Medtronic, Inc.

Jean A Woloszko

Patrick T Cahalan

Marc Hendriks

Michel L Verhoeven

Linda L Cahalan

Antoine N Camps

To minimize the incidence and consequences of device related infection that occur after prosthetics implants of neuro-muscular stimulating devices, an infection resistant intra-muscular lead has been developed and is disclosed herein. Infection incidence has been decreased by using biomaterials able to release antibacterial drugs (gentamicin) at a controlled rate for the first 3-6 weeks after implant.

Intramuscular stimulation lead with enhanced infection resistance

To minimize the incidence and consequences of device related infection that occur after prosthetics implants of neuro-muscular stimulating devices, an infection resistant intramuscular lead has been developed. Infection incidence has been decreased by using biomaterials able to release antibacterial drugs (gentamicin) at a controlled rate for the first 3-6 weeks after implant.

A medical lead having a lead body and a biocompatible cuff and especially suitable for use as a nerve electrode. In the preferred bipolar embodiment the lead body has two conductors running therethrough. The distal end is coupled to a pulse generator, the proximal end is coupled to the biocompatible cuff. The biocompatible cuff is cylindrical and is constructed from collagen. Preferably the collagen is multi-layer, i.e. the first portion is cross-linked to an amount greater than the second portion. Through such a construction the collagen promotes tissue ingrowth in the region proximate a nerve and does not permit tissue ingrowth in the region away from the nerve, e.g. the exterior of the cuff.

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Jupille, Belgium

Jean A Woloszko