Patent ID: 7610106
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. In combination, a chest tube and a heartwire secured thereto; said heartwire comprising a wire having a proximal end and a distal end, at least part of the distal end being conductive so as to be usable in heart stimulation; and attached to said distal end, an end structure comprising an irregular or three-dimensional, atraumatic structure adapted for engaging a surgical material secured to the heart, for maintaining said heartwire in position relative to said surgical material and to said heart; wherein said heartwire is disposed in a groove formed in a peripheral wall of said chest tube; wherein said heartwire is removable from said groove while still maintaining said heartwire in position relative to said surgical material and to said heart; and wherein said groove is covered by a film which encloses said heartwire in said groove and is releasable for removing said heartwire from said groove.