Integrated steroid eluting pacing tip electrode

Abstract

An electrode assembly for a body implantable lead comprises a longitudinally extending dispenser housing having an internal cavity with opposed longitudinally extending openings for storing a drug to be dispensed. A tip electrode integral and axially aligned with the dispenser housing has a face adapted for positioning adjacent the desired body site, a transverse channel formed into and transversely across its face, and an orifice extending between the channel and the internal cavity for elution of the drug to the desired body site. A weld sleeve integral and axially aligned with the dispenser housing distant from the tip electrode has an outer peripheral surface for engageably receiving one end of an elongated electrical conductor, and a collar spaced from the dispenser housing. The electrical conductor is welded to the collar to obtain a welded connection for electrical continuity between the tip electrode and the electrical conductor. An insulative sheath of resilient material is fittingly received on the outer peripheral surface of the dispenser housing overlying the longitudinally extending openings and the welded connection between the electrical conductor and the weld sleeve. Insulative tubing is received on the coiled conductor includes a skirt member distant from the tip electrode and coaxial with the insulative tubing and biased radially into engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the insulative tubing. A plurality of fixation tines are integral with, and extend radially outwardly from, the insulative sheath at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations.