Electrical lead and method for temporary cardiac pacing

• US 4,553,554 A
• Filed: 09/09/1983
• Issued: 11/19/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gerald M. Lemole
• Original Assignee: Gerald M. Lemole
• Inventors: Lemole, Gerald M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Howell, Kyle L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Smith, Ruth S.
• Application Number:
  US06/530,532
• Time in Patent Office: 802 Days
• Field of Search: 128/642, 128/419 P, 128/784-786
• US Class Current: 607/123
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0587 Epicardial electrode systems; Endocardial electrodes piercing the pericardium

Abstract

An improved electrical lead and the associated surgical procedure for using the same to connect the heart of a post-operative patient temporarily to an external cardiac pacemaker. An elongated non-conductive carrier housing a pair of insulated signal wires is provided with a pair of contact plates at separate locations along the surface of the carrier. Each of the plates is connected to one of the signal wires. The contact plates are configured and spaced apart to provide intimate electrical contact with the external walls of the atrium and ventricle when the carrier is placed in proper position dorsal to the heart.

Claims

1. A lead for applying electrical stimulation to a heart from an external pacemaker, comprising:

a pair of wire means each adapted for communicating electrical stimulation from a pacemaker to the heart;

an elongated non-conductive means housing said wire means, said non-conductive means being formed having a slot along a portion of the length thereof;

a first electrical contact means connected to one of said wire means and fixed upon said non-conductive means so as to be adapted for intimate contact with the wall of the atrium of the heart; and

a second electrical contact means connected to the other of said wire means and movably mounted upon said non-conductive means within said slot at an adjustable longitudinal distance apart from said first contact means so as to be adapted for intimate contact with the wall of the ventricle of the heart.

2. An electrical heart lead according to claim 1, wherein:

said first contact means is formed in the shape of a hemisphere; and

said second contact means is formed in the shape of a rectangular means plate.

3. An electrical heart lead according to claim 2, wherein:

said non-conductive means is formed having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration.

4. An electrical heart lead according to claim 3, wherein:

said non-conductive means is hollow along its length.

5. An electrical heart lead according to claim 2, wherein:

said non-conductive means is formed having a substantially flattened, cylindrical cross-sectional configuration.

6. An electrical heart lead according to claim 5, wherein:

non-conductive means is hollow along its length.

7. A surgical method for providing temporary electrical stimulation to a heart using an electrical lead of the type wherein a pair of signal wires are carried within an elongated non-conductive member and separately connected to respective ones of a pair of electrical contacts mounted along the member, comprising the steps of:

placing the lead in a position dorsal to the heart so that the electrical contacts are maintained by the weight of the heart directly adjacent the respective walls of the atrium and ventricle;

routing the lead from beneath the heart and out through the skin so that the elongated member and signal wires protrude therefrom;

connecting the protruding signal wires of the lead to a cardiac pacemaker for required electrical stimulation of the heart; and

withdrawing the lead from beneath the heart and out through the skin following the required stimulation.