Implantable cardiac stimulation device with warning system having elongated stimulation electrode
First Claim
1. An implantable cardiac therapy system comprisingmeans for producing a cardiac therapy,a header on said therapy producing means,at least one socket in said header on said therapy producing means, said socket having electrical connections therein electrically connected to said therapy producing means,means for detecting a predetermined condition,means for producing a physiologic warning stimulation to warn said patient of said detected condition, anda warning electrode on said cardiac therapy system, said electrode being electrically connected to said means for producing a physiologic warning stimulation and having at least one stimulating surface having a width and a length orthogonal to said width, said length at least twice said width.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable cardiac stimulation system having a patient warning system and an elongated electrode mounted near the can of the system for providing reliable stimulation for warning. The electrode has an extended length and a short width. The length is preferably at least double the width and more preferably at least four times the width. This extended length increases the probability that contact with the surrounding tissue will be achieved. The short width and rounded profile of the width, forming an "edge", on the other hand, increases the probability that a high enough current density will be achieved, causing stimulation to occur. The electrode may also be curved along its length, which tends to promote a "point" or small area contact between the electrode and the patient'"'"'s tissue. The electrode may be mounted directly on the can or header of the cardiac stimulator or may be part of a separate pin electrode. If a pin electrode is used, a hood configuration can be used to surround at least part of the header, reducing rotation of the pin electrode. By making only a portion of the surface of the pin electrode conductive, and particularly edges or corners, an elongated electrode, as described herein, is formed which produces a higher electric current density and more efficient stimulation.
203 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An implantable cardiac therapy system comprising
means for producing a cardiac therapy, a header on said therapy producing means, at least one socket in said header on said therapy producing means, said socket having electrical connections therein electrically connected to said therapy producing means, means for detecting a predetermined condition, means for producing a physiologic warning stimulation to warn said patient of said detected condition, and a warning electrode on said cardiac therapy system, said electrode being electrically connected to said means for producing a physiologic warning stimulation and having at least one stimulating surface having a width and a length orthogonal to said width, said length at least twice said width.
- 23. A pin electrode adapted for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation system, said cardiac stimulation system having a case containing electrical means for producing a stimulation therapy and a header on said case, said header containing at least one socket having electrical connections therein electrically connected to said means for producing a stimulation therapy, said pin electrode having a shaft configured to be inserted into said socket and to make electrical contact with the electrical connections therein and having electrode means substantially immediately adjacent said socket when said shaft is inserted in said socket, wherein said electrode means comprises an electrically conductive warning electrode, said warning electrode having a stimulating surface with a width and a length orthogonal to said width, said length being at least twice said width.
Specification