Endocardial lead system with defibrillation electrode fixation
AssigneeVentritex, Inc.
InventorsEric S. Fain, Drew A. Hoffman, Benjamin D. Pless
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Abstract
A lead system for use with an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator is disclosed. The lead system includes a fixation hook positioned approximately half-way between the distal tip of the lead and the tricuspid valve. The distal tip of the lead is positioned at the apex of the right ventricle and may or may not be secured there by a second fixation means such as a screw tip or tines. The fixation hook allows the defibrillation electrode to be accurately positioned by the patient's surgeon and maintained in contact with the septum wall of the patient's heart. By providing such intimate contact between the defibrillation electrode and the septum wall, defibrillation thresholds are reduced.
Claims17
An endocardial defibrillation lead comprising:
- a lead body having a distal end for positioning within a patient's heart and a proximal end for connection to an implantable pulse generator;
- a defibrillation electrode positioned on said lead body near said lead body distal end, said defibrillation electrode having distal and proximal ends;
- and
- fixation means positioned on said lead body proximal of said distal end of said defibrillation electrode for securing said lead body to a portion of said patient's heart, wherein said fixation means is positioned between said distal and proximal ends of said defibrillation electrode.
An endocardial defibrillation lead comprising:
- a lead body having a distal end for positioning within a patient's heart and a proximal end for connection to an implantable pulse generator;
- a defibrillation electrode positioned on said lead body near said lead body distal end, said defibrillation electrode having distal and proximal ends;
- and
- fixation means positioned on said lead body proximal of said distal end of said defibrillation electrode for securing said lead body to a portion of said patient's heart, wherein said fixation means is positioned between said distal and proximal ends of said defibrillation electrode, and wherein said fixation means comprises a rigid curved hook secured to said lead body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.