Abstract:
The present invention takes teh form of a current limiting apparatus and method for limiting current flow, induced whin thelevel of an external signal is greater than an external signal threshold signal level, in a conductive loop formed by a medical device implanted within living orgaism having electrically excitable tissue. The system includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) system having a housing, sa signal generator disposed int he housing that generates an electrical signal, and at least one lead extending from the housing to convey electrical signal to the patient. To limit the induced current flow, the IPG includes current limiting componentry, an imedance increasing element, and/or alternating curretn blocking elements. These components provide an alternating current impedance path to the electrical ground from a lead coupled to the capacitive element. Also disclosed are techniques for reducing the effective surface area of the current inducing loop caused bz the IPG system.
Abstract:
An electrical lead includes an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a first electrode disposed adjacent and joined to the distal end portion of the elongate body. Current flow within the first electrode is limited when a predetermined condition occurs, such as the generation of an electromagnetic field having a predetermined frequency range. The medical electrical lead may further comprise one or more second electrodes disposed adjacent the first electrode and joined to the elongate body to shunt current to body tissue when the predetermined condition occurs.
Abstract:
A medical lead is provided for use in a pulse stimulation system of the type which includes a pulse generator (102) for producing electrical stimulation therapy. The lead comprises an elongate insulating body (120) and at least one electrical conductor (106) within the insulating body (120). The conductor has a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the pulse generator and has a DC resistance in the range of 375-2000 ohms. At least one distal electrode (114) is coupled to the conductor (106).
Abstract:
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reducing the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic waves on an implantable medical device. In one embodiment of the present invention, an implantable medical system comprising a dual threshold magnetic sensor capable of detecting an elevated magnetic field is disclosed. The sensor can comprise a solid-state sensor capable of detecting a static magnetic field in excess of about 1500 Gauss. The magnetic sensor can be operatively coupled to electronics that are capable of altering the operation of the system upon detection of an elevated magnetic field by the magnetic sensor.
Abstract:
An implantable stimulation system comprises a stimulator (138) for generating electrical stimulation and a conductive stimulation lead (134) having a proximal end electrically coupled to the stimulator (138), wherein at least a first component of the impedance looking into the stimulator (138) is substantially matched to the impedance of the stimulation lead (134). At least one distal stimulation electrode (132) is positioned proximate the distal end of the stimulation lead (134).
Abstract:
An electrical lead includes an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a first electrode disposed adjacent and joined to the distal end portion of the elongate body. Current flow within the first electrode is limited when a predetermined condition occurs, such as the generation of an electromagnetic field having a predetermined frequency range. The medical electrical lead may further comprise one or more second electrodes disposed adjacent the first electrode and joined to the elongate body to shunt current to body tissue when the predetermined condition occurs.
Abstract:
There is provided a system of steering stimulus pulses to one or more selected cardiac sites, for improved capture and for easy adjustment of the stimulus pulse when threshold level has changed, without the need to simply increase stimulus power or to replace an implanted lead. The invention utilizes, in a cardiac environment, the technique of delivering substantially concurrent pulses across two or more electrode pairs, each component pulse being adjusted as to pulse, duration and/or phase to steer, or direct the resultant composite pulse toward the target cardiac site. Embodiments of the invention include steering pulses for pacing of the left atrium; steering pulses for multichamber pacing; improved use of a single lead system with electrodes floating in the atrium, with specific steering of atrial pulses to provide an enhancement of a VDD system; steered delivery of atrial and/or ventricular defibrillation stimuli; and steered stimuli for arrhythmia prevention. In other specific embodiments, the steered pulse system is combined with capture detection and automatic adjustment of the steering parameters.
Abstract:
There is provided a system of steering stimulus pulses to one or more selected cardiac sites, for improved capture and for easy adjustment of the stimulus pulse when threshold level has changed, without the need to simply increase stimulus power or to replace an implanted lead. The invention utilizes, in a cardiac environment, the technique of delivering substantially concurrent pulses across two or more electrode pairs, each component pulse being adjusted as to pulse, duration and/or phase to steer, or direct the resultant composite pulse toward the target cardiac site. Embodiments of the invention include steering pulses for pacing of the left atrium; steering pulses for multichamber pacing; improved use of a single lead system with electrodes floating in the atrium, with specific steering of atrial pulses to provide an enhancement of a VDD system; steered delivery of atrial and/or ventricular defibrillation stimuli; and steered stimuli for arrhythmia prevention. In other specific embodiments, the steered pulse system is combined with capture detection and automatic adjustment of the steering parameters.