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:
Jun. 15, 2010
Filed:
Aug. 31, 2006
Vicki L. Bjorklund, Maple Grove, MN (US);
John L. Sommer, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Douglas S. Hine, White Bear Lake, MN (US);
Charles J. Love, Powell, OH (US);
Douglas N. Hess, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Nicolaas M. Lokhoff, Kerkrade, NL;
Vicki L. Bjorklund, Maple Grove, MN (US);
John L. Sommer, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Douglas S. Hine, White Bear Lake, MN (US);
Charles J. Love, Powell, OH (US);
Douglas N. Hess, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Nicolaas M. Lokhoff, Kerkrade, NL;
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
An improved medical lead assembly and method of use is provided. The lead assembly includes a lead body, and a spring member positioned adjacent to the lead body. The spring member may be deployed a selectable amount to maintain the lead body in a fixed location within a patient's body. The spring member may be an expandable coil, a mesh structure that is similar to a stent, or any other similar device that may be positioned in a low-profile state during a lead implant procedure. After the lead is positioned at a target destination, the spring member may be deployed an amount that is selected based on the characteristics of the surrounding tissue, including vessel size. According to one aspect of the invention, the lead assembly may provide means for facilitating chronic lead extraction.