Shroud-based electrodes having vented gaps

• US 7,925,322 B2
• Filed: 04/28/2006
• Issued: 04/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Adamski, Thomas H., Mertz, John C., Stancer, Christopher C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bockelman; Mark W
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dinga; Roland
• Application Number:
  US11/380,811
• Publication Number:
  US 20070255158A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,810 Days
• Field of Search: 600/372, 600/373, 600/374, 600/377, 607/116, 607/119, 607/129
• US Class Current: 600/377
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/287 Holders for multiple electrodes, e.g. electrode catheters for electrophysiological study [EPS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0504 Subcutaneous electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators

Abstract

Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to promoting flow of body fluids in and around and between a substantially planar cardiac-sensing electrode and a shroud member utilizing spacing therebetween and/or one or more apertures, notches, slots and the like. For example, a relatively recessed area or aperture formed in an exemplary resin-based shroud member includes apertures that cooperate to promote flow of body fluids therearound.

Claims

1. A subcutaneous cardiac activity sensing shroud, comprising:

a shroud member for location adjacent at least a part of the peripheral portion of a housing for an implantable medical device (IMD), said shroud member including a recessed region having a major surface and surrounding edges; and

a substantially flat electrode located within the recessed region between the edges and having a surfaces facing and spaced from the major surfaces of the recessed region thereby defining a cavity therebetween;

wherein the electrode includes one of;

an aperture, a notch, and a slot extending therethrough adapted to promote flow of body fluid through the cavity.

2. A shroud according to claim 1, wherein said shroud member comprises a resilient material.

3. A shroud according to claim 1, further comprising at least one aperture is located over the recessed region.

4. A shroud according to claim 1, further comprising an elongated conductor coupled to the electrode.

5. A shroud according to claim 4, wherein the elongated conductor comprises an integrally formed structure with the electrode.

6. A subcutaneous cardiac activity sensing shroud, comprising:

a shroud member for location adjacent at least a part of the peripheral portion of a housing for an implantable medical device (IMD), said shroud member including a recessed region having an outwardly facing major surfaces and surrounding edges; and

a substantially flat electrode located within the recessed region between the edges and having a substantially flat surfaces inward and spaced from the major surfaces of the recessed region and separated from the major surfaces by an open cavity therebetween;

wherein the electrode includes one of;

an aperture, a notch, and a slot extending therethrough adapted to promote flow of body fluid into the cavity.

7. A shroud according to claim 6, wherein said shroud member comprises a resilient material.

8. A shroud according to claim 6, further comprising a mechanical stop maintaining the electrode at a present elevation relative to the major surfaces of the recessed region.

9. A shroud according to claim 6, wherein the at least one aperture is located over the recessed region.

10. A shroud according to claim 6, further comprising an elongated conductor couple to the electrode.

11. A shroud according to claim 10, wherein the elongated conductor comprises an integrally formed structure with the electrode.

12. A subcutaneous cardiac activity sensing shroud, comprising:

a shroud member for location adjacent at least a part of the peripheral portion of a housing for an implantable medical device (IMD), said shroud member including a recessed region having an outwardly facing major surfaces and surrounding edges; and

a substantially flat electrode located within the recessed region between the edges and spaced from the major surfaces of the recessed region and separated from the by an open cavity therebetween;

wherein the electrode includes one of;

an aperture, a notch, and a slot extending therethrough adapted to promote flow of body fluid into the open cavity.

13. A shroud according to claim 12, wherein said shroud member comprises a resilient material.

14. A shroud according to claim 12, further comprising a mechanical stop maintaining the electrode at a present elevation relative to the major surface of the recessed region.

15. A shroud according to claim 12, wherein the at least one aperture is located over the recessed region.

16. A shroud according to claim 12, further comprising an elongated conductor coupled to the electrode.

17. A shroud according to claim 16, wherein the elongated conductor comprises an integrally formed structure with the electrode.