Method for Detecting and Localizing Insulation Failures of Implantable Device Leads

• US 20160250462A1
• Filed: 02/26/2016
• Published: 09/01/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lambda Nu Technology LLC
• Original Assignee: Lambda Nu Technology LLC
• Inventors: Kroll, Mark W., Swerdlow, Charles D.
• Granted Patent: US 9,821,156 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0276 Determining malfunction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0538 invasively, e.g. using a catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/276 Protection against electrode failure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/29 for permanent or long-term implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/686 Permanently implanted devices, e.g. pacemakers, other stimulators, biochips A61B5/6861 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37 Monitoring; Protecting
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3925 Monitoring; Protecting
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3931 Protecting, e.g. back-up systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3956 Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as insulation failures, in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a pacemaker, or a neurostimulator. Insulation failures are detected and localized by identifying changes in electrical fields via surface (skin) potentials. Small variations in potential are detected along the course of the electrode near the site of insulation failure.

Claims

1-19. -19. (canceled)

20. An apparatus for detecting implanted lead insulation failures comprising:

an AC signal generator operably connected to an implantable lead in a body;

an AC amplifier having one input connected to a roving electrode and one input connected to a reference electrode, the AC amplifier amplifying skin surface signals from the roving electrode;

a filter connected to the amplifier output and to the output of the AC signal generator, the filter configured to pass the signal characteristics of the AC signal generator;

a modulator connect the filter output, the output of the modulator provided to an ECG device; and

circuitry connected to the filter output to enable reading of the filter signal.