Method for protecting implantable devices
First Claim
1. A method for protecting an implantable medical device from a corrosive human biologic fluid of a patient, the implantable medical device comprising a hermetically sealed housing having a plurality of external surfaces, the housing having disposed therewithin means for delivering a therapy to the patient, the device being suitable for implantation within the patient, comprising providing a pulse waveform to at least one of the plurality of surfaces of the implantable device, wherein a closed circuit is completed though the corrosive fluid.
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Abstract
A pulse waveform is provided to at least one surface of an implantable device to protect it from corrosion from a corrosive fluid. The pulse waveform can be delivered through ether anodic or cathodic monophasic or asymetrical biphasic pulses using one electrode and an indiferent or sacrificial electrode. The electrode and the indiferent or sacrificial electrode are oriented such that a closed circuit between the two electrodes is completed through the corrosive fluid and the surface to be protected is within the completed circuit path.
429 Citations
17 Claims
- 1. A method for protecting an implantable medical device from a corrosive human biologic fluid of a patient, the implantable medical device comprising a hermetically sealed housing having a plurality of external surfaces, the housing having disposed therewithin means for delivering a therapy to the patient, the device being suitable for implantation within the patient, comprising providing a pulse waveform to at least one of the plurality of surfaces of the implantable device, wherein a closed circuit is completed though the corrosive fluid.
- 16. An implantable medical device comprising a hermetically sealed housing having a plurality of external surfaces, the housing having disposed therewithin means for delivering a therapy to a patient, the device being suitable for implantation within a human biologic corrosive fluid of the patient, the device comprising a first electrode attached to one of the plurality of surfaces of the implantable device and a second electrode, each electrode being operatively connected to a waveform generator, wherein the second electrode is oriented such that the surface of the implantable device is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode in respect of an electrical signal transmitted through a closed circuit that includes the first and second electrodes.
Specification