Method and apparatus for implantable cardiac lead integrity analysis
First Claim
1. A method of detecting conductor migration, damage, insulation abrasion or externalization within an implantable cardiac lead having an implantable cardiac lead length of less than 2 m implanted proximate and in electrical communication with a heart of a patient comprising:
- using a source to apply a test signal other than during delivery of high energy therapy to at least one high voltage conductor of the implantable cardiac lead that is electrically connected to at least one defibrillation electrode, wherein the test signal has a signal frequency greater than 10 MHz;
measuring an imaginary component of a transmission line impedance of the implantable cardiac lead in response to the test signal;
comparing the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance to an expected value of the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance at the signal frequency; and
providing an indication of potential lead failure related to conductor migration, damage, insulation abrasion or externalization within the implantable cardiac lead based on whether the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance is increased relative to the expected value.
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Abstract
The present invention relates, generally, to scientific and medical system methods for diagnosis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead conductor anomalies, in particular conductor migration and externalization within an ICD implantable cardiac lead. The method uses an “imaginary” component of the high frequency transmission line impedance having certain spectral changes that correspond to movements of the conductor or an “imaginary impedance”. This allows the detection of conductor migration and small insulation failures.
93 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method of detecting conductor migration, damage, insulation abrasion or externalization within an implantable cardiac lead having an implantable cardiac lead length of less than 2 m implanted proximate and in electrical communication with a heart of a patient comprising:
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using a source to apply a test signal other than during delivery of high energy therapy to at least one high voltage conductor of the implantable cardiac lead that is electrically connected to at least one defibrillation electrode, wherein the test signal has a signal frequency greater than 10 MHz; measuring an imaginary component of a transmission line impedance of the implantable cardiac lead in response to the test signal; comparing the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance to an expected value of the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance at the signal frequency; and providing an indication of potential lead failure related to conductor migration, damage, insulation abrasion or externalization within the implantable cardiac lead based on whether the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance is increased relative to the expected value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of detecting conductor migration, damage, insulation abrasion or externalization within an implantable cardiac lead having an implantable cardiac lead length of less than 2 m implanted proximate and in electrical communication with a heart of a patient, performed by an implantable cardiac device configured to deliver high energy therapy, comprising:
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using a source, provided within the implantable cardiac device, to apply a test signal to the implantable cardiac lead to deliver the test signal to at least one high voltage conductor that is electrically connected to at least one defibrillation electrode other than during deliver of high energy therapy, wherein the test signal has a signal frequency greater than 10 MHz; measuring an imaginary component of a transmission line impedance of the implantable cardiac lead in response to the test signal; comparing the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance to an expected value of the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance at the signal frequency; and providing an indication of potential lead failure related to conductor migration, damage, insulation abrasion or externalization within the implantable cardiac lead based on whether the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance is increased relative to the expected value. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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Specification