Abiomed, Inc.
MAGNETIC FIXATION APPARATUS FOR PERCUTANEOUS CATHETER

Abstract:

A catheter apparatus can include a first magnet coupled to a catheter and a second magnet configured to couple to a patient's skin. When the catheter and the first magnet are positioned within a patient's body, the second magnet can exert a magnetic force on the first magnet that stabilizes the catheter relative to the second magnet. The second magnet can be directly attached to the patient's skin or secondary devices such as straps can be used to place the second magnet in a fixed position relative to the patient's body. In some implementations, a plurality of magnets can facilitate holding the catheter in a substantially fixed position within the patient.