Braided lead with embedded fixation structures

• US 9,775,985 B2
• Filed: 06/20/2016
• Issued: 10/03/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cirtec Medical Corp.
• Original Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
• Inventors: Finley, James, Swoyer, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Porter, Jr., Allen
• Application Number:
  US15/186,887
• Publication Number:
  US 20160296748A1
• Time in Patent Office: 470 Days
• Field of Search: 607115, 607116, 607119, 607122, 607126
• 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 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/24 oriented in at least three directions forming a three dimensional structure
• CPC Class Codes: D04C 1/06 Braid or lace serving particular purposes
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2509/00 Medical; Hygiene
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49169 Assembling electrical component directly to terminal or elongated conductor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49801 Shaping fiber or fibered material

Abstract

In some examples, a method of making a therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body includes braiding a plurality of fibers to form an elongated braided structure with a lumen. At least one reinforcing structure is weaved into the fibers of the braided structure. A portion of the reinforcing structure is extended from the braided structure to form at least one fixation structure. At least one of the braided structure or the reinforcing structure can be attached to at least one of an electrode assembly or a connector assembly.

Claims

1. An implantable lead, comprising:

a braided structure that includes a plurality of intertwining strands, the intertwining strands forming a lumen; and

a plurality of reinforcing members, wherein a first subset of the reinforcing members are disposed within the lumen, wherein a second subset of the reinforcing members are at least partially disposed outside of the lumen, and wherein each of the reinforcing members in the second subset extend radially outward through the braided structure to form a fixation structure.

2. The implantable lead of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of conductors located in the lumen.

3. The implantable lead of claim 2, wherein each of the conductors is arranged in a coil form.

4. The implantable lead of claim 2, further comprising:

an electrode assembly coupled to a distal end of the implantable lead; and

a connector assembly coupled to a proximal end of the implantable lead, the electrode assembly being electrically coupled to the connector assembly via the plurality of conductors.

5. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein the strands contain a bio-compatible polymeric material.

6. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein at least some of the strands contain a conductive material.

7. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein:

a first subset of the strands run clockwise; and

a second subset of the strands run counterclockwise.

8. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing members are axially oriented and are parallel to a central axis of the implantable lead.

9. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing members are secured to the braided structure by friction.

10. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing members are bonded to the braided structure.

11. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein a poi each of the reinforcing members that extend radially outward is curved.

12. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein a portion of each of the reinforcing members that extend radially outward is configured to fold toward a lead body in response to a force pulling on a proximal end of the lead body.

13. The implantable lead of claim 1, wherein the lumen is configured to receive a stylet.

14. A medical system, comprising:

a pulse generator configured to generate electrical pulses to stimulate a patient; and

an implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead includes;

a braided structure that includes a plurality of intertwining strands, the intertwining strands forming a lumen; and

a plurality of reinforcing members, wherein a first subset of the reinforcing members are disposed within the lumen, wherein a second subset of the reinforcing members are at least partially disposed outside of the lumen, and wherein each of the reinforcing members in the second subset extend radially outward through the braided structure to form a fixation structure.

15. The medical system of claim 14, wherein the implantable lead further comprises:

a plurality of conductors located in the lumen, wherein each of the conductors is arranged in a coil form;

an electrode assembly coupled to a distal end of the implantable lead; and

a connector assembly coupled to a proximal end of the implantable lead, the electrode assembly being electrically coupled to the connector assembly via the plurality of conductors.

16. The medical system of claim 14, wherein:

the strands contain a bio-compatible polymeric material; and

at least some of the strands contain a conductive material.

17. The medical system of claim 14, wherein:

a first subset of the strands run clockwise; and

a second subset of the strands run counterclockwise.

18. The medical system of claim 14, wherein the reinforcing members are secured to the braided structure by friction or are bonded to the braided structure.

19. The medical system of claim 14, wherein a portion of each of the reinforcing members that extend radially outward is curved and is configured to fold toward a lead body in response to a force pulling on a proximal end of the lead body.

20. A method, comprising:

delivering electrical stimulation to a patient via an implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead includes;

a braided structure that includes a plurality of intertwining strands, the intertwining strands forming a lumen; and

a plurality of reinforcing members, wherein a first subset of the reinforcing members are disposed within the lumen, wherein a second subset of the reinforcing members are at least partially disposed outside of the lumen, and wherein each of the reinforcing members in the second subset extend radially outward through the braided structure to form a fixation structure.