Subcutaneous electrode with improved contact shape for transthoracic conduction

• US 20040215308A1
• Filed: 05/21/2004
• Published: 10/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cameron Health Inc (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cameron Health Inc (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Rissmann, William J., Bardy, Gust H., Sanders, Gary H., Cappato, Riccardo
• Granted Patent: US 7,274,962 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/129
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0563 specially adapted for defibrillation or cardioversion
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/375 Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3906 characterised by the form of the shockwave
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3956 Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/39622 Pacing therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3968 Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings A61N1/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3975 Power supply A61N1/378 takes precedence

Abstract

Electrical cardiac therapy devices including electrode assemblies having openings for receiving an electrode insertion tool, and methods of inserting such electrode assemblies. The opening(s) are defined on the electrode assemblies to allow an insertion tool to be coupled to the electrode assembly and then used to push the electrode assembly into place.

Claims

1. An implantable electrode system comprising:

a lead electrode assembly having a lead with proximal and distal ends, and an electrode, the electrode being coupled to the distal end of the lead, the electrode including a discharge face, an opposing face, and an appendage having an outer surface, the appendage being provided and secured relative the opposing face of the electrode; and

an electrode insertion tool adapted to mate with the outer surface of the appendage for pushing insertion of the lead electrode assembly.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the appendage includes an eyelet and the insertion tool includes a pin for insertion into the eyelet.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the insertion tool includes jaws adapted for opening and closing over the appendage.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the insertion tool is a hemostat.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the appendage takes the form of a beam and the insertion tool includes extending tines having a gap therebetween.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the beam includes a vertical portion and a cap portion wider than the vertical portion such that the beam has a cross section in the shape of a T.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an implantable cardiac therapy delivery device including an outer housing and circuitry for producing a therapeutic electrical signal.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the circuitry is adapted to provide defibrillation/cardioversion energy.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the circuitry is adapted to provide pacing energy.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the outer housing has an electrode thereon.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the insertion tool and appendage are adapted to allow either pushing or pulling of the electrode lead assembly by the use of the insertion tool.

12. A lead electrode assembly having:

an electrode having proximal and distal ends;

an electrode carrier having a distal end and a proximal end and defining an electrode side and a back side, the back side including a pocket with a proximally facing opening, the back side further including a fin extending within the pocket along a generally axial direction with respect to the electrode proximal and distal ends; and

a lead coupled to the electrode.

13. An implantable electrode system comprising:

a lead electrode assembly having;

(a) an electrode having proximal and distal ends;

(b) an electrode carrier having proximal and distal ends and defining an electrode side and a back side, the back side including a pocket with a proximally facing opening, the back side further including a fin extending within the pocket along a generally proximal-distal direction; and

(c) a lead coupled to the electrode; and

a lead insertion tool having proximal and distal ends, the distal end including a tined member with first and second tines, the tined member adapted for insertion into the pocket such that the first tine is on a first side of the fin and the second tine is on a second side of the fin.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising an implantable cardiac therapy delivery device including an outer housing and circuitry for producing a therapeutic electrical signal.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the circuitry is adapted to provide defibrillation/cardioversion energy.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the circuitry is adapted to provide pacing energy.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the outer housing further includes an electrode disposed thereon.

18. The system of claim 14, further including a hemostat.

19. The system of claim 13, further including a hemostat.