Lead fastener

• US 8,660,668 B2
• Filed: 10/06/2012
• Issued: 02/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cameron Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Cameron Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Bardy, Gust H., Cappato, Riccardo, Rissmann, William J., Sanders, Gary H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schaetzle, Kennedy
• Application Number:
  US13/646,680
• Publication Number:
  US 20130030511A1
• Time in Patent Office: 507 Days
• Field of Search: 607/129, 439/909
• US Class Current: 607/129
• 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 1/0563 specially adapted for defibrillation or cardioversion
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/375 Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3906 characterised by the form of the shockwave
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3956 Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/39622 Pacing therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3968 Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings A61N1/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3975 Power supply A61N1/378 takes precedence

Abstract

Lead electrode assemblies for use with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator subcutaneously implanted outside the ribcage between the third and twelfth ribs comprising the electrode. Example assemblies include appendages of various types for use during implantation including fins, pinholes, loops, tubes, openings and other means for attachment to an implant tool. Several embodiments include first and second faces on the electrodes such that a first face is configured to be implanted facing the ribcage of the patient and the second face has the appendage.

Claims

1. A lead for use with an implantable cardiac stimulus device (ICSD) comprising:

an elongated flexible body portion having a proximal end configured for coupling to a canister of the ICSD and a distal end, the elongated flexible body comprising a plurality of filars extending through an insulating sheath, wherein the insulating sheath includes a gap near the distal end; and

an electrode having a first face and a second face, an appendage on the second face for use during implantation, and a fastener for coupling the electrode to the distal end of the elongated flexible body;

wherein;

the electrode comprises a metallic mesh exposed on the first face and generally covered on the second face;

the lead fastener comprises a metal strip, a crimping tube and a crimping pin;

the metal strip has first and second ends that are attached to the metallic mesh and a first crimp point between the first and second ends;

the crimping tube has a second crimp point;

the filars are disposed between the crimping tube and crimping pin such that the second crimp point squeezes the filars between the crimping tube and the crimping pin; and

the crimping tube forms an electrical connection between the filars and the metallic mesh.

2. The lead of claim 1 wherein the lead fastener is attached to the metallic mesh by spot welding.

3. The lead of claim 1 wherein the insulating sheath is pinched between the metal strip and the crimping tube at least by the first crimping point, with the crimping tube at least partly disposed within the insulating sheath in the region of the gap.

4. The lead of claim 1 wherein the metal strip, crimping tube and crimping pin are all made of titanium.

5. The lead of claim 1 wherein the metal strip, crimping tube and crimping pin are all made of platinum iridium.

6. The lead of claim 1 wherein the metal strip, crimping tube and crimping pin are all made of nickel alloys.

7. The lead of claim 1 wherein the metal strip, crimping tube and crimping pin are all made of stainless steel alloys.

8. The lead of claim 1 wherein the metal strip, crimping tube and crimping pin are all made of platinum.

9. An implantable cardiac stimulus device (ICSD) comprising:

a canister housing a battery, capacitors and operational circuitry configured to perform cardiac signal analysis and cardiac electrical therapy delivery, the canister having a port for coupling to a lead;

a lead comprising an elongated flexible body portion having a proximal end configured for coupling to the canister and a distal end, the elongated flexible body comprising a plurality of filers extending through an insulating sheath, wherein the insulating sheath includes a gap near the distal end;

an electrode having a first face and a second face, an appendage on the second face for use during implantation, and a mandrel for coupling the electrode to the distal end of the elongated flexible body;

first and second crimping tubes; and

a pin having first and second ends;

wherein;

the first crimping tube is used to attach the distal end of the lead to the first end of the pin; and

the second crimping tube is used to attach the mandrel of the electrode to the second end of the pin.

10. The lead of claim 9 wherein the crimping tubes and pin are all made of titanium.

11. The lead of claim 9 wherein the crimping tubes and pin are all made of platinum iridium.

12. The lead of claim 9 wherein the crimping tubes and pin are all made of nickel alloys.

13. The lead of claim 9 wherein the crimping tubes and pin are all made of stainless steel alloys.

14. The lead of claim 9 wherein the crimping tubes and pin are all made of platinum.