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:
Dec. 12, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 30, 1998
Gary W King, Fridley, MN (US);
Mark T Rise, Monticello, MN (US);
Michael J Schendel, Andover, MN (US);
Richard Schallhorn, Lake Elmo, MN (US);
Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
An implantable lead is provided with at least one extendable member to position therapy delivery elements, which may be electrodes or drug delivery ports, after the lead has been inserted into the body. The lead may be formed as a resilient element which is contained in a retainer tube that may be removed to permit the lead to deploy. Alternatively, a non-resilient lead may be provided with a slotted retainer tube. A series of mechanical linkages for expanding and retracting the lead within the human body may be actuated with various mechanisms. A control system may be provided for closed-loop feedback control of the position of the extendable members. The invention also includes a method for expanding an implantable lead in situ.