US5154183A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Bipolar myocardial electrode assembly
Assignee: Pacesetter Inc
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Filing: 1990-10-01
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Granted: 1992-10-13
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Expires: 2010-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A bipolar electrode assembly for attachment to heart tissue for use with a pacemaker. The assembly has a hub member with a helical screw-in coil that acts as a first electrode and is used to attach the assembly to the heart tissue. The assembly further comprises a plurality of appendages that extend from the hub member and each have an electrode segment of electrically conductive material. The electrode segment of the appendages can act together as a single second electrode, or alternatively as a separate, independent electrodes, which may selectively be used for pacing or sensing. The electrode segments not only act as electrodes, but also allows heart tissue to grow directly into the conductive material to help secure the assembly to the heart. The assembly also has apertures and grooves for suture connection of the assembly to the heart. Methods of manufacturing the assembly and connecting the assembly to a heart are also described.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul E. Kreyenhagen
- 👤 John R. Helland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/05; A61N1/0587
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A multipolar electrode assembly for attachment to myocardial heart tissue of a living animal, said multipolar electrode assembly comprising: a conductive, helically-shaped electrode member having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said helically-shaped electrode member being adapted for connecting to heart tissue; a hub member made of nonelectrically conductive material, said proximal end of said helically-shaped electrode member being received in said hub member; and a plurality of appendages fixedly mechanically connected to and extending radially outwardly from said hub member, each of said appendages comprising: a segment of electrically conductive material which is not electrically connected to said helically-shaped electrode member, said segment of electrically conductive material having a surface adapted for contacting heart tissue; and means for electrically insulating a side of said segment of conductive material opposite said surface adapted for contacting heart tissue, said insulating means being connected to said hub member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A multipolar electrode assembly for attachment to myocardial heart tissue of a living animal, said multipolar electrode assembly comprising: a conductive, helically-shaped electrode member having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said helically-shaped electrode member being adapted for connecting to heart tissue; a hub member made of nonelectrically conductive material, said proximal end of said helically-shaped electrode member being received in said hub member; and a plurality of appendages fixedly mechanically connected to and extending radially outwardly from said hub member, each of said appendages comprising: a segment of electrically conductive material which is not electrically connected to said helically-shaped electrode member, said segment of electrically conductive material having a surface adapted for contacting heart tissue; and means for electrically insulating a side of said segment of conductive material opposite said surface adapted for contacting heart tissue, said insulating means being connected to said hub member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim wherein said helically-shaped electrode member is relatively rigid and is adapted to be rotatably inserted into heart tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim wherein said helically-shaped electrode member is made of platinum-iridium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said hub member and said insulating means are made of medical-grade silicone rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said hub member is essentially circular in cross-sectional configuration, said plurality of appendages being mechanically connected to said hub member at the perimeter of said hub member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said plurality of appendages are connected to said hub member at a slight angle relative to a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of said helically-shaped electrode member to form a frustroconical shape, the interior of said frustroconical shape facing said distal end of said helically-shaped electrode member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein said plurality of appendages are adapted to be at least partially angularly flexible with respect to said longitudinal axis of said helically-shaped electrode member to allow said plurality of appendages to conform to the surface of the heart.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 7, wherein said segments of electrically conductive material are at least partially flexible.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim wherein there are between two and ten appendages connected to said hub member, said appendages being adjacent one another.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein there are between three and six of said appendages.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said segments of conductive material are made of a material from the group consisting of platinum, platinum iridium, titanium, Elgiloy, and a metal substrate coated with iridium oxide, titanium nitride, platinum, or carbon.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said segments of conductive material are made of a material from the group consisting of a metallic mesh, one or more wire coils, a braided wire segment, metallic spots or dimples, points, or dots, a flat conductive surface, a microporous metallic surface, and a conductive polymer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said segments of electrically conductive material are comprised of both electrically conductive metallic material and nonconductive material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said insulating means and said segments of electrically conductive material cooperate to form spaces therebetween.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 14, wherein said electrically conductive material is porous to allow heart tissue to grow therethrough into said spaces.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 14, wherein said spaces comprise: means for dispensing a therapeutic medication or chemical over a period of time.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said appendages comprise: apertures located therein for receiving sutures to secure said appendage ends to the heart tissue.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, additionally comprising: means for anchoring said multipolar electrode assembly.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
