Extendable and retractable lead having a snap-fit terminal connector

US6501990B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Gregory L. Sundberg · Stillwater, US
• David M. Flynn · Lino Lakes, US
• Michael Brenzel · Windom, US
• Jason Skubitz · Arden Hills, US
• Larry L. Hum · Cottage Grove, US
• Carol Werlein · Ham Lake, US
• Christopher P. Knapp · Oakdale, US
• Gregory R. Ley · Blaine, US
• Jason Alan Shiroff · Edina, US
• Brian Soltis · Windom, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 23, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 31, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49217
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process. The lead includes a terminal assembly having an outer terminal ring, a terminal pin, and an insulative sleeve disposed between the outer terminal ring and the terminal pin. The insulative sleeve is coupled with the outer terminal ring with a snap-fit connection.