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Pacing lead with x-ray visible soluble covering and method of inserting same into a patient's heart

  • US 5,531,783 A
  • Filed: 01/17/1995
  • Issued: 07/02/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/17/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An implantable lead having a distal end and an electrode near said distal end, a proximal end, a flexible length between said distal and proximal ends, and a conductor connecting said proximal end and said electrode, said lead having a fixation element at about said distal end for effecting fixation to body tissue at a selected location in a patient, and a covering over at least a portion of said fixation element to facilitate insertion of said lead to a point where said fixation element is proximate to said location, said covering being soluble in body fluids and having dissolving characteristics selected so that it dissolves only after being in said body fluids for at least a predetermined time, whereby said covering maintains its structural integrity for at least said predetermined time after being inserted into the patient, said covering having a radiopaque material within at least a portion thereof to provide an x-ray visible target until said covering dissolves but not thereafter, whereby it can be determined when said covering has dissolved by monitoring said lead distal end with x-ray equipment.

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