55 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein said anchoring means comprises: an anchoring member located adjacent a side of said hub member, said anchoring member having a circumferential groove located therein; and two laterally extending segments mounted on opposite sides of said anchoring member, said laterally extending segments having suture apertures therein.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said hub member comprises: means for storing a therapeutic medication or chemical which may be dispensed over a period of time.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 20, wherein said storing means comprises: at least one chemical reservoir with a flow restricting device which can slowly release said therapeutic medication or chemical to treat the heart tissue.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 20, wherein said therapeutic medication or chemical is compounded into a solid material which is stored in said hub member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said segments of electrically conductive material are arranged and configured to enhance their edge effect characteristics.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 23, wherein said segments of electrically conductive material have irregular configurations to increase their perimeter to area ratio.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least two of said segments of electrically conductive material are electrically connected together.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least two of said segments of electrically conductive material are electrically separate from each other.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
38 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said segments of electrically conductive material is an electrode member for delivering, together with said helically-shaped electrode member, a stimulus to the heart tissue.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
37 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 27, wherein at least one of said segments of electrically conductive material is an electrode member for sensing, together with said helically-shaped electrode member, signals from the heart tissue.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
139 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 28, additionally comprising: a first insulated conductor having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said first insulated conductor being electrically connected to said helically-shaped electrode member; a second insulated conductor having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said second insulated conductor being electrically connected to at least one of said at least one of said segments of electrically conductive material which is an electrode member for delivering a stimulus; and a third insulated conductor having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said third insulated conductor being electrically connected to at least one of said at least one of said segments of electrically conductive material which is an electrode member for sensing signals from the heart tissue.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
88 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 27, additionally comprising: a first insulated conductor having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said first insulated conductor being electrically connected to said helically-shaped electrode member; and a second insulated conductor having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said second insulated conductor being electrically connected to at least one of said at least one of said segments of electrically conductive material which is an electrode member for delivering a stimulus.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
82 words
A multipolar heart electrode assembly comprising: a first electrode having a distal end with a screw-in helix; a second electrode having a distal end with a plurality of appendages extending radially outwardly away from said screw-in helix in substantially perpendicular fashion; and means for housing and at least partially electrically insulating said first and second electrodes, said means for housing including means for connecting a suture to said means for housing to fixedly secure said means for housing directly to heart tissue.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
82 words
A multipolar heart electrode assembly comprising: a first electrode having a distal end with a screw-in helix; a second electrode having a distal end with a plurality of appendages extending radially outwardly away from said screw-in helix in substantially perpendicular fashion; and means for housing and at least partially electrically insulating said first and second electrodes, said means for housing including means for connecting a suture to said means for housing to fixedly secure said means for housing directly to heart tissue.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multipolar heart electrode assembly as defined in claim 31, wherein said means for connecting includes eyelet apertures.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multipolar heart electrode assembly as defined in claim 31, wherein said means for connecting includes a suture groove.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
49 words
A multipolar heart electrode assembly as defined in claim 33, wherein said means for housing includes a lead protector located under said suture groove comprised of a hard material to prevent damage to leads due to compression of said means for housing by a suture at said suture groove.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
36 words
A multipolar heart electrode assembly as defined in claim 31, wherein said means for connecting includes suture apertures at ends of said appendages for connecting said ends to heart tissue by sutures passing through said apertures.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
56 words
A multipolar heart electrode assembly, comprising: a first electrode having a distal end with a screw-in helix; a second electrode having a distal end with at least one appendage extending radially outwardly away from said screw-in helix in substantially perpendicular fashion; and means for housing and at least partially electrically insulating said first and second electrodes.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
