SHROUD-BASED ELECTRODES HAVING VENTED GAPS

• US 20070255158A1
• Filed: 04/28/2006
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Mertz, John, Adamski, Thomas, Stancer, Christopher
• Granted Patent: US 7,925,322 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/527
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/287 Holders for multiple electrodes, e.g. electrode catheters for electrophysiological study [EPS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0504 Subcutaneous electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators

Abstract

Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to promoting flow of body fluids in and around and between a substantially planar cardiac-sensing electrode and a shroud member utilizing spacing therebetween and/or one or more apertures, notches, slots and the like. For example, a relatively recessed area or aperture formed in an exemplary resin-based shroud member includes apertures that cooperate to promote flow of body fluids therearound.

Claims

1. A subcutaneous cardiac activity sensing shroud, comprising:

a shroud member adjacent at least a part of the peripheral portion of a housing for an implantable medical device (IMD), said shroud member including one of a recessed region; and

a substantially flat surfaced electrode spaced from and mechanically coupled to the recessed region thereby defining a cavity therebetween;

wherein at least one of said recessed region and said electrode includes one of;

an aperture, a notch, and a slot adapted to promote flow of body fluid through the cavity.

2. A shroud according to claim 1, wherein said shroud member comprises a resilient material.

3. A shroud according to claim 2, further comprising an connector coupled to the recessed region, wherein said connector include a mechanical stop adapted to maintain the electrode at a preset elevation relative to the recessed region,

4. A shroud according to claim 3, wherein the mechanical stop comprises one of a collar and a shelf.

5. A shroud according to claim 1, further comprising at least one aperture formed over an area of the recessed region.

6. A shroud according to claim 5, wherein the shroud comprises a resin-based member.

7. A shroud according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture comprises more than three apertures.

8. A shroud according to claim 7, wherein the more than three apertures are configured in a pattern.

9. A shroud according to claim 7, wherein the more than three apertures comprise apertures having different dimensions.

10. A shroud according to claim 9, wherein the different dimensions comprises one of different shape and different size.

11. A shroud according to claim 7, wherein the more than three apertures comprise apertures having non-parallel interior surfaces.

12. A shroud according to claim 1, further comprising an elongated conductor coupled to one of a major surface of the electrode and a peripheral portion of the major electrode.

13. A shroud according to claim 12, wherein the elongated conductor comprises an integrally formed structure with the electrode.

14. A shroud according to claim 1, wherein the electrode comprises one of a titanium material and a platinum material.

15. A shroud according to claim 1, wherein the electrode further includes a coating on at least a major surface thereof.

16. A shroud according to claim 15, wherein the coating comprises one of a nitride coating, a carbon black coating, a time-release coating.

17. A shroud according to claim 1, further comprising medical grade adhesive disposed around between at least a part of the periphery of the electrode and the periphery of the recessed region or the aperture.

18. A method of fabricating a cardiac sensing shroud assembly, comprising:

providing a resilient shroud member adapted to be mounted around at least a part of the peripheral portion of a housing for an implantable medical device (IMD);

forming one of a recessed region and an aperture in a peripheral portion of the shroud member; and

coupling a substantially flat surfaced electrode into engagement but spaced from the resilient shroud, such that a cavity is defined therebetween;

wherein the electrode includes at least one of an aperture, a notch, and a slot configured to promote flow of body fluids in and out of the cavity.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the at least one of one of the aperture, the notch and the slot comprise at least three.

20. A method according to claim 18, further comprising:

coupling the shroud member around at least a part of the peripheral portion of the IMD, and wherein the IMD comprises one of;

an implantable cardiac pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, an implantable fluid delivery device, an implantable neurostimulator, an implantable gastric simulator.