US5143090A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cardiac lead
Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd
•
Filing: 1991-05-30
•
Granted: 1992-09-01
•
Expires: 2011-05-30
Abstract
Abstract A cardiac lead for transmitting electric current to the heart and/or sensing and monitoring electrical activity of the heart has an elongated electrical conductor connected to a head. An electrode mounted on the head comprises a helical wire adapted to be turned into heart tissue. A second electrode having an irregular or non-flat surface surrounds the helical wire. The non-flat surface may be a wire mesh, a segmented plate and an annular plate supporting one or more coiled wires.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert G. Dutcher
- 👤 John C. Hill
- 👤 Robert J. Scott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 11:04
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/05; A61N1/0587
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
309 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible conductor wire means, sheath means of non-electrical conductive material surrounding said conductor wire means, an electrical connector attached to the wire means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrically conductive material connected to said conductor wire means and sheath means, a helical electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor wire means and a helical second end section extended from said head adapted to be screwed into the myocardium of a heart, said second end section having an outer helical surface terminating in a point, a layer of platinum black particles attached to the outer helical surface of the second end section, said layer of platinum black particles having substantially uniform particle size and uniform distribution on said outer surface of the second end section of the electrode whereby said layer has a continuous and uniform microporous outer platinum black surface locatable in surface contact with the myocardium of the heart whereby said layer of platinum black particles decreases electrical losses at the electrode-tissue interface, establishes intimate contact between the electrode and myocardium, and maximizes voltage applied to said myocardium and lowers stimulation thresholds and increases amplitude of sensed electrical signals from the myocardium; a second electrode including a porous wire mesh secured to the support means surrounding the helical electrode engagable with the myocardium of the heart around the helical electrode when the helical electrode is attached to the myocardium, support means holding the second electrode on the head, and a second elongated flexible conductor wire connected to the support means located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first elongated flexible conductor wire means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
309 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible conductor wire means, sheath means of non-electrical conductive material surrounding said conductor wire means, an electrical connector attached to the wire means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrically conductive material connected to said conductor wire means and sheath means, a helical electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor wire means and a helical second end section extended from said head adapted to be screwed into the myocardium of a heart, said second end section having an outer helical surface terminating in a point, a layer of platinum black particles attached to the outer helical surface of the second end section, said layer of platinum black particles having substantially uniform particle size and uniform distribution on said outer surface of the second end section of the electrode whereby said layer has a continuous and uniform microporous outer platinum black surface locatable in surface contact with the myocardium of the heart whereby said layer of platinum black particles decreases electrical losses at the electrode-tissue interface, establishes intimate contact between the electrode and myocardium, and maximizes voltage applied to said myocardium and lowers stimulation thresholds and increases amplitude of sensed electrical signals from the myocardium; a second electrode including a porous wire mesh secured to the support means surrounding the helical electrode engagable with the myocardium of the heart around the helical electrode when the helical electrode is attached to the myocardium, support means holding the second electrode on the head, and a second elongated flexible conductor wire connected to the support means located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first elongated flexible conductor wire means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The lead of claim 1 including: porous means secured to the head surrounding said helical second end section to enhance fibrotic growth to connect the head and second end section to the myocardium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lead of claim 2 wherein: the porous means is a generally circular shaped fabric secured to the head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The lead of claim 1 including: sheath means of non-electrically conductive material extended from said head covering a portion of the helical second section of said electrode, said second section having an end portion projected from said sheath means, said end portion having an outer surface covered with said platinum black particles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The lead of claim 1 including: sheath means of non-electrical conductive material joined to the head covering a portion of the helical second section of said electrode, said helical electrode having about one half turn end portion extended from said sheath, said end portion having an outer surface covered with said platinum black particles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The lead of claim 1 wherein: the wire mesh has a coating of platinum black particles, platinum, Pyrolite carbon or titanium nitride.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The lead of claim 1 wherein: the support means comprises an electrical conductor attached to the head, said electrical conductor having an irregular surface configuration adapted to engage heart tissue.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lead of claim 7 wherein: said electrical conductor includes ring means surrounding the helical electrode mounted on the head, porous wire mesh being secured to the ring means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The lead of claim 7 wherein: the electrical conductor is an annular member having an exterior surface having at least one groove.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The lead of claim 9 wherein: at least part of said exterior surface has a coating of platinum black particles, platinum, Pyrolite carbon, or titanium nitride.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The lead of claim 1 including: a fabric member secured to the head to enhance fibrotic growth to secure the head to the myocardium.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
