Flexible defibrillation electrode of improved construction
AssigneeVentritex, Inc.
InventorsCraig E. Mar, Benjamin D. Pless, M. Elizabeth Bush
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Abstract
An implantable defibrillator lead comprises a flexible core onto which is wound helically wound coils to form an electrode. These electrode coils are partially encapsulated by a flexible matrix which holds them in their wrapped position around the core. Due to its coiled coil structure, this electrode provides improved flexibility, and can be used endocardially, intravascularly, epicardially, or subcutaneously. The electrode may function alternately as a defibrillation electrode and as a sensing electrode in a lead with a separate pacing electrode.
Claims23
A body implantable lead including at least one electrode having a proximal end and a distal end, comprising:
- a flexible tubular supporting core having a lumen therethrough;
- at least one electrode coil helically wound about said core, said at least one electrode coil having a proximal end corresponding to said electrode proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said electrode distal end and comprising at least one helically wound metal wire and being connected at one of said ends to a conductor;
- and
- a matrix of elastomeric material partially encapsulating said electrode coil and holding said electrode coil in said helically wound position around said core.
A body implantable lead including at least one defibrillation electrode having a proximal end and a distal end, comprising:
- a flexible core;
- at least one electrode coil comprising at least one helically wound wire;
- each said at least one electrode coil being helically wound about said core, said at least one electrode coil having a proximal end corresponding to said electrode proximal end and a distal end corresponding to said electrode distal end and being connected at one of said ends to a conductor;
- and
- said electrode coil being partially embedded in flexible material and thereby held in fixed position around said core.
A body implantable lead including at least one defibrillation electrode comprising:
- a flexible core:
- at least one electrode coil helically wound about said core, said at least one electrode coil comprising at least one helically wound metal wire and being connected at one end to a conductor for connecting said electrode to an implantable pulse generator;
- and
- wherein said electrode has a resistivity along its length greater than one ohm whereby current flowing from said electrode differs depending on the location of the connection between said conductor and said electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.