Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of implanting an apparatus for applying a pacemaking signal across the heart muscle, comprising: (a) positioning a first electrode, connected to a first pole of a pacemaker, in a chamber of a heart muscle adjacent the inner surface thereof; and (b) positioning a second electrode, connected to the second pole of the pacemaker, subcutaneously and through the intercostal muscle to a position adjacent the outer surface of the heart muscle so as to overlie the first electrode, such that the signal from the pacemaker is applied intermediate the first and second electrodes through the heart muscle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of implanting an apparatus for applying a pacemaking signal across the heart muscle, comprising: (a) positioning a first electrode, connected to a first pole of a pacemaker, in a chamber of a heart muscle adjacent the inner surface thereof; and (b) positioning a second electrode, connected to the second pole of the pacemaker, subcutaneously and through the intercostal muscle to a position adjacent the outer surface of the heart muscle so as to overlie the first electrode, such that the signal from the pacemaker is applied intermediate the first and second electrodes through the heart muscle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as in claim 1, in which the step of positioning the second electrode adjacent the outer surface of the heart muscle includes positioning a penetrating shaft portion of the second electrode so as to project into the interior of the thoracic cavity to a position adjacent the outer surface of the heart muscle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of positioning a second conductive cable, connecting the second electrode to the second pole of the pacemaker, so as to overlie the path of extension of a first conductive cable connecting the first electrode to the first pole of the pacemaker.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus for applying a pacemaking signal across the heart muscle, comprising: (a) a first electrode connectable to a first pole of a pacemaker and positionable in a chamber of the heart muscle adjacent the inner surface thereof; (b) a second electrode connectable to the second pole of the pacemaker and positionable subcutaneously and through the intercostal muscle to a position adjacent the outer surface of the heart muscle so as to overlie the first electrode.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
76 words
An apparatus for applying a pacemaking signal across the heart muscle, comprising: (a) a first electrode connectable to a first pole of a pacemaker and positionable in a chamber of the heart muscle adjacent the inner surface thereof; (b) a second electrode connectable to the second pole of the pacemaker and positionable subcutaneously and through the intercostal muscle to a position adjacent the outer surface of the heart muscle so as to overlie the first electrode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as in claim 4, in which the second electrode comprises a penetrating shaft portion comprised of conductive material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as in claim 5, in which the first electrode includes a concave recess in the distal end thereof, and the second electrode includes a concave recess in the distal end of the penetrating shaft portion thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus as in claim 5, in which the second electrode includes a jacket extending thereabout, comprised of insulating material, having openings therein for connection thereto of an electrical connector from the second pole of the pacemaker and for extension therethrough of the distal end of the penetrating shaft portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as in claim 5, in which the second electrode includes means for enabling the plate portion to be secured to the body tissue.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as in claim 8, in which the enabling means comprises openings in the plate portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus as in claim 9, in which the enabling means further comprises reinforced eyelets positioned in the openings in the plate portion, comprised of insulating material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as in claim 5, in which the plate portion is comprised of a flexible material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as in claim 5, in which the penetrating shaft portion extends at substantially a right angle to the plate portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as in claim 2, in which the step of positioning the second electrode adjacent the outer surface of the heart muscle further includes positioning a plate portion of the second electrode so as to overlie the intercostal muscle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as in claim 5, in which the second electrode further includes a plate portion from which the shaft portion extends.