Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A cardioversion/defibrillation catheter lead has selectively exposable outer conductors that increase the effective electrode area and that can be used to direct electrical countershock vectors delivered by the catheter lead. The lead includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and a catheter length. The catheter body includes at least one electrical conductor surrounded by a dielectric tubular sheath and an outermost dielectric tubular sheath. Each electrical conductor is electrically connected to an electrical connector located at the proximal end of the catheter body and to a cardioversion/defibrillation electrode located long the catheter body between the proximal end and the distal end. At least a portion of the outermost dielectric tubular sheath includes structure for selectively removing that portion of the outermost tubular sheath, thereby creating an effective length of at least one of the electrodes which is longer than an original length of that electrode. The selectively removable portion of the catheter lead allows that portion of the catheter body to be utilized as an additional electrode, and also allows for the length and relative distance between a first and second electrode along the catheter body to be optimized for the particular dimensions of a patient.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim