Electromagnetic trap for a lead

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for trapping induced current resulting from an electromagnetic field. Embodiments of the present invention provide for an elongate body having a proximal and a distal end portion and a coil wound about the distal end, the coil to provide an electromagnetic trap for filtering radio frequency (RF) signal-induced currents.

Description

[0001] This invention relates generally to implantable medical devices, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for trapping electromagnetic phenomenon resulting from electromagnetic fields experienced by a medical device lead.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002] The technology explosion in the implantable medical devices industry has resulted in many new and innovative devices and methods for analyzing and improving the health of a patient. The class of implantable medical devices now includes pacemakers, cardioverters, defibrillators, neural stimulators, and drug administering devices, among others. Today's state-of-the-art implantable medical devices are vastly more sophisticated and complex than early ones, capable of performing significantly more complex tasks. The therapeutic benefits of such devices have been well proven.[0003] There are many implementations of implantable medical devices that provide data acquisition of important physiological data from a human bod...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Today's state-of-the-art implantable medical devices are vastly more sophisticated and complex than early ones, capable of performing significantly more complex tasks.

If a particular condition is not detected properly, or a condition is misdiagnosed, incorrect reactions by the implantable medical device may occur.

Incorrect reactions by the implantable medical device may cause harm to a patient.

In the presence of an electromagnetic field, the signal on the lead may become corrupted, causing errors.

Therefore, a significant amount of heat may be generated at the tip of the lead, which may cause serious bodily injury to a patient.

Burns to the tissue exposed to the tip of the lead may occur.

Furthermore, a large amount of induced current in the lead may cause the implantable medical device to malfunction, thereby creating a risk of injury or death to the patient.

Changes to the signals traveling though the lead (e.g., sensor signals from the lead to the implantable medical device and / or therapy signals sent by the device) may cause the malfunctions in the operation of the implantable medical device.

In such an instance, erroneous delivery of therapy may occur which may lead to heart failure or other physiological damage to a patient.

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