Implantable medical device system with fixation member

Abstract

A fixation device for a subcutaneous implantable medical device includes a deformable tip portion that reduces in width when coupled with a fixation tool such that implantation of the implantable medical device through tissue is facilitated. Upon release from the fixation tool, the fixation device returns to its initial shape and stably secures the position of the implantable medical device.

1 . An implantable medical device system, comprising:
 an elongated implantable medical device;   means for fixing a distal end of the medical device at a targeted implant site, and   means for advancing the distal end of the medical device to the targeted implant site;   wherein the advancing means includes means for mounting the fixing means, the fixing means being releasably coupled to the mounting means in a stretched position; and   wherein the advancing means comprises an elongated shaft extending exterior to and alongside the elongated medical device.   
     
     
         2 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1 , wherein the advancing means further includes restraining means for retaining the fixing means on the mounting means. 
     
     
         4 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1  further including means for preventing overstretching of the fixing means when mounted on the advancing means. 
     
     
         5 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting means includes means for tunneling through tissue. 
     
     
         6 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1 , wherein the fixing means includes an aperture for receiving the advancing means. 
     
     
         7 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated shaft has at least one preformed curve. 
     
     
         8 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting portion includes means for tunneling through tissue. 
     
     
         9 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting portion includes a groove adapted to receive the fixation member. 
     
     
         10 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1 , wherein the delivery tool further includes a release mechanism for releasing the fixation member from the delivery tool head. 
     
     
         11 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 10 , wherein the delivery tool includes a handle at the shaft proximal end having a mechanical switch for actuating the release mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 11 , wherein the release mechanism includes a pulling member extending along the shaft for actuating the release mechanism. 
     
     
         13 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 12 , wherein the release mechanism further includes a spring member for returning the release mechanism to a normal position after releasing the fixation member. 
     
     
         14 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 13 , wherein the mechanical switch is adapted to have a first stable position corresponding to retaining the fixation member by the restraint and a second stable position corresponding to releasing the fixation member from the restraint. 
     
     
         15 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1  wherein the delivery tool includes a head and a narrowed neck portion and wherein the fixation member is adapted to wrap around the narrowed neck portion to cause the fixation member to become approximately isodiametric with the delivery tool head. 
     
     
         16 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 1  wherein the delivery tool shaft includes a stop surface, and the fixation member includes a proximal face for interfacing with the stop surface to prevent overstretching of the fixation member when mounted on the delivery tool. 
     
     
         17 . An implantable medical device system, comprising:
 an elongated implantable medical device;   means for fixing a distal end of the medical device at a targeted implant site, and   means for advancing the distal end of the medical device to the targeted implant site;   wherein the advancing means and the fixing means are approximately isodiametric when the fixing means is coupled with the advancing means; and   wherein the advancing means comprises an elongated shaft extending exterior to and alongside the elongated medical device.   
     
     
         18 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 17 , wherein the advancing means further includes restraining means for retaining the fixing means on the mounting means. 
     
     
         19 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 17 , wherein the fixing means includes an aperture for receiving the advancing means. 
     
     
         20 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 17 , wherein the mounting portion includes a groove adapted to receive the fixation member. 
     
     
         21 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 17 , wherein the delivery tool further includes a release mechanism for releasing the fixation member from the delivery tool head. 
     
     
         22 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 21 , wherein the delivery tool includes a handle at the shaft proximal end having a mechanical switch for actuating the release mechanism. 
     
     
         23 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 22 , wherein the release mechanism includes a pulling member extending along the shaft for actuating the release mechanism. 
     
     
         24 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 23 , wherein the release mechanism further includes a spring member for returning the release mechanism to a normal position after releasing the fixation member. 
     
     
         25 . The implantable medical device system of  claim 24 , wherein the mechanical switch is adapted to have a first stable position corresponding to retaining the fixation member by the restraint and a second stable position corresponding to releasing the fixation member from the restraint.