The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 19, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 16, 1997
David J Vachon, Granada Hills, CA (US);
Pacesetter, Inc., Sylmar, CA (US);
Abstract
An implantable lead includes a distal portion carrying a tissue-stimulating electrode having an outer surface and an inner surface, at least a portion of the outer surface of the electrode being adapted to stimulate cardiac tissue. At least one of the surfaces of the stimulating electrode includes an overlay of a sulfonated thermoplastic elastomer/rubber for minimizing adhesion and tissue ingrowth while passing sufficient electrical current to stimulate the tissue. The overlay may comprise a coating, film, tube, sleeve or other encapsulation. Sulfonated block copolymers of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-isoprene-styrene and styrene-isobutylene-styrene are effective to inhibit the formation of thrombus at the shocking electrode. In addition, when these copolymers absorb body fluids, they swell and infiltrate the interstices of the electrode coils thereby inhibiting tissue ingrowth. Furthermore, such materials, while non-porous, are conductive and thus do not impede the flow of electrical current at sulfonation levels above at least about 30%, with the optimal level residing between about 40% and about 70%. Although the above-described sulfonated block copolymers are preferred, other hydrogel-like materials may be employed including p-HEMA (polyhydroxymethacrylate), PEG (polyethylene glycol) acrylates, and cross-linked PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), and polyurethane hydrogels.