181 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to a heart and/or receiving electrical signals from the heart comprising: an elongated flexible conductor means, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, an electrical connector attached to the conductor means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrical conductive material connected to said conductor means and sheath means, a first electrode means having a first section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a second section extended from said head adapted to be placed in engagement with heart tissue, said second section having an end portion with an outer surface, and a second electrode surrounding the first electrode connected to said conductor means, and said second electrode having an outer surface adapted to contact heart tissue when the second section of the first electrode is in engagement with heart tissue, said outer surface of the second electrode having an irregular surface configuration larger than the outer surface of the end portion of the first electrode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
181 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to a heart and/or receiving electrical signals from the heart comprising: an elongated flexible conductor means, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, an electrical connector attached to the conductor means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrical conductive material connected to said conductor means and sheath means, a first electrode means having a first section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a second section extended from said head adapted to be placed in engagement with heart tissue, said second section having an end portion with an outer surface, and a second electrode surrounding the first electrode connected to said conductor means, and said second electrode having an outer surface adapted to contact heart tissue when the second section of the first electrode is in engagement with heart tissue, said outer surface of the second electrode having an irregular surface configuration larger than the outer surface of the end portion of the first electrode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The lead of claim 12 including: means on at least one of the surfaces of the first and second electrodes to enhance the electrical tissue interface between the surfaces of the first and second electrodes and heart tissue.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The lad of claim 13 wherein; the means to enhance the electrical tissue interface includes a coating of platinum black particles, platinum, Pyrolite carbon, or titanium nitride.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
130 words
The lead of claim 13 wherein: the means to enhance the electrical tissue interface includes a layer of platinum black particles attached to the outer surface of the end portion of the second section of the first electrode and the outer surface of the second electrode, said layer of platinum black particles having substantially uniform particle size and uniform distribution on said outer surfaces whereby said layer has a continuous and uniform microporous outer platinum black surface locatable in surface contact with the heart tissue whereby said layer of platinum black particles decreases electrical losses at the electrical-tissue interface, established intimate contact between the electrode and heart tissue, maximize voltage applied to said heart tissue and lowers stimulation thresholds and increases amplitude of sensed electrical signals from the heart tissue.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lead of claim 12 including: a generally circular fabric netting secured to the head.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lead of claim 12 wherein: the second electrode comprises an annular support of electrically conductive material secured to the head, and at least one coiled wire conductor secured to the support adapted to engage heart tissue.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
The lead of claim 12 wherein: the second electrode comprises an annular member of electrically conductive material secured to said head, said member having an outer surface and at least one groove in the outer surface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The lead of claim 12 wherein: the second electrode comprises an annular member of electrically conductive material having a plurality of holes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The lead of claim 12 wherein: the second electrode comprises an annular member of electrically conductive material having an outer surface, an at least one circular conductor member secured to said outer surface.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
66 words
The lead of claim 12 wherein: the second electrode comprises an annular member of electrically conductive material having spaced concentric rings, a plurality of circumferentially spaced spokes connected to the rings, and a plurality of grooves located between the rings, said irregular surface configuration of the outer surface of the second electrode comprising outer surfaces of the rings and spokes and the bases of the grooves.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
204 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to a heart and/or receiving electrical signals from the heart comprising: an elongated flexible conductor means, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, an electrical connector attached to the conductor means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrical conductive material connected to said conductor means and sheath means, a first electrode having a first section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a second section extended from said head adapted to be placed in engagement with heart tissue, said second section having an end portion with an outer surface, and a second electrode surrounding the first electrode connected to said conductor means, said second electrode having an outer surface adapted to contact heart tissue when the second section of the first electrode is in engagement with heart tissue, said outer surface of the second electrode having an irregular surface configuration larger than the outer surface of the end portion of the first electrode, the second electrode comprises an annular support of electrically conductive material secured to the head, and a porous wire mesh conductor secured to the support.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
