Low resistance implantable electrical leads

Abstract

The present invention provides an implantable electrical lead having relatively low electrical resistance. The lead comprises: a wire core formed in a helical coil having pre-compression, and having distal and proximal ends; a layer of an electrically conductive material formed around the wire core such that there is electrical continuity between the wire core and the metal layer; a biocompatible, electrically insulating sheath covering the wire core; a first lead connector electrically connected to the proximal end of the wire core; and an electrode electrically connected to the distal end of the wire core. The wire core may have various cross-sectional configurations which increase the current conducting area of the wire core without increasing its outside diameter. In another embodiment, the electrical lead includes a wire core having a cross-sectional area which differs over the length of the core to enhance the fatigue resistance of the electrical lead. In yet another embodiment, the wire core may be wound in a helix having different pitches in different sections of the core.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.