Randy W Westlund

US Patent:

6356791, Mar 12, 2002

Filed:

Dec 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/466266

Inventors:

Randy W. Westlund - Minneapolis MN
Randall M. Peterfeso - St. Paul MN
Mary N. Hinders - Murrieta CA
Bruce A. Tockman - Scandia MN
John S. Greenland - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61N 105

US Classification:

607115, 607119, 607122, 607125

Abstract:

An improved guidewire for assisting in implantation of a cardiac lead includes three sections. The most distal zone is sufficiently floppy to prevent trauma to the vessel walls through which the guidewire and lead are inserted. An intermediate zone is generally stiffer and has a cross-section less than or equal to the cross-section of the distal zone. The third zone is stiffer yet and is joined to the intermediate zone by a shoulder. The shoulder cooperates with protrusions on the lead to transfer forces between the guidewire and lead. A removal wire having temporary locking means to lock the removal wire to the lead is employed to remove the guide catheter without moving the lead from its desired location. Lubricious coatings are also provided to reduce friction between the lead and guidewire.

US Patent:

6584362, Jun 24, 2003

Filed:

Aug 30, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/651340

Inventors:

Avram Scheiner - Vadnais Heights MN
Peter T. Kelley - Buffalo MN
Bruce Tockman - Scandia MN
Randy Westlund - Minneapolis MN
Jay A. Warren - North Oaks MN

Assignee:

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61N 105

US Classification:

607122, 607125

Abstract:

A lead for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead body has one or more electrodes associated therewith. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall. A method for implanting the lead into the coronary vasculature is also provided, the method comprising the steps of inserting a stylet into the lead, inserting the lead into the coronary sinus, advancing the lead from the coronary sinus toward the toward the left atrium and into a coronary vein, removing the stylet, and sensing and pacing the heart. Alternatively, the method comprises placing a guide catheter into the coronary sinus, threading a guide wire into the coronary veins, pushing the lead over the guide wire and into the coronary sinus or the coronary vein, and sensing and pacing the heart via the lead in its implanted site in the coronary sinus or the coronary vein.

US Patent:

6584363, Jun 24, 2003

Filed:

Jul 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/906571

Inventors:

John E. Heil - White Bear Lake MN
Randy Westlund - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61N 105

US Classification:

607126

Abstract:

A cardiac rhythm management system provides an endocardial cardiac rhythm management lead with an at least partially dissolvable coating at least partially on insulating portions of the lead body at or near its distal end. Upon dissolution, the coating promotes tissue ingrowth to secure the lead in place within fragile vascular structures or elsewhere. Dissolution of one such coating releases a therapeutic agent, such as a steroid that modifies the fibrotic scar tissue content of tissue ingrowth, such that the resulting bond between the tissue and the lead is weak, so that the lead can be easily extracted if desired. One such lead includes an insulating elongate body carrying at least. The lead also includes an at least partially dissolvable coating on an insulating portion of the peripheral distal lead surface. The coating provides one or more of a rough surface, a porous surface, or a swollen surface after being exposed to an aqueous substance.

US Patent:

6634364, Oct 21, 2003

Filed:

Dec 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/738590

Inventors:

Randy Westlund - Minneapolis MN
Bruce Tockman - Scandia MN
Gwen Crevensten - Minneapolis MN
Lili Liu - White Bear Lake MN
Christopher M. Zerby - New Brighton MN

Assignee:

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61N 105

US Classification:

128898, 128899, 607116, 607122, 600374

Abstract:

A seal adapted for use with medical devices is provided. The medical device may be a lead having a distal tip adapted for implantation on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The lead assembly in one embodiment includes an atraumatic tip. A seal is provided within the lead tip assembly, which prevents or limits further entry of fluids through the lead tip. The lead may be a left ventricular lead with a hemostasis mechanism provided therewithin.

US Patent:

6643550, Nov 4, 2003

Filed:

Dec 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/738401

Inventors:

Randy Westlund - Minneapolis MN
Gwen Crevensten - Minneapolis MN
Christopher M. Zerby - New Brighton MN
Paul E. Zarembo - Vadnais Heights MN
Brian D. Soltis - St. Paul MN
Gregory R. Ley - Blaine MN

Assignee:

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61N 118

US Classification:

607 37, 607 38, 607116, 607122, 607132, 439527, 439592, 439668, 439874

Abstract:

A connector for connecting to an energy source such as a pulse generator for a cardiac stimulator system. The connector assembly includes a pin, at least one ring and a sleeve composed of an insulative hard polymer molded between the pin and ring such that the sleeve provides electrical insulation between the pin and ring and mechanically couples the pin and ring.

US Patent:

6671560, Dec 30, 2003

Filed:

Feb 20, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/081436

Inventors:

Randy W. Westlund - Minneapolis MN
Bruce A. Tockman - Scandia MN
Randall M. Peterfeso - St. Paul MN
John S. Greenland - San Diego CA
Mary N. Hinders - Murrieta CA

Assignee:

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61N 105

US Classification:

607116, 607119, 607122

Abstract:

An improved guidewire for assisting in implantation of a cardiac lead includes three sections. The most distal zone is sufficiently floppy to prevent trauma to the vessel walls through which the guidewire and lead are inserted. An intermediate zone is generally stiffer and has a cross-section less than or equal to the cross-section of the distal zone. The third zone is stiffer yet and is joined to the intermediate zone by a shoulder. The shoulder cooperates with protrusions on the lead to transfer forces between the guidewire and lead. A removal wire having temporary locking device to lock the removal wire to the lead is employed to remove the guide catheter without moving the lead from its desired location. Lubricious coatings are also provided to reduce friction between the lead and guidewire.

US Patent:

6706018, Mar 16, 2004

Filed:

Dec 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/004709

Inventors:

Randy Westlund - Minneapolis MN
Bruce Tockman - Scandia MN

Assignee:

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61M 3910

US Classification:

604194, 604159

Abstract:

A catheter assembly for cannulating a heart vessel includes a guide handle having proximal and distal ends, a lumen open at least at the distal end of the guide handle, and a stop member disposed within the lumen at a distal end of the guide handle. A catheter of the assembly has a proximal end disposed within the lumen of the guide handle and a preformed distal end. The catheter is longitudinally displaceable within the guide handle to adjust an exposed length of the distal end of the catheter. The stop member is engagable with the proximal end of the catheter to prevent the proximal end of the catheter from passing out of the guide handle. A locking mechanism within the guide handle to selectably prevents and permit axial rotation between the guide handle and catheter while permitting longitudinal displacement of the catheter within the guide handle.

US Patent:

6723073, Apr 20, 2004

Filed:

Sep 6, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/236309

Inventors:

Gregory R. Ley - Blaine MN
Bruce A. Tockman - Scandia MN
Randy W. Westlund - Minneapolis MN
David L. White - Little Canada MN

Assignee:

Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61M 5178

US Classification:

60416701, 60416704, 60416706, 60416702

Abstract:

A hemostasis valve for use in introducing an over-the-wire medical lead into a patients vascular system comprises a housing with a passageway, the passageway including an elastomeric pierceable seal member interposed therein and a resilient, annular tip surrounding a distal end of the housing where the tip has a central opening that is sized to receive a tubular connector terminal at the proximal end of the medical lead for dripping the end of the lead and sealing the leads tubular connector terminal in the passageway of the housing.