Load-carrying body for reducing torsional and tensile loading on electronic components in an implantable medical electrical lead

Abstract

A load-carrying body for reducing torsional and tensile loading on electrical components in an implantable medical electrical lead includes an electronic component disposed in-line with the implantable medical electrical lead, and a casing for the electronic component. The electronic component has a proximal end conductively coupled to a lead conductor and a distal end conductively coupled to a lead electrode. The casing is mechanically coupled to the lead so as to isolate the electrical component from torque or tensile loads applied to the lead, the lead electrode, or both.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]The present application is a reissue application of application Ser. No. 12 / 914,048, filed on Oct. 28, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,244,373, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12 / 891,292, filed on Sep. 27, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,437,865, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12 / 873,862, filed on Sep. 1, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,224,440, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12 / 607,234, filed on Oct. 28, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,175,700, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 558,349, filed on Nov. 9, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,945,322, said application Ser. No. 12 / 873,862 is a continuation-in-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 943,854, filed on Nov. 21, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,325.[0002]The present application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 256,658, filed on Oct. 30, 2009, provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 303,109, filed on Feb...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively reduces or eliminates torsional and tensile loading on electronic components, preventing damage during implantation and ensuring the integrity of the medical leads, especially in MRI environments by maintaining high impedance and preventing RF current conduction through body fluids.

Problems solved by technology

One problem associated with implanted leads is that they act as an antenna and tend to pick up stray electromagnetic signals from the surrounding environment.

This is particularly problematic in an MRI environment where the currents which are imposed on the leads can cause the leads to heat to the point where tissue damage is likely.

Moreover, the currents developed in the leads during an MRI procedure can damage the sensitive electronics within the implantable medical device.

Such loads are created because the electrical components are mechanically connected to the lead, and may damage the electrical components during the implanting procedure.

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