56 words
A multipolar heart electrode assembly, comprising: a first electrode having a distal end with a screw-in helix; a second electrode having a distal end with at least one appendage extending radially outwardly away from said screw-in helix in substantially perpendicular fashion; and means for housing and at least partially electrically insulating said first and second electrodes.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
150 words
A multipolar electrode assembly for attachment to myocardial heart tissue of a living animal, said multipolar electrode assembly comprising: a conductive electrode member having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said electrode member comprising fixation means adapted for insertion into heart tissue; a hub member made of nonelectrically conductive material, said proximal end of said electrode member being received in said hub member; and a plurality of appendages fixedly mechanically connected to and extending radially outwardly from said hub member, each of said appendages comprising: a segment of electrically conductive material which is not electrically connected to said helically-shaped electrode member, said segment of electrically conductive material having a surface adapted for contacting heart tissue; and means for electrically insulating a side of said segment of conductive material opposite said surface adapted for contacting heart tissue, said insulating means being connected to said hub member.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
150 words
A multipolar electrode assembly for attachment to myocardial heart tissue of a living animal, said multipolar electrode assembly comprising: a conductive electrode member having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said electrode member comprising fixation means adapted for insertion into heart tissue; a hub member made of nonelectrically conductive material, said proximal end of said electrode member being received in said hub member; and a plurality of appendages fixedly mechanically connected to and extending radially outwardly from said hub member, each of said appendages comprising: a segment of electrically conductive material which is not electrically connected to said helically-shaped electrode member, said segment of electrically conductive material having a surface adapted for contacting heart tissue; and means for electrically insulating a side of said segment of conductive material opposite said surface adapted for contacting heart tissue, said insulating means being connected to said hub member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 37, wherein said fixation means comprises: a barbed member adapted to be inserted into heart tissue.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
A multipolar electrode assembly as defined in claim 37, wherein said fixation means comprises: a staple member adapted to be inserted into heart tissue.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of making a multipolar electrode assembly for attachment to myocardial heart tissue of a living animal, said method comprising: adapting the distal end of a conductive, helically-shaped electrode member to be connected to heart tissue; receiving the proximal end of said helically-shaped electrode member in a hub member made of nonelectrically conductive material; and mechanically a plurality of appendages to said hub member in a manner whereby said plurality of appendages extend radially outwardly from said hub member, each of said appendages comprising: a segment of electrically conductive material which is not electrically connected to said helically-shaped electrode member, said segment of electrically conductive material having a surface adapted for contacting heart tissue; and means for electrically insulating a side of said segment of conductive material opposite said surface adapted for contacting heart tissue, said insulating means being connected to said hub member.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of making a multipolar electrode assembly for attachment to myocardial heart tissue of a living animal, said method comprising: adapting the distal end of a conductive, helically-shaped electrode member to be connected to heart tissue; receiving the proximal end of said helically-shaped electrode member in a hub member made of nonelectrically conductive material; and mechanically a plurality of appendages to said hub member in a manner whereby said plurality of appendages extend radially outwardly from said hub member, each of said appendages comprising: a segment of electrically conductive material which is not electrically connected to said helically-shaped electrode member, said segment of electrically conductive material having a surface adapted for contacting heart tissue; and means for electrically insulating a side of said segment of conductive material opposite said surface adapted for contacting heart tissue, said insulating means being connected to said hub member.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of making a multipolar heart electrode, comprising: providing a first electrode having a screw-in helix at a distal end, and a second electrode having a plurality of electrically conductive segments each having a proximal side; mechanically mounting said second electrode in spaced arrangement with said first electrode, the two electrodes remaining electrically isolated but having a substantially fixed relative orientation with said second electrodes extending substantially radially outwardly from a proximal end of said first electrode; and providing an electrically insulating housing around the proximal end of said first electrode and the proximal sides of said second electrodes.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of making a multipolar heart electrode, comprising: providing a first electrode having a screw-in helix at a distal end, and a second electrode having a plurality of electrically conductive segments each having a proximal side; mechanically mounting said second electrode in spaced arrangement with said first electrode, the two electrodes remaining electrically isolated but having a substantially fixed relative orientation with said second electrodes extending substantially radially outwardly from a proximal end of said first electrode; and providing an electrically insulating housing around the proximal end of said first electrode and the proximal sides of said second electrodes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-10-13 | 1996-04-13 | 1996-10-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-13 | 2000-04-13 | 2000-10-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-13 | 2004-04-13 | 2004-10-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |