Low profile lead with automatic tine activation
First Claim
1. A transvenous cardiac stimulation lead comprising:
- an insulative lead body having proximal and distal ends;
at least one electrical conductor within said lead body;
a connector at said proximal end coupled to said conductor for connection to a pulse generator;
a plurality of flexible tines at said distal end extending substantially parallel to said lead body in a first position and extending away from said lead body in a second position; and
a hydrophilic material positioned at an under side of each of said tines;
whereby, when said lead is transvenously implanted with said tines in said first position, after exposure to body fluids said hydrophilic material expands to force said tines to said second position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A transvenous lead system for cardiac stimulation with a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator having automatic activation of a passive fixation system. The lead includes an insulative lead body such as silicone rubber and has a proximal end with a connector for coupling the lead to the pacemaker or defibrillator. At least one conductor extends through the lead body for connection to a lead electrode. The lead further includes a plurality of flexible tines. In a first position, the tines are folded back along the lead body and exhibit a minimal profile. A hydrophilic material such as a hydrogel is disposed on the under side of each tine either as part of the tine or between the tine and the lead body. Upon exposure to body fluids when the lead is implanted, the hydrogel absorbs liquid and expands. This expansion forces the tines into a second, deployed position where the tines can engage trabeculae of the heart chambers to anchor the lead in place.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A transvenous cardiac stimulation lead comprising:
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an insulative lead body having proximal and distal ends; at least one electrical conductor within said lead body; a connector at said proximal end coupled to said conductor for connection to a pulse generator; a plurality of flexible tines at said distal end extending substantially parallel to said lead body in a first position and extending away from said lead body in a second position; and a hydrophilic material positioned at an under side of each of said tines; whereby, when said lead is transvenously implanted with said tines in said first position, after exposure to body fluids said hydrophilic material expands to force said tines to said second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A fixation mechanism for a transvenous lead comprising:
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a longitudinally extending insulative lead body; a plurality of flexible tines positioned on said lead body and extending substantially parallel to said lead body in a first position and extending away from said lead body in a second position; and a hydrophilic material positioned at an under side of each of said tines; whereby, when said lead is transvenously implanted with said tines in said first position, after exposure to body fluids said hydrophilic material expands to force said tines to said second position. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification
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- Resources
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Current AssigneePacesetter Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories)
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Original AssigneeVentritex Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories)
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InventorsCarson, Dean F.
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Primary Examiner(s)Kamm, William E.
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Assistant Examiner(s)Jastrzab, Jeffrey R.
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Application NumberUS08/362,035Time in Patent Office600 DaysField of Search607/120, 607/122, 607/126-128, 607/130, 607/131, 128/642, 604/105-107, 604/265, 606/198US Class Current607/126CPC Class CodesA61N 1/0565 Electrode headsA61N 1/057 Anchoring means; Means for ...
