Pacing lead

• US 4,323,081 A
• Filed: 06/30/1980
• Issued: 04/06/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Wiebusch, Wendy A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US06/164,421
• Time in Patent Office: 645 Days
• Field of Search: 128/419 P, 128/784, 128/785, 128/786
• US Class Current: 607/130
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0587 Epicardial electrode systems; Endocardial electrodes piercing the pericardium

Abstract

Pacing lead including an elasticized snap-on sleeve integral with a fixation pad for covering and protecting a tip of an electrode, and which is designed for either ventricular or atrial pacing. The electrode includes a U-shaped mid-portion, and extends into and across a hole in the fixation pad. The bottom of the U-shaped portion is recessed slightly below the hole to a position slightly below the lower surface of the elasticized fixation pad. The pacing lead is intended for permanent epicardial pacing, includes a one piece design, provides for easy insertion, is acutely removable, is intended for long-term fixation and acute fixation, and has a low profile suitable for either ventricular or atrial pacing.

Claims

1. A body implantable lead comprising:

a conductor having a distal end;

an insulating sheath having a distal end fixedly attached to and covering said conductor;

an electrode having proximal and distal ends and having said proximal end fixedly attached to said distal end of said conductor; and

electrode support means fixedly attached to said distal end of said insulating sheath for disengaging attachment to said distal end of said electrode.

2. A body implantable lead according to claim 1 wherein said electrode support means further comprises a fixation pad having two sides and having a first aperture for disengagingly receiving said distal end of said electrode.

3. A body implantable lead according to claim 2 wherein said fixation pad is of an insulating material having a second aperture positioned to permit at least partial exposure of said electrode from each of said two sides of said fixation pad.

4. A body implantable lead according to claim 3 wherein said first aperture is positioned on a first of said two sides of said fixation pad.

5. A body implantable lead according to claim 4 wherein said fixation pad further comprises surgical mesh attached to a second of said two sides of said fixation pad.

6. A body implantable lead according to claim 5 wherein said fixation pad is composed of polyether urethane elastomer.

7. A body implantable lead according to claim 6 wherein said fixation pad has an elongated rectangular shape with rounded corners.

8. A body implantable lead according to claim 7 wherein said second aperture is substantially centrally located on said fixation pad.

9. A body implantable lead according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 wherein said electrode has a U-shaped midportion.

10. A body implantable lead according to claim 9 wherein said distal end of said electrode has a sharp point.

11. A body implantable lead according to claim 10 wherein said conductor is a coiled wire.

12. A body implantable lead according to claim 11 wherein said proximal end of said electrode is swaged to said distal end of said conductor.