Endocardial lead assembly
AssigneeSulzer Intermedics Inc.
InventorsJames E. Machek, Yves Verboven, Paul R. Spehr, Stephen L. Goldman
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Abstract
Various endocardial lead assemblies are disclosed that may be particularly useful for placement within the coronary sinus. One lead assembly includes an open-ended electrode that may be implanted in a patient by passing it along a previously implanted stylet. Another disclosed embodiment combines an open-ended electrode with one or more flow passages that improve blood flow through the body vessel in the area of the implanted electrode. Yet another disclosed embodiment uses an electrode that has flow passages but no opening. This electrode provides improved blood flow in the area of the electrode but may be implanted using conventional methods.
Claims33
A lead assembly for implantation in a patient, comprising:
- a lead having a proximal end and a distal end, said lead having a lumen extending from said proximal end to said distal end and having an electrical conductor extending from said proximal end to said distal end;
- and
- an electrode coupled to said distal end of said lead and in electrical communication with said conductor, said electrode having an outer surface and an opening extending therethrough, said opening defining an inner surface, said lumen and said opening being sized to accept a stylet.
A lead assembly for implantation in a patient, comprising:
- a lead for transmitting electrical impulses, said lead having a proximal end and distal end;
- and
- an electrode coupled to said distal end, said electrode having at least one flow passage formed therein.
A lead assembly for implantation in a patient, comprising:
- a conductive lead having a proximal end and a distal end and having a lumen extending from said proximal end to said distal end;
- and
- an electrode coupled to said distal end of said lead, said electrode having a plurality of flow passages formed therein, said electrode having an outer surface and having an opening extending therethrough and defining an inner surface, said opening being operatively positioned relative to said lumen, said lumen and said opening being sized to accept a stylet.
A lead for implantation in a body vessel, said lead comprising:
- a lead having at least one fluid passageway extending along a given length of said lead, said fluid passageway having an inlet for passing fluid from said body vessel into said passageway and an outlet for passing fluid from said passageway into said body vessel;
- a conductor disposed in said lead for transmitting electrical signals;
- and
- an electrode coupled to said conductor at a distal end portion of said lead, said electrode having a flow passage formed therein.
A lead assembly for implantation in a body vessel, said lead assembly comprising:
- a lead having a fluid passageway extending along a given length of said lead, said fluid passageway having an inlet for passing fluid from said body vessel into said passageway and an outlet for passing fluid from said passageway into said body vessel, said lead further having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and having a lumen being sized to accept a stylet extending from said proximal end portion to said distal end portion;
- a conductor being disposed in said lead and extending from said proximal end portion to said distal end portion;
- and
- an electrode being coupled to said conductor at said distal end portion of said lead, said electrode having a flow passage formed in said electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.