Subcutaneous electrode with improved contact shape for transthoracic conduction

• US 20060206181A1
• Filed: 05/05/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cameron Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Cameron Incorporated (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Rissmann, William J., Bardy, Gust H., Sanders, Gary H., Cappato, Riccardo
• Granted Patent: US 7,657,322 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/116
• 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

One embodiment of the present invention provides a lead electrode assembly for use with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator subcutaneously implanted outside the ribcage between the third and twelfth ribs comprising the electrode.

Claims

1. An implantable lead electrode assembly comprising:

an electrode having a proximal end and a distal end and a discharging face and an opposing face, one of the ends being configured for attaching to a lead;

a backing layer attached to the opposing face of the electrode, the backing layer having a proximal end, a distal end, and sides extending therebetween; and

a fin formed by the backing layer, the fin extending laterally from a side of the backing layer.

2. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 1, wherein the fin extends beyond an outside edge of the side of the backing layer and is in substantially the same plane as the backing layer.

3. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 1, wherein the fin has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the fin is sloped.

4. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 1, further comprising a lead electrically coupled to the distal end of the electrode.

5. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cover attached to the backing layer, the cover enclosing the backing layer, fin, opposing face of the electrode, and at least a portion of the discharging face of the electrode.

6. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 5, further comprising a reinforcing polymer disposed between the fin and cover.

7. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 5, wherein the electrode has a perimeter and a main body portion, wherein the cover encloses the perimeter of the discharging face of the electrode but the main body portion of the discharging face is uncovered.

8. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 1, wherein the fin has a height in the range of about 1 mm to 10 mm.

9. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 8, wherein the fin has a width in the range of about 2 mm to 6 cm.

10. An implantable lead electrode assembly comprising:

an electrode having a discharging face and an opposing face; and

a backing layer attached to the opposing face of the electrode, the backing layer having a proximal end, a distal end, and sides extending therebetween, the backing layer having an extension forming a fin, the fin extending laterally from a side of the backing layer.

11. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 10, wherein the electrode discharging face includes a main body portion and a perimeter, the implantable lead electrode assembly further comprising a cover attached to the backing layer, the cover enclosing the backing layer, fin, opposing face of the electrode and a perimeter of the discharging face of the electrode;

wherein the main body portion of the discharging face is unobstructed.

12. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 10, wherein the fin extends beyond an outside edge of the side of the backing layer and in the same plane as the backing layer.

13. An implantable lead electrode assembly comprising:

an electrode having a discharging face and an opposing face;

a backing layer attached to the opposing face of the electrode, the backing layer having a proximal end, a distal end, and sides extending therebetween; and

first and second backing layer extensions, the first and second extensions extending laterally from the backing layer.

14. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 13, wherein the first and second backing layer extensions extend beyond an outside edge of the backing layer and in the same plane as the backing layer.

15. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 13, wherein the first backing layer extension extends from the distal end of the backing layer.

16. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 15, wherein the second backing layer extension extends from a side of the backing layer.

17. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 16, wherein the second backing layer extension has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is sloped.

18. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 16, further comprising a cover attached to the backing layer, the cover enclosing the backing layer, first and second backing layer extensions, opposing face of the electrode, and at least a portion of the discharging face of the electrode.

19. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 18, further comprising a reinforcing polymer disposed between the second backing layer extension and cover.

20. The implantable lead electrode assembly of claim 13, wherein the electrode has a perimeter and a main body portion, wherein the cover encloses the perimeter of the discharging face of the electrode but the main body portion of the discharging face is uncovered.