Temporary bipolar heart wire

Claim 2

A temporary medical lead having distal and proximal ends, the lead being suitable for pacing, sensing, monitory, or defibrillating at least a portion of a human or animal organ, comprising: (a) a lead body having distal and proximal ends and comprising at least first and second electrical conductors having proximal and distal ends, the first and second electrical conductors being electrically insulated from one another, at least portions of the first and second conductors being covered by electrically insulative material, the first and second conductors being formed of wires or stranded wires; (b) at least distal and proximal electrodes comprising uninsulated distal portions of the first and second electrical conductors, respectively; (c) a substantially rigid needle assembly having distal and proximal ends, the needle assembly comprising a first portion comprising proximal and distal ends, the first portion having a pointed end disposed at the proximal end thereof, a second distal portion comprising at least first and second connectors having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends of the connectors forming the distal end of the needle assembly, the first proximal portion and the second distal portion being substantially rigidly connected to one another, a weakened zone being disposed at least propinguant to the region disposed between the first proximal portion and the second distal portion, the needle assembly, prior to the first and second portions thereof being separated manually from one another, forming a single contiguous and substantially rigid assembly; the first connector being attached to the proximal end of the first electrical conductor, the second connector being attached to the proximal end of the second electrical conductor wherein the connectors may be separated from the first proximal portion by the application of one of a single sufficiently large bending force and a single sufficiently large pulling force to the weakened zone, and the connectors are configured for attachment to an external electrical apparatus.

Claim 3

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the proximal electrode is an at least partially bare wire wound around an insulated portion of the first conductor.

Claim 4

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the proximal electrode is an at least partially bare wire having a distal end, the distal end of the bare wire being affixed to an insulated portion of the first conductor.

Claim 5

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the proximal electrode is an at least partially bare wire having a distal end, the distal end of the bare wire being affixed to an insulated portion of the first conductor by one of an electrode attachment member, heat shrink tubing, electrically conductive heat shrink tubing, tape and glue.

Claim 6

The temporary lead of claim 4, wherein the electrode attachment member is formed of at least one of an adhesive or polyurethane.

Claim 7

The temporary lead of claim 5, wherein the adhesive is one of a UV-cured adhesive and epoxy.

Claim 8

The temporary lead of claim 6, wherein the UV-cured adhesive is POM.

Claim 9

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first and second conductors are formed of at least one of helically wound strands of multifilament stainless steel, twisted strands of multifilament stainless steel, single strands of stainless steel, and strands of electrically conductive polymeric material.

Claim 10

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the at least first and second electrical conductors are inner and outer coaxial conductors, respectively.

Claim 11

The temporary lead of claim 9, wherein a layer of inner insulation separates and electrically insulates the first inner conductor from the second outer conductor, the inner insulation being formed from a material selected from the group consisting of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), co-polymer polytetrafluorethylene, polyethylene, silastic, neoprene, polypropylene and polyurethane.

Claim 12

The temporary lead of claim 10, wherein the outer conductor is composed of between about 26 and 40 medical grade stainless steel strands or filaments wound helically over the layer of inner insulation.

Claim 13

The temporary lead of claim 10, wherein the inner conductor is composed of about 19 medical grade twisted, wound, or twisted and wound stainless steel filaments or strands.

Claim 14

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein a layer of outer insulation is disposed over the outer surface of the second conductor, the outer insulation being electrically insulative and formed from a material selected from the group consisting of FEP, polyethylene, biocompatible PTFE, polyethylene, silastic, neoprene, polypropylene and polyurethane.

Claim 15

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein a layer of outer insulation is disposed over the outer surface of the first conductor, the outer insulation being electrically insulative and formed from a material selected from the group consisting of FEP, polyethylene, biocompatible PTFE, polyethylene, silastic, neoprene, polypropylene and polyurethane.

Claim 16

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the at least first and second electrical conductors are zip cord conductors.

Claim 17

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the at least first and second electrodes are formed of medical grade stainless steel.

Claim 18

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the needle is atraumatic.

Claim 19

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the needle assembly is substantially straight.

Claim 20

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the needle assembly has a triangular cross-section.

Claim 21

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the needle assembly is a Keith-type needle.

Claim 22

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the needle assembly is formed of medical grade plastic or polymer.

Claim 23

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the needle assembly is curved.

Claim 24

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the proximal portion is attached by breaking means, snapping means, crimping means, compressional means, frictional means, adhesive means, glue means or elastic means to the proximal ends of the first and second connectors.

Claim 25

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the reduced diameter pins fit into corresponding individual recesses disposed within the distal end of the first portion of the needle assembly.

Claim 26

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first and second connectors form reed-shaped connectors.

Claim 27

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first and second connectors form flexible connectors.

Claim 28

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the first and second connectors have reduced diameter pins disposed at the proximal ends thereof.

Claim 29

The temporary lead of claim 27, wherein the first and second connectors each have a scored region disposed between the reduced diameter pin and its proximal end.

Claim 30

The temporary lead of claim 27, wherein the reduced diameter pins fit into corresponding individual recesses disposed within the distal end of the first portion of the needle assembly.

Claim 31

The temporary lead of claim 27, wherein the reduced diameter pins are frictionally engaged, adhered, glued, crimped, brazed, soldered or welded to the distal end of the first portion of the needle assembly.

Claim 32

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the proximal ends of the first and second conductors slide within recesses disposed in the distal ends of the first and second connectors, the conductors being crimped, brazed, soldered or welded in place therein to establish electrical and mechanical connections between the conductors and the connectors.

Claim 33

The temporary lead of claim 1, wherein the weakened zone is a crimp, score grave, portion of a grave, notch or portion of a notch, disposed on one or both sides of the needle assembly at a location propinquant to the region disposed between the first proximal portion and the second distal portion.

Claim 34

A temporary medical lead having distal and proximal ends, the lead being suitable for pacing, sensing, monitoring, or defibrillating at least a portion of human or animal organ, comprising: (a) a lead body having distal and proximal ends and comprising at least first and second means for conducting electricity, the first and second conducting means having proximal and distal ends being electrically insulated from one another, at least portions of the first and second conducting means being covered by means for electrically insulating; (b) at least distal and proximal electrodes comprising uninsulated distal portions of the first and second conducting means, respectively; (c) a substantially rigid means for piercing having distal and proximal ends, the piercing means comprising a first proximal portion comprising proximal and distal ends, the first portion having a pointed end disposed at the proximal end thereof, a second distal portion comprising at least first and second means for connecting having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends of the connecting means forming the distal end of the piercing means, the first proximal portion and the second distal portion being substantially rigidly connected to one another, a weakened zone being disposed at least propinquant to the region disposed between the first proximal portion and the second distal portion, the piercing means, prior to the first and second portions thereof being separated from one another, forming a single contiguous and substantially rigid assembly, the first connecting means being attached to the proximal end of the first conducting means, the second connecting means being attached to the proximal end of the second conducting means; wherein the first and second connecting means may be separated from the first proximal portion by the application of one of a single sufficiently large bending moment and a single sufficiently large pulling force to the weakened zone, the first and second connecting means being configured for attachment to an external electrical apparatus.

Claim 35

A temporary medical lead having distal and proximal ends, the lead being suitable for pacing, sensing, monitoring, or defibrillating at least a portion of human or animal organ, comprising: (a) a lead body having distal and proximal ends and comprising at least first and second means for conducting electricity, the first and second conducting means having proximal and distal ends being electrically insulated from one another, at least portions of the first and second conducting means being covered by means for electrically insulating; (b) at least distal and proximal electrodes comprising uninsulated distal portions of the first and second conducting means, respectively; (c) a substantially rigid means for piercing having distal and proximal ends, the piercing means comprising a first proximal portion comprising proximal and distal ends, the first portion having a pointed end disposed at the proximal end thereof, a second distal portion comprising at least first and second means for connecting having distal and proximal ends, the distal ends of the connecting means forming the distal end of the piercing means, the first proximal portion and the second distal portion being substantially rigidly connected to one another, a weakened zone being disposed at least propinquant to the region disposed between the first proximal portion and the second distal portion, the piercing means, prior to the first and second portions thereof being separated from one another, forming a single contiguous and substantially rigid assembly, the first connecting means being attached to the proximal end of the first conducting means, the second connecting means being attached to the proximal end of the second conducting means; wherein the first and second connecting means may be separated from the first proximal portion by the application of one of a single sufficiently large bending moment and a single sufficiently large pulling force to the weakened zone, the first and second connecting means being configured for attachment to an external electrical apparatus.

Claim 36

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the proximal electrode is an at least partially bare wire wound around an insulated portion of the first conducting means.

Claim 37

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the proximal electrode is an at least partially bare wire having a distal end, the distal end of the bare wire being affixed to an insulated portion of the first conducting means.

Claim 38

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the proximal electrode is an at least partially bare wire having a distal end, the distal end of the bare wire being affixed to an insulated portion of the first conducting means by one of an electrode attachment means, heat shrink tubing, electrically conductive heat shrink tubing, means for taping, and means for gluing.

Claim 39

The temporary lead of claim 36, wherein the electrode attachment means is formed of at least one of an adhesive or polyurethane.

Claim 40

The temporary lead of claim 37, wherein the adhesive is a UV-cured adhesive.

Claim 41

The temporary lead of claim 38, wherein the UV-cured adhesive is POM.

Claim 42

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first and second conducting means are formed of at least one of helically wound strands of multifilament stainless steel, twisted strands of multifilament stainless steel, single strands of stainless steel, and strands of electrically conductive polymeric material.

Claim 43

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the at least first and second conducting means are inner and outer coaxial conductors, respectively.

Claim 44

The temporary lead of claim 41, wherein a layer of inner insulation separates and electrically insulates the first inner conducting means from the second outer conducting means, the inner insulation being formed from a material selected from the group consisting of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), co-polymer polytetrafluorethylene, polyethylene, silastic, neoprene, polypropylene and polyurethane.

Claim 45

The temporary lead of claim 41, wherein the outer conducting means is composed of between about 26 and 40 medical grade stainless steel strands or filaments wound helically over the layer of inner insulation.

Claim 46

The temporary lead of claim 41, wherein the inner conducting means is composed of about 19 medical grade twisted, wound, or twisted and wound stainless steel filaments or strands.

Claim 47

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein a layer of outer insulation is disposed over the outer surface of the second conducting means, the outer insulation being electrically insulative and formed from a material selected from the group consisting of FEP, polyethylene, biocompatible PTFE, polyethylene, silastic, neoprene, polypropylene and polyurethane.

Claim 48

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein a layer of outer insulation is disposed over the outer surface of the first conducting means, the outer insulation being electrically insulative and formed from a material selected from the group consisting of FEP, polyethylene, biocompatible PTFE, polyethylene, silastic, neoprene, polypropylene and polyurethane.

Claim 49

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the at least first and second conducting means are zip cord conductors.

Claim 50

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the at least first and second electrodes are formed of medical grade stainless steel.

Claim 51

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first portion of the piercing means is atraumatic.

Claim 52

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first portion of the piercing means is substantially straight.

Claim 53

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first portion of the piercing means has a triangular cross-section.

Claim 54

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first portion of the piercing means is a Keith-type needle.

Claim 55

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first portion of the piercing means is formed of medical grade plastic or polymer.

Claim 56

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first portion of the piercing means is curved.

Claim 57

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the distal end of the first proximal portion of the piercing means is attached breakingly, snappingly, crimpingly, compressionally, frictionally, adhesively, gluingly, or elastically frictional means, adhesive means, glue means or elastic means to the proximal ends of the first and second connecting means.

Claim 58

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first and second connecting means, upon being separated from the first proximal portion, form cylindrically-shaped pin connectors having at least one of circular cross-sections, rectangular cross-sections and square cross-sections.

Claim 59

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first and second connecting means form reed-shaped connectors.

Claim 60

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first and second connecting means form flexible connectors.

Claim 61

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the first and second connecting means have reduced diameter pins disposed at the proximal ends thereof.

Claim 62

The temporary lead of claim 59, wherein the first and second connecting means each have a scored region disposed between the reduced diameter pin and its proximal end.

Claim 63

The temporary lead of claim 59, wherein the reduced diameter pins fit into corresponding individual recesses disposed within the distal end of the first portion of the piercing means.

Claim 64

The temporary lead of claim 59, wherein the reduced diameter pins are frictionally engaged, adhered, glued, crimped, brazed, soldered or welded to the distal end of the first portion of the piercing means.

Claim 65

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the proximal ends of the first and second conducting means slide within recesses disposed in the distal ends of the first and second connecting means, the conducting means being crimped, brazed, soldered or welded in place therein to establish electrical and mechanical connections between the conducting means and the connecting means.

Claim 66

The temporary lead of claim 33, wherein the means for weakening is a crimp, score, grave, portion of a grave, notch or portion of a notch disposed formed by crimping, scoring, machining or cutting a groove, a portion of a on one or both sides of the connector means or the piercing assembly means.