US 11,832,848 B2
Systems and methods for implanting a medical electrical lead
Melissa G. T. Christie, Andover, MN (US); Noah D. Barka, Coon Rapids, MN (US); Rick D. McVenes, Isanti, MN (US); and Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Ham Lake, MN (US)
Assigned to Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US)
Filed by Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US)
Filed on Mar. 1, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/188,538.
Application 17/188,538 is a continuation of application No. 14/257,519, filed on Apr. 21, 2014, granted, now 10,933,230.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/820,014, filed on May 6, 2013.
Prior Publication US 2021/0178151 A1, Jun. 17, 2021
Int. Cl. A61B 17/34 (2006.01); A61N 1/05 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); A61B 17/32 (2006.01); A61B 90/00 (2016.01); A61M 5/14 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/3468 (2013.01) [A61M 5/14 (2013.01); A61N 1/05 (2013.01); A61B 17/3462 (2013.01); A61B 17/3494 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00243 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00331 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00455 (2013.01); A61B 2017/320056 (2013.01); A61B 2090/3966 (2016.02); A61N 1/0504 (2013.01); A61N 1/0563 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method comprising:
inserting a distal end of an elongate tool through an incision in a patient into a substernal space under the sternum of the patient, the elongate tool having a proximal end and the distal end, wherein the proximal end of the elongate tool is coupled to a handle, wherein the elongate tool includes a pre-biased curvature that is oriented to form a bend at a distal portion of the elongate tool;
advancing the elongate tool within the substernal space underneath the sternum with the distal portion oriented such that the distal end is pointed towards the sternum; withdrawing the elongate tool from the substernal space of the patient; and
subsequent to the withdrawing the elongate tool from the substernal space of the patient, advancing a distal portion of an implantable medical lead through the incision in the patient into the substernal space under the sternum of the patient, wherein the implantable medical lead includes at least one electrode configured to be used by a medical device to at least one of sense electrical signals of the patient or deliver electrical therapy to the patient.