Apparatus and method for expanding a stimulation lead body in situ

• US 6,292,702 B1
• Filed: 05/31/2000
• Issued: 09/18/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Schendel, Michael J., Schallhorn, Richard, Rise, Mark T., King, Gary W.
• Primary Examiner(s): EVANISKO, GEORGE ROBERT
• Application Number:
  US09/584,572
• Time in Patent Office: 475 Days
• Field of Search: 607/116, 607/117, 607/119, 607/122, 607/126-128
• US Class Current: 607/116
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/045 for filling, e.g. for filling reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0693 Brain, cerebrum
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1003 Spinal column
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/056 Transvascular endocardial electrode systems

Abstract

An implantable lead is provided with at least one extendable member to position therapy delivery elements, which may be electrodes or drug delivery ports, after the lead has been inserted into the body. The lead may formed as a resilient element which is contained in a retainer tube that may be removed to permit the lead to deploy. Alternatively, a non-resilient lead may be provided with a slotted retainer tube. A series of mechanical linkages for expanding and retracting the lead within the human body may be actuated with various mechanisms. A control system may be provided for closed-loop feedback control of the position of the extendable members. The invention also includes a method for expanding an implantable lead in situ.

Claims

1. An implantable medical device for providing therapy to a body comprising:

an elongate central portion having an axis;

at least one extendable member having an end, the extendable member depending from the central portion and being adapted to assume a range of positions, including a compact position, in which the end is disposed in close proximity to the central portion, and an extended position, in which the end is disposed at a location distal from the central portion;

at least one therapy delivery element disposed on the extendable member for delivering therapy to the body, wherein the extendable member is a span adapted to coil around the central portion when the span is in the compact position, wherein rotation of at least one part of the central portion results in a coiling or uncoiling of the extendable member around the central portion; and

further comprising a retainer tube having a notch for guiding the extendable member to or from the extended position.

2. An implantable medical device for providing therapy to a body comprising:

an elongate central portion;

at least one extendable member having an end, the extendable member depending from the central portion and being adapted to assume a range of positions, including a compact position, in which the end is disposed in close proximity to the central portion, and an extended position, in which the end is disposed at a location distal from the central portion;

at least one therapy element disposed on the extendable member for delivering therapy to the body; and

a linkage assembly for position adjustment of the extendable member in situ,

wherein the extendable member is formed as a series of telescoping elements.