Method for tissue stimulation and fabrication of low polarization implantable stimulation electrode

US6253110A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Scott J. Brabec · Elk River, US
• Kenneth R. Brennen · Fridley, US
• William Schindeldecker · Foreston, US
• Stanten C. Spear · Arden Hills, US
• Roger E. Rugland · Anoka, US
• Bruce C. Johnson · Broken Arrow, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 27, 1999
• Grant date: Jun 26, 2001
• Expiry date: Apr 27, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/0568
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of fabricating a stimulation electrode for use on an implantable lead, the lead and electrode so fabricated and a method of their use. The electrode is made by coating a conductive electrode member with a coating of a high surface area coating having micron or sub-micron surface features and after coating, plasma cleaning the electrode member. The electrode is coupled to an insulated conductor of an implantable lead and is employed to stimulate body tissue. The high surface area coating may be platinum black, ruthenium oxide, another metal oxide, a metal nitride or the like. Steroid may be applied to the electrode member after coating.