204 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to a heart and/or receiving electrical signals from the heart comprising: an elongated flexible conductor means, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, an electrical connector attached to the conductor means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrical conductive material connected to said conductor means and sheath means, a first electrode having a first section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a second section extended from said head adapted to be placed in engagement with heart tissue, said second section having an end portion with an outer surface, and a second electrode surrounding the first electrode connected to said conductor means, said second electrode having an outer surface adapted to contact heart tissue when the second section of the first electrode is in engagement with heart tissue, said outer surface of the second electrode having an irregular surface configuration larger than the outer surface of the end portion of the first electrode, the second electrode comprises an annular support of electrically conductive material secured to the head, and a porous wire mesh conductor secured to the support.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
178 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible first conductor means adapted to be connected to the cardiac management device, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, a head of non-electrically conductive material attached to the conductor means and sheath means, a helical electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a helical second end section extended from said head adapted to be screwed into the myocardium of a heart, a second electrode surrounding the helical electrode, said second electrode including a porous wire mesh electrical conductor engageable with the myocardium of the heart around the helical electrode when the helical electrode is screwed into the myocardium, support means mounted on the head holding the second electrode on the head, and a second elongated flexible conductor means conductively connected to said second electrode located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first conductor means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
178 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible first conductor means adapted to be connected to the cardiac management device, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, a head of non-electrically conductive material attached to the conductor means and sheath means, a helical electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a helical second end section extended from said head adapted to be screwed into the myocardium of a heart, a second electrode surrounding the helical electrode, said second electrode including a porous wire mesh electrical conductor engageable with the myocardium of the heart around the helical electrode when the helical electrode is screwed into the myocardium, support means mounted on the head holding the second electrode on the head, and a second elongated flexible conductor means conductively connected to said second electrode located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first conductor means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The lead of claim 23 wherein: the wire mesh conductor has a coating platinum black particles, platinum, Pyrolite carbon or titanium nitride.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lead of claim 23 wherein: the support means comprises an annular electrical conductor attached to the head, said wire mesh conductor being secured to said annular electrical conductor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The lead of claim 23 including: a fabric netting secured to the head to enhance fibrotic growth to secure the head to heart tissue.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
180 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible first conductor means, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, and electrical connector attached to the conductor means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrical conductive material connected to said conductor means and sheath means, a first electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a second end section extended from said head adapted to be placed into engagement with heart tissue, a second electrode attached to the head surrounding the first electrode engagable with heart tissue when the first electrode is placed into engagement with heart tissue, said second electrode having annular outer surface means including means having irregular surfaces adapted to engage heart tissue, and elongated flexible second conductor means conductively connected to the connector and said second electrode located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first conductor means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
180 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible first conductor means, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, and electrical connector attached to the conductor means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrical conductive material connected to said conductor means and sheath means, a first electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a second end section extended from said head adapted to be placed into engagement with heart tissue, a second electrode attached to the head surrounding the first electrode engagable with heart tissue when the first electrode is placed into engagement with heart tissue, said second electrode having annular outer surface means including means having irregular surfaces adapted to engage heart tissue, and elongated flexible second conductor means conductively connected to the connector and said second electrode located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first conductor means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The lead of claim 27 including: a fabric netting secured to the head to enhance fibrotic growth to secure the head to the heart tissue.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The lead of claim 27 wherein: the means having irregular surfaces comprise an annular member and at least one circular coiled conductor secure to the annular member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The lead of claim 27 wherein: the means having irregular surfaces comprise at least one groove in the second electrode.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
