Ring electrode for pacing lead and method of making same

Abstract

A structure for use as an electrode on a pacing lead to be located some distance proximal to the distal end of the pacing lead. Two short lengths of wire having high electrical conductivity are cut to size. The coils of the outer conductor are welded together at the desired location of the ring electrode of the lead. The two short lengths of wire are welded to the outer conductor of the lead at the desired location of the ring electrode. An insulating sheath having an inside diameter close to the outside diameter of the outer conductor is slid over the outer conductor. The flexibility of the insulating sheath is sufficient to permit encasing of the two short lengths of wire, though the insulating sheath is caused to protrude at the two places directly over and corresponding to the two short lengths of wire. A conductive ring having an inside diameter sufficient to permit sliding over the insulating sheath and two points of protrusion is placed around the insulating sheath at the desired location of the ring electrode. The conductive ring is swaged to an outside diameter approximating that of the insulating sheath. The forces produced cause the two short lengths of wire to pierce the insulating sheath and come in contact with the conductive ring which thereby creates an electrically conductive path between the outer conductor and the conductive ring.