LEADLESS PACING SYSTEM INCLUDING SENSING EXTENSION

• US 20160015287A1
• Filed: 04/23/2015
• Published: 01/21/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Anderson, Thomas A, Sheldon, Todd J, Bonner, Matthew D, Neafus, Noelle C
• Granted Patent: US 10,390,720 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/287 Holders for multiple electrodes, e.g. electrode catheters for electrophysiological study [EPS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/349 Detecting specific parameters of the electrocardiograph cycle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/686 Permanently implanted devices, e.g. pacemakers, other stimulators, biochips A61B5/6861 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/056 Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/362 Heart stimulators heart defibrillators A61N1/39
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/368 comprising more than one electrode co-operating with different heart regions A61N1/3622, A61N1/3627 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators

Abstract

A leadless pacing system includes a leadless pacing device and a sensing extension extending from a housing of the leadless pacing device. The sensing extension includes one or more electrodes with which the leadless pacing device may sense electrical cardiac activity. The one or more electrodes of the sensing extension may be carried by a self-supporting body that is configured to passively position the one or more electrodes proximate or within a chamber of the heart other than the chamber in which the LPD is implanted.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a leadless pacing device comprising;

a stimulation module configured to generate pacing pulses;

a sensing module;

a processing module;

a housing configured to be implanted within a chamber of a heart of a patient, wherein the housing encloses the stimulation module, the sensing module, and the processing module; and

a first electrode electrically coupled to the sensing module and the stimulation module; and

an extension extending from the housing and comprising;

a body mechanically connected to the housing and comprising a conductor electrically connected to at least one of the sensing module or the stimulation module;

a second electrode carried by the body and electrically connected to the conductor; and

an eyelet at a proximal end of the extension.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the eyelet defines an opening configured to receive a tether.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the opening defines a center axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the extension.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the opening defines a center axis that is not aligned with a longitudinal axis of the extension.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the opening defines a center axis that is oriented 90 degrees or less relative to a longitudinal axis of the extension.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the opening defines a center axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the extension.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprising a conductive portion, and the conductor is electrically connected to the conductive portion, wherein the processing module is configured to control the sensing module to sense electrical cardiac activity via the second electrode.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the body is a self-supporting body

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the body is a self-supporting body comprising a curved proximal portion.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the second electrode defines a blind hole configured to receive the eyelet.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the second electrode and the eyelet are portions of a common body.

12. A method comprising:

controlling, by a processor, a stimulation module of a leadless pacing device to deliver a pacing pulse to a patient, the leadless pacing device comprising;

the stimulation module;

a sensing module;

the processor;

a housing configured to be implanted within a chamber of a heart of a patient, wherein the housing encloses the stimulation module, the sensing module, and the processing module; and

a first electrode electrically coupled to the sensing module and the stimulation module; and

controlling, by the processor, the sensing module of the leadless pacing device to sense electrical cardiac activity via the first electrode and a second electrode of an extension that extends from the housing, the extension further comprising;

a body mechanically connected to the housing and comprising a conductor electrically connected to the sensing module;

a second electrode carried by the body and electrically connected to the conductor; and

an eyelet at a proximal end of the extension.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the eyelet defines an opening configured to receive a tether.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the opening defines a center axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the extension.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the opening defines a center axis that is not aligned with a longitudinal axis of the extension.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the opening defines a center axis that is oriented 90 degrees or less relative to a longitudinal axis of the extension.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the opening defines a center axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the extension.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the body is a self-supporting body.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the second electrode defines a blind hole configured to receive the eyelet.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the second electrode and the eyelet are portions of a common body.