Importance

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Abstract

An MRI-compatible, fixed-rate (VOO) pacemaker includes a self-contained power source housed at the proximal end of a photonic catheter in a first enclosure. Low energy continuous electrical power is delivered from the power source. This electrical power is converted into light energy and directed into the proximal end of the photonic catheter. The photonic catheter includes an optical conduction pathway over which is formed a covering of biocompatible material. Light entering the proximal end of the photonic catheter is transmitted through the optical conduction pathway, where it is collected and converted back to electrical energy at a second enclosure located at the distal end of the photonic catheter. The second enclosure houses a pulse generator that stores electrical energy and periodically releases that energy to deliver electrical pulses to bipolar heart electrodes. One of the electrodes comprises the second enclosure housing the pulse generator and the other electrode is provided by another enclosure that is spaced from the second enclosure. The electrical pulses are delivered to the electrodes at an amplitude of about 3.3 volt and a current of about 3 milliamperes for a total pulse power output of about 10 milliwatts. A 1 millisecond pulse duration and a 1000 millisecond period may be provided for steady state VOO operation. The foregoing arrangement permits the use of photo elements operating in the microwatt region rather than at the milliwatt level as would be required if the output of the electronic pulse generator were delivered directly to the heart itself from the first enclosure in conventional pacemaker fashion.

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First Claim