Medical Patent Example
Device and Method for Cardiothoracic Surgery
At a Glance
- Patent NumberUS 12,409,319
- IssuedSeptember 9, 2025
- FiledFebruary 20, 2025
- InventorSophia L. Alexis
- Claims17
About This Invention
After heart surgery, patients typically need two separate devices: a chest tube to drain fluid and temporary pacing wires attached to the heart. This patent protects a device that combines both — an angled drainage tube with a pair of pacing electrodes on its surface that rest against the heart muscle for rhythm sensing and temporary pacing, without sutures and without breaching the heart muscle. One device, one insertion, two critical functions.
Abstract
A device for use during cardiothoracic surgery around the heart of a patient. The device includes an angled drainage tube including a first portion having a plurality of drainage orifices and a second portion which is angled relative to the first portion. A flexible drainage tube extends from the angled tube and is in fluid communication therewith. A pair of pacing electrodes are disposed on a single aspect of the first portion of the angled drainage tube. The pacing electrodes are adapted to be in contact with the heart muscle for intrinsic rhythm sensing and pacing capability thereof. At least one electrical wire is connected to the pacing electrodes and extends along a portion of the angled drainage tube. The at least one electrical wire is connectable to a pacing box via a cable for powering and controlling the pacing electrodes.
Representative Claim
Claim 1 of 17 — the complete claim set is available in the full patent record.
1. A device for use during cardiothoracic surgery on the heart of a patient, the device comprising:
an angled drainage tube including a first portion having a plurality of drainage orifices and a second portion, the second portion being angled relative to the first portion;
a pair of pacing electrodes, disposed on a single external surface of the first portion of the angled drainage tube, wherein the electrodes are both oriented towards the heart, the pair of pacing electrodes adapted to rest against the heart muscle of the patient, without breaching the heart muscle and without being sutured, and to contact the heart muscle for sensing an intrinsic rhythm of the heart and/or pacing thereof; and
at least one electrical wire, connected to the pacing electrodes and extending along at least a portion of the angled drainage tube, the at least one electrical wire being connectable to a pacing box for powering and controlling the pair of pacing electrodes.
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