative rotation is permitted between the proximal portion and the distal portion; and
an expandable lead pin engagement mechanism disposed within the channel, wherein the engagement mechanism is a C-shaped interference clamp that is axially aligned with the passage and to grip a lead connector assembly and remain at a fixed location on said longitudinal axis during said relative rotation of said proximal and distal portions; and
a rotation indicator for indicating relative rotation between the proximal and distal portions the rotation indicator includes:
a resilient arm having an actuator; and
a detent, wherein rotation of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion causes the actuator to engage the detent and provide a signal.
2. The lead fixation tool of claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion form an integral housing.
3. The lead fixation tool of claim 1 , further comprising a bearing, wherein the bearing couples the distal portion and the proximal portion.
4. The lead fixation tool of claim 1 , wherein the signal is audible.
5. The lead fixation tool of claim 1 , wherein the signal is a tactile sensation.
6. The lead fixation tool of claim 1 , further comprising a handle depending from the distal portion.
7. A lead fixation tool comprising:
a proximal portion having a guide passage disposed there through, wherein the guide passage includes a tapered portion having an opening and a lumen interface, with the tapered portion narrowing in a direction from the opening to the lumen interface; and
a distal portion having a connector channel that is axially aligned with the guide passage along a longitudinal axis, wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are rotatably coupled so that relative rotation is permitted between the proximal portion and the distal portion;
an expandable engagement collar disposed within the connector channel that is configured for gripping and axially aligned with the guide passage, wherein the engagement collar is a C-shaped interference clamp that is axially aligned with the passage to grip a lead connector assembly and remain at a fixed location on said longitudinal axis during said relative rotation of said proximal and distal end portions; and
a rotation indicator for indicating relative rotation between the proximal and distal portions wherein the rotation indicator includes:
a resilient arm having an actuator; and
a detent, wherein rotation of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion causes the actuator to engage the detent and provide a signal.
8. The fixation tool of claim 7 , further comprising a handle depending from the distal portion.
9. The fixation tool of claim 7 , further comprising a gripping surface disposed on the proximal portion.
10. The fixation tool of clam 7 , wherein the proximal portion is rotatably coupled with the distal portion.
11. The fixation tool of claim 10 , wherein the engagement collar is coupled with the proximal portion.
12. The lead fixation tool of claim 7 , wherein the signal is audible.
13. The lead fixation tool of claim 7 , here the signal is a tactile sensation.
14. A lead fixation tool comprising:
a housing having a generally circular cross section, the housing including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are axially aligned, wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are rotatably coupled;
a guide passage for receiving stylet and extending between an opening in the proximal portion to a lumen interface, wherein the guide passage tapers from a larger diameter at the opening to a narrower diameter distal from the opening;
a lead receiving channel disposed within the distal end for receiving at least a portion of a connector assembly of a lead, the lead receiving channel having a longitudinal axis;
an expandable connector pin channel disposed within the lead receiving channel for receiving a connector pin of the connector assembly and axially aligning the connector pin with the lumen interface; and
an engagement collar defining the connector pin channel and configured to grip the connector pin, wherein the engagement collar is a C-shaped interference clamp that is axially aligned with the lead receiving channel to grip a lead connector assembly and remain at a fixed location on said longitudinal axis during said relative rotation of said proximal and distal portions with the proximal; and
a rotation indicator for indicating relative rotation between the proximal and distal portions while the lead connector assembly is engaged by the C-shaped interference clamp wherein the rotation indicator includes:
a resilient arm having an actuator: and
a detent, wherein rotation of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion causes the actuator to engage the detent and provide a signal.
15. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , further comprising a handle depending from the distal portion in a plane that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool.
16. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , further comprising a gripping surface disposed over at least a portion of an exterior of the proximal portion.
17. The lead fixation tool of claim 16 , wherein the gripping surface includes a plurality of ridges.
18. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , further comprising a directional indicator for indicating a direction of rotation to affect lead implantation.
19. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , wherein the proximal portion is rotatable relative to the distal portion.
20. The lead fixation tool of claim 19 , further comprising a bearing forming an interconnection between the proximal portion and the distal portion.
21. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , wherein the resilient arm is coupled with the proximal portion and the detent is formed in the distal portion.
22. The lead fixation tool of claim 21 , further comprising a window disposed on the distal portion that permits visual observance of the actuator engaging the detent.
23. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , wherein the signal is audible.
24. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , wherein the signal is a tactile sensation.
25. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , wherein the guide passage is configured to receive a portion of a handle of the stylet.
26. The lead fixation tool of claim 14 , wherein the housing is aligned parallel to the connector pin during rotation of the tool.