METHOD AND APPLICATOR TOOL FOR IMPLANTING CARDIAC DEFIBRILLATION ELECTRODES

A tool and method for inserting cardiac defibrillation electrodes into a patient. The tool includes an elongated electrode support tube having a rounded distal end and a proximal end; a finger grip circumferentially connected about the electrode support tube toward the proximal end thereof; and an actuating rod slidably disposed coextensively within the electrode support tube and extending beyond the rounded distal end and the proximal end of the electrode support tube. A blunt conically shaped distal tip is connected to the distal end of the actuating rod, the distal tip having a base with a diameter larger than the diameter of the electrode support tube, and an inner surface for engaging the rounded distal end of the electrode support tube. A palm member is connected to the proximal end of the actuating rod to facilitate hand manipulation of the tool. In addition, a resilient device (preferably, a spring) is included for exerting a force on the actuating rod tending to withdraw the actuating rod out through the proximal end of the electrode support tube, such withdrawal being prevented by the engagement of the inner surface of the distal tip with the rounded distal end of the electrode support tube. In use, a cardiac defibrillation electrode is wrapped around the electrode support tube with the distal end of the electrode immobilized between the distal tip of the tool and the rounded distal end of the electrode support tube.