Siemens-pacesetter, Inc.

Intermedics Inc.

Thomas M Soukup

Paul E Kreyenhagen

James E Barcel

Warren J Block

A porous electrode for pacemakers is comprised of a plurality of platinum globules sintered together to form a porous mass of semi-hemispherical shape at the end of a platinum electrode stem. The globules, which are themselves made by sintering together spherically-shaped particles of approximately one micron diameter, provide the globules with an irregular outer surface of high total surface area. The globules have diameters within a critical range of 40-200 microns. The large total surface area of the globules improves the sensing function of an electrode configuration of given size and surface area, while the globule diameters of 40-200 microns have been found to beneficially accommodate tissue ingrowth within the electrode. In a preferred method of making the electrode, the platinum globules, which are formed by sintering together platinum particles of much smaller size, are mixed with organic solvent and organic binder to form a paste. After application of the paste to the base of an electrode stem and pressing of the paste using a mold so as to form the paste into the desired semi-hemispherical shape, the electrode is heated to evaporate the organic solvent, and the electrode is then placed in a sintering furnace to sinter together the platinum globules and form the completed electrode.

Porous electrode for a pacemaker and method of making same

A subcutaneous data port which may be surgically implanted beneath the skin of a subject and electrically connected to implanted leads, sensors or an implanted medica device. The data port provides electrical connections through conductive rubber access ports. The access ports can be penetrated by a coated needle, establishing an electrical connection. An indifferent plate electrode provides a replicable ground or body reference electrode.

Subcutaneous electrical data port

An implantable endocardial lead with retractable sharpened helix. The piston has a central bore for receiving a specialized stylet. The stylet comprises a flexible wire having an enlarged distal end or tip. An elastomeric sliding sleeve fits over the wire. When the proximal end of the stylet is inserted into the bore in the piston, the wire can be withdrawn slightly, pulling the enlarged tip into the tube, and wedging the tube against the walls of the bore. By manipulating the stylet, the helix can be exposed outside of the lead, or retractable into the lead, as desired.

Implantable endocardial lead with spring-loaded screw-in fixation

Porous electrode for a pacemaker

A cardiac lead assembly for use with a heart pacemaker. The assembly has an inner electrode with a corkscrew tip, and an electrode housing which can be comprised of a second electrode. A conductor is connected to the inner electrode for supplying electricity thereto and is comprised of a tubular coil. The inner electrode can be manually moved longitudinally relative to the electrode housing by a stylet. The inner electrode and the housing cooperate to prevent axial rotation of the inner electrode at a first longitudinal position, but allow rotation at a second longitudinal position. The first conductor coil can be suitably twisted such that upon movement of the inner electrode to the second position the coil can automatically axially rotate the inner electrode to screw the corkscrew tip into a patient's heart.

Cardiac lead assembly and method of attaching a cardiac lead assembly

A joint assembly which may be used for affixing a helically wound lead conductor coil to an electrode of a pacemaker. The electrode has a longitudinal bore and a coaxial counterbore. One end of the coil is fittingly attached to a reduced diameter end of a press tube. The outer diameter of the extreme outer surface of the coil on the press tube is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the counterbore in the electrode. The reduced diameter end of the press tube with the coil thereon is fittingly inserted into the counterbore. This results in a solid connection between the lead conductor coil and the electrode without causing any visible alteration of the outer surface of the electrode.

Growing community of inventors

Lake Jackson, TX, United States of America

Thomas M Soukup