Patent · US Expired

Implantable tapered spiral endocardial lead for use in internal defibrillation

US5133365A · kind A · utility

87Cited by
4References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 18, 1991
Grant dateJul 28, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 18, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/056
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An improved electrocardial lead for use with an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD) comprises an elongated, flexible, plastic tubular catheter body which is preformed so that when unconstrained, it assumes the shape of a tapered spiral or helix. The catheter body supports a defibrillating electrode attached to the exterior wall of the catheter body and is connected by a suitable cable to a proximal connector for mating with the AICD pulse generator. The improved lead also includes a tip electrode for sensing cardiac activity and providing information to the AICD pulse generator for controlling its operation. The lead of the present invention is intended for endocardial emplacement with the electrode structures predominantly in the right ventrical and provides substantially increased electrode surface area in contact with heart tissue as compared to prior art endocardial defibrillating leads and, thus, maximizing the energy delivered to the heart during defibrillation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.