Implantable electrode

A method of manufacturing an electrode for use with an implantable medical device, the method comprising:

• exposing a surface of the electrode to an electrolytic solution, the exposed electrode surface including at least one of cobalt and iron alloyed with iridium;
• applying a voltage between a cathode positioned at least partially within the electrolytic solution and the electrode to pass an electrical current between the cathode and the electrode;
• and
• forming a conductive oxide layer including iridium oxide on the exposed electrode surface by reacting oxygen released from the electrolytic solution with the iridium at the exposed electrode surface.

An implantable medical device comprising:

• a pulse generator including electronic circuitry for providing electro stimulation;
• and
• an elongate lead, the lead including:
• a proximal end connected to the pulse generator;
• a distal end opposite the proximal end;
• and
• at least one electrode disposed proximate to the distal end and electrically connected to the electronic circuitry, the at least one electrode including:
• an alloy including:
• iridium;
• and
• at least one of cobalt and iron;
• and
• a conductive oxide layer on a surface of the alloy, the conductive oxide layer including iridium oxide and having a thickness greater than about 5 nanometers.