Implantable heart stimulator with infection control current, employing counter electrode
US7242980B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37512
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable heart stimulator has a pulse generator, implantable in a subcutaneous pocket, and an electrode lead connected thereto for delivering stimulation pulses to a patient's heart. The pulse generator has an electrically conductive housing, and the electrode lead has a proximal portion which after implantation, extends substantially from the housing to a location situated beyond entry into the venous system and before entry into the superior vena cava. The proximal portion has an exterior with an electrically conductive surface, which together with the housing, form an infection control current electrode. A counter electrode is disposed outside of the subcutaneous pocket, and a current source supplies an infection control current between the infection control current electrode and the counter electrode for counteracting bacterial growth at least on an exterior of the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.