RF lead fixation and implantable lead
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorsDuglas P. Zipes, Clare P. Ulrich, Paul D. Blankenau, William M. Terrell
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for affixing implantable catheters and leads to body tissue. An electrode located on the lead or catheter is coupled to an RF signal generator, of the type employed to perform electrosurgical procedures such as electrocoagulation. The RF signal causes the electrode to adhere to body tissue, thus stabilizing the location of the catheter or lead. The electrode may be an electrode normally employed for other purposes, such as cardiac pacing, or may be a dedicated electrode employed only for affixation. Contact between the electrode and the RF signal generator may be made by a conductor permanently mounted within the catheter or lead, or by a removable conductor.
Claims20
A method of affixing a medical lead having an electrode at a desired location within a patient's body, comprising:
- positioning said electrode adjacent body tissue at said desired location and coupling said electrode to a source of RF electrical energy;
- applying RF electrical energy to said electrode to affix said electrode to said tissue;
- and
- disconnecting said source of RF energy from said electrode and allowing said lead to remain affixed to said tissue.
A medical lead comprising:
- an elongated lead body;
- a first electrode, mounted to said lead body;
- a conductive stylet, removably insertable in said lead body;
- and
- means within said lead body for electrically coupling said stylet to said first electrode, said first electrode and said coupling means electrically isolated from all components of said lead except for said conductive stylet.
A medical lead comprising:
- an elongated lead body;
- a first electrode, mounted to said lead body;
- a conductive stylet, comprising electrical insulation covering said stylet along its length, with a portion of said stylet not covered by said insulation, said stylet removably insertable in said lead body;
- and
- means within said lead body for electrically coupling said portion of said stylet not covered by insulation to said first electrode.
A medical lead comprising:
- an elongated lead body;
- a first electrode, mounted to said lead body;
- a conductive stylet, removably insertable in said lead body;
- and
- means within said lead body for electrically coupling said stylet to said first electrode
- one or more electrical conductors permanently mounted within and extending through said lead body;
- and
- electrical conductors for electrically coupling to said conductor means, mounted to said lead body;
- and
- wherein said first electrode is electrically isolated from all said permanently mounted conductors within said lead body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.