Patent · US Expired

Implantable lead and sensor

US5275171A · kind A · utility

54Cited by
5References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 6, 1990
Grant dateJan 4, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 6, 2010

Classification

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

Abstract

A physiological sensor forms an integral part of an implantable stimulation/sensing lead used with a medical device, such as a pacemaker. The stimulation/sensing lead includes a tip electrode to which a distal end of a first conductor is connected. The sensor is inserted in series with respective portions of a second conductor. A distal end of the second conductor/sensor is connected to the tip electrode. Operation of the stimulation/sensing lead occurs unipolarly through the first conductor only, with a signal return path being provided through the tip electrode and conductive body fluids. The sensor does not form part of the electrical circuit to the tip electrode, and there are no electrical connections or breaks in the insulation along the entire length of the first conductor. Electrical contact with the sensor is achieved during a time window when the stimulation/sensing lead is not being used by applying an appropriate operating signal, and measuring the resultant output signal, at the proximal ends of the first and second leads.

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