Implantable lead with flexible tip features

US8160721B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Daniel J. Cooke · Roseville, US
• Leslie J. Carion · White Bear Lake, US
• Shrojalkumar Desai · Little Canada, US
• Brendan Early Koop · Ham Lake, US
• Ronald W. Heil, Jr. · Roseville, US
• Harshad Borgaonkar · Shoreview, US
• Matthew S. Finlay · Minneapolis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2009
• Grant date: Apr 17, 2012
• Expiry date: Aug 4, 2030

Classification

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

Abstract

A medical electrical lead comprises a flexible, elongate lead body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. A protective distal tip structure is disposed on the distal end of the lead body. The tip structure includes a plurality of compliant projections each extending distally from the distal end of the body in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The projections are configured to contact and bear against cardiac tissue when the lead is implanted, and are deformable under the action of an axially or radially directed force. The projections optionally include a coating over a substrate. The coating can include a hydrogel material and/or a pharmaceutical agent such as a steroid for reducing inflammation at the implantation site.