The lead of claim 27 wherein: the means having irregular surfaces comprises an annular member and at least one circular member secured to the annular member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The lead of claim 27 wherein: the means having irregular surfaces comprises an annular member having a plurality of grooves.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The lead of claim 27 wherein: the means having irregular surfaces comprises an annular member having a plurality of holes.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The lead of claim 33 wherein: the second electrode has a coating of platinum black particles, platinum, pyrolite carbon or titanium nitride.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lead of claim 33 including: means on the second end section of the helical electrode to enhance the electrical tissue interface between the second end section and the heart tissue.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The lead of claim 35 wherein: the means to enhance the electrical tissue interface including a coating of platinum black particles, platinum, Pyrolite carbon, or titanium nitride.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
54 words
The lead of claim 27 wherein: the means having irregular surfaces comprise a member having spaced concentric rings, at least one spoke connected to the rings, and a plurality of grooves located between the rings, said irregular surfaces comprising outer surfaces of the rings and spoke and surfaces at the base of the grooves.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lead of claim 37 wherein: the member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced spokes connected to the rings.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
191 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electrical current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible first conductor means, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, and electrical connector attached to the conductor means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrical conductive material connected to said conductor means and sheath means, a first electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a second section extended from said head adapted to be placed into engagement with heart tissue, a second electrode attached to the head surrounding the first electrode engagable with heart tissue when the first electrode is placed into engagement with heart tissue, said second electrode having annular outer surface means including means having irregular surfaces adapted to engage heart tissue, and elongated flexible second conductor means conductively connected to the connector and said second electrode located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first conductor means, the means having irregular surfaces comprise a porous wire mesh electrical conductor.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
191 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electrical current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible first conductor means, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, and electrical connector attached to the conductor means adapted to be connected to a cardiac management device, a head of non-electrical conductive material connected to said conductor means and sheath means, a first electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a second section extended from said head adapted to be placed into engagement with heart tissue, a second electrode attached to the head surrounding the first electrode engagable with heart tissue when the first electrode is placed into engagement with heart tissue, said second electrode having annular outer surface means including means having irregular surfaces adapted to engage heart tissue, and elongated flexible second conductor means conductively connected to the connector and said second electrode located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first conductor means, the means having irregular surfaces comprise a porous wire mesh electrical conductor.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
210 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible first conductor means adapted to be connected to the cardiac management device, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, a head of non-electrically conductive material attached to the conductor means and sheath means, a helical electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a helical second end section extended from said head adapted to be screwed into the myocardium of a heart, a second electrode secured to the head surrounding the helical electrode, said second electrode including a member of electrically conductive material having spaced concentric rings and at least one spoke connected to the rings having first outer surfaces and grooves between the rings, said member having second outer surfaces at the bases of the grooves, said first and second outer surfaces being engageable with the myocardium of the heart around the helical electrode when the helical electrode is screwed into the myocardium, and a second elongated flexible conductor means conductively connected to said second electrode located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first conductor means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
210 words
A cardiac lead connectable to a cardiac management device for transmitting electric current to and/or receiving electrical signals from the myocardium of the heart comprising: an elongated flexible first conductor means adapted to be connected to the cardiac management device, sheath means of non-electrically conductive material surrounding said conductor means, a head of non-electrically conductive material attached to the conductor means and sheath means, a helical electrode having a first end section extended into said head and connected to said conductor means and a helical second end section extended from said head adapted to be screwed into the myocardium of a heart, a second electrode secured to the head surrounding the helical electrode, said second electrode including a member of electrically conductive material having spaced concentric rings and at least one spoke connected to the rings having first outer surfaces and grooves between the rings, said member having second outer surfaces at the bases of the grooves, said first and second outer surfaces being engageable with the myocardium of the heart around the helical electrode when the helical electrode is screwed into the myocardium, and a second elongated flexible conductor means conductively connected to said second electrode located within the sheath means and electrically insulated from the first conductor means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-09-01 | 1996-03-02 | 1996-09-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-09-01 | 2000-03-02 | 2000-09-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-09-01 | 2004-03-02 | 2004-09-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |