Intermedics Inc.

Elmar R Fischer, Sr

Paul R Spehr

James E Machek

Hans Gerstmann

A lead assembly adapted for endocardial fixation to a human heart is provided. The lead assembly includes a lead body that has a proximal end provided with a connector for electrical connection to a cardiac stimulator. The cardiac stimulator may be a pacemaker, a cardioverter/defibrillator, or a sensing instrument. The distal end of the lead body is connected to a tubular electrode housing. The lead body consists of one or more noncoiled conductor cables surrounded by a coextensive insulating sleeve. Each conductor cable consists of a conducting element covered by a coextensive insulating sleeve. The conducting element may be a single filament wire or a plurality of individual conductor wires. In contrast to conventional leads, the lead body of the present invention does not require coiled conductor wires. Lead body diameters of 1.04 mm or smaller are possible.

Cardiac lead with minimized inside diameter of sleeve

A cardiac stimulator lead is provided that includes a connector for connecting to a cardiac stimulator and a tubular insulating sleeve that has a first end coupled to the connector and a second end. An electrode is coupled to the second end and has a longitudinal bore. An extendable/retractable corkscrew is positioned in the bore. In one aspect, the lead includes a radiopaque member moveable with the corkscrew to verify axial movement. In another aspect, the bore is configured so that the corkscrew will not extend fully unless tissue is present to engage the corkscrew. In another aspect, a shape-memory polymeric washer is included to restrict fluid influx after corkscrew deployment.

Cardiac stimulator lead with fluid restriction

A cardiac stimulator lead is provided that includes a two-stage extendable/retractable fixation. A cardiac stimulator lead comprises a connector for connecting to a cardiac stimulator, a tubular insulating sleeve having a first end coupled to the connector and a second end, and an electrode coupled to the second end and having a longitudinal bore. An extendable/retractable corkscrew is positioned in the bore. In one aspect, the bore is configured so that the corkscrew will not extend fully unless tissue is present to engage the corkscrew.

Cardiac stimulator lead with two-stage extendable/retractable fixation and method for using same

A cardiac stimulator lead is provided that includes a connector for connecting to a cardiac stimulator and a tubular insulating sleeve that has a first end coupled to the connector and a second end. An electrode is coupled to the second end and has a longitudinal bore. An extendable/retractable corkscrew is positioned in the bore. The cork screw has a selected pitch and is mounted on a threaded shaft. Threads on the shaft have a different pitch from the pitch of the cork screw, preferably a pitch less than that of the cork screw, and most preferably a pitch about half that of the corkscrew.

Cardiac pacemaker lead with dual pitch fixation apparatus

A cardiac stimulator lead connector is provided. The connector includes a pin member that has a distal end and a first insulating sleeve coupled to the pin member. An annular member is coupled to the first insulating sleeve. A conductor sleeve is coupled to the annular member and a second insulating sleeve is coupled to the conductor sleeve. One or more conductor wires running from distal electrodes in a lead may be welded to the connector. The connector eliminates crimping as a mechanism to secure lead conductors to lead connectors.

Cardiac pacemaker lead with pacemaker connector

Cardiac pacemaker lead with extendable/retractable fixation

In one aspect of the present invention, a cardiac lead is provided that includes a connector for coupling to a cardiac stimulator that has a first rotatable member, and a tubular insulating sleeve that has a first end coupled to the connector and a second end. A tip assembly is coupled to the second end. The tip assembly has a second rotatable member. A coiled wire is coupled between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The coiled wire is composed of a shape-memory material and is operable to transmit torque between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. Where the lead is provided with a bend, the shape-memory coiled wire retains a straight set, enabling smooth rotation of a fixation corkscrew without precession of the lead tip.

Bent cardiac lead with shape memory torque coil

A replacement connector for implanted leads. The proximal end of the implanted lead is cut away and discarded. A slip-on seal is placed on the remaining end of the lead. The replacement connector is connected to the implanted lead using an eccentric locking mechanism both to secure the implanted lead and the replacement connector together and to achieve a positive electrical connection. A boot mates with the slip-on seal to protect the connection from body fluids.

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Lake Jackson, TX, United States of America

Elmar R Fischer, Sr