Medtronic, Inc.

Greatbatch Ltd.

Jeffrey S Gagnon

Shahn S Sage

Xavier Pardo

Scott B Kokones

John Matthew Swoyer

Jane L Kohnen

An implantable lead body for a medical device with improved conductor lumens separates and insulates conductors while permitting access to the conductors through the implantable lead outer surface. The implantable lead comprises a lead body, a stylet lumen, at least one conductor lumen, and at least one axial slit in the lead body. The lead body has a proximal end, a distal end, an internal portion, and an external portion. The stylet lumen is formed in the internal portion. The conductor lumen is formed in the internal portion and positioned near an outer surface of the internal portion such that there is only a web between the conductor lumen and the outer surface of the internal portion. The axial slit is formed in the lead body distal end between the conductor lumen and the outer surface of the internal portion.

Method of manufacturing an implantable lead

Devices and methods for stimulating nerves, such as peripheral nerves are described. Some devices can include small cross-section lead bodies having one or more electrodes in the round distal portion, the electrodes having a substantially planar surface within the distal portion of the lead which is suitable for placement through a cylindrical needle intended to access a spinal region of a patient. Some lead electrodes are covered with a hydrophilic coating at least about 0.001 inches thick. The hydrophilic coating may include a steroid and/or a GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) agonist which can elute or diffuse over time, away from the electrode.

High efficiency neurostimulation lead

Low resistivity, implantable electrical connectors and biomedical leads having the connectors mechanically coupled in a non-welded attachment to low resistivity wires to extend implanted device battery life. One electrical connector includes an electrically conductive housing having a longitudinal aperture and an inner facing circumferential channel. A spring disposed within the channel can contact an inserted electrode. The housing can include at least one hole adjacent a mechanically deformable side wall for mechanically securing an electrical conductor inserted within the hole. The low resistivity, implantable, biocompatible electrical connectors and leads can be used in neurological and cardiac applications.

Growing community of inventors

Champlin, MN, United States of America

Jeffrey S Gagnon