US4402328A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Crista terminalis atrial electrode lead
Assignee: Telectronics Pty Ltd
•
Filing: 1981-04-28
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Granted: 1983-09-06
•
Expires: 2001-04-28
Abstract
Abstract A J-shaped atrial electrode lead having a pliant tube encasing a spiral wound conductor. A curved, resilient reinforcing member surrounding a portion of the conductor curves the conductor to conform with the shape of the origin of the crista terminalis of the right atrium to position an electrode tip in electrical contact with the junction of the crista terminalis and the superior margin of the right atrial appendage. The lead can be electrically bipolar or unipolar and includes tines adapted for engagement in the right atrial appendage, and an improved proximal portion for connection with a pacemaker circuit module.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl Doring
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/05; A61N1/056; A61N1/057
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 71
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
An atrial electrode lead for connection to a cardiac pacemaker circuit module comprising: a first conductor having a proximal end and a distal end; a first pliant insulating tube surrounding said first conductor; a first coupling member electrically connected to said proximal end of said first conductor, for connecting said first conductor to said cardiac pacemaker circuit module; a distal electrode tip electrically connected to said distal end of said first conductor; and means for shaping said first conductor to bend around the crista terminalis of the heart to place said distal electrode tip into substantial electrical contact with cardiac tissue at the junction of the superior margin of the right atrial appendage and the origin of the crista terminalis once said atrial electrode lead is inserted into the right atrium of a human heart.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
An atrial electrode lead for connection to a cardiac pacemaker circuit module comprising: a first conductor having a proximal end and a distal end; a first pliant insulating tube surrounding said first conductor; a first coupling member electrically connected to said proximal end of said first conductor, for connecting said first conductor to said cardiac pacemaker circuit module; a distal electrode tip electrically connected to said distal end of said first conductor; and means for shaping said first conductor to bend around the crista terminalis of the heart to place said distal electrode tip into substantial electrical contact with cardiac tissue at the junction of the superior margin of the right atrial appendage and the origin of the crista terminalis once said atrial electrode lead is inserted into the right atrium of a human heart.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 1 wherein said shaping means further reinforces said first conductor proximally to said distal electrode tip to shape said first conductor into a substantial J-shape, said shaping means including a substantially linear proximal portion, a terminal portion terminating adjacent to said distal electrode tip, and a curvilinear portion between said linear and terminal portions, said distal electrode tip being positioned adjacent to said linear portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 2 wherein said shaping means comprises a shaped sheath of resilient material encasing a portion of said first pliant insulating tube surrounding said first conductor adjacent to said distal end of said first conductor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 3 wherein said curvilinear portion is arcuate and has an inside radius in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm, measured from the center of curvature to the innermost face of the outer surface of said curvilinear portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 4 wherein said terminal portion has a length such that the furthermost distance from the exposed surface of said distal electrode tip to the innermost face of said curvilinear portion is in the range of 10 mm to 28 mm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 5 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 5 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 5 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 4 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 4 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 4 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 3 wherein said terminal portion has a length such that the furthermost distance from the exposed surface of said distal electrode tip to the innermost face of said curvilinear portion is in the range of 10 mm to 28 mm.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 12 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 12 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 12 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 3 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 3 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial elecrode lead according to claim 3 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
63 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 3 further including a plurality of non-conducting resilient tines extending angularly from said distal electrode tip, said tines having a length sufficient to engage the musculae pectinatae of the right atrial appendage of the heart to secure said electrode lead adjacent to said crista terminalis both when the heart is swollen and not swollen with blood.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 19 wherein said plurality of tines includes a first tine shorter than at least one of the remaining tines.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 20 wherein said first tine when folded proximally extends 4 mm to 6 mm from said electrode tip.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 20 wherein at least one of said remaining tines, when folded proximally extends in a range from 8 mm to 12 mm from said electrode tip.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 20 wherein said tines are formed of silicone elastomer material and said first pliant insulating tube is made of polyurethane.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
46 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 2 wherein said curvilinear portion is arcuate and has an inside radius in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm, measured from the center of curvature to the innermost face of the outer surface of said curvlinear portion.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
47 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 24 wherein said terminal portion has a length such that the furthermost distance from the exposed surface of said distal electrode tip to the innermost face of said curvilinear portion is in the range of 10 mm to 28 mm.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
45 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 25 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 25 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 25 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
45 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 24 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 24 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 24 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
47 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 2 wherein said terminal portion has a length such that the furthermost distance from the exposed surface of said distal electrode tip to the innermost face of said curvilinear portion is in the range of 10 mm to 28 mm.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
45 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 32 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 32 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 32 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 2 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 2 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 2 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of the lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
63 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 2 further including a plurality of non-conducting resilient tines extending angularly from said distal electrode tip, said tines having a length sufficient to engage the musculae pectinatae of the right atrial appendage of the heart to secure said electrode lead adjacent to said crista terminalis both when the heart is swollen and not swollen with blood.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 39 wherein said plurality of tines includes a first tine shorter than at least one of the remaining tines.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 40 wherein said first tine when folded proximally extends 4 mm to 6 mm from said electrode tip.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
33 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 40 wherein at least one of said remaining tines, when folded proximally extends in a range from 8 mm to 12 mm from said electrode tip.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 40 wherein said tines are formed of silicone elastomer material and said first pliant insulating tube is made of polyurethane.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
28 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 3 wherein said first pliant insulating tube is made of polyurethane and said sheath of resilient material comprises silicone elastomer material.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
63 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 1 further including a plurality of non-conducting resilient tines extending angularly from said distal electrode tip, said tines having a length sufficient to engage the musculae pectinatae of the right atrial appendage of the heart to secure said electrode lead adjacent to said crista terminalis both when the heart is swollen and not swollen with blood.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 45 wherein said plurality of tines includes a first tine shorter than at least one of the remaining tines.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 46 wherein said first tine when folded proximally extends 4 mm to 6 mm from said electrode tip.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 46 wherein at least one of said remaining tines when folded proximally extends in a range from 8 mm to 12 mm from said electrode tip.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 46 wherein said tines are formed of silicone elastomer material and said first pliant insulating tube is made of polyurethane.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 45 wherein said tines are formed of silicone elastomer material and said first pliant insulating tube is made of polyurethane.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
88 words
An atrial electrode lead in accordance with claim 1 further including: a second conductor having a proximal end and a distal end, and being electrically insulated from said first conductor; a second pliant insulating tube surrounding said second conductor; a second electrode positioned proximally to said distal electrode tip, and electrically connected to said second conductor; a second coupling member electrically connected to said proximal end of said second conductor, and cooperating with said first coupling member for connecting said electrode lead to said cardiac pacemaker circuitry module.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
186 words
A bipolar atrial electrode lead for connection to a cardiac pacemaker circuit module comprising: a first conductor having a proximal end and a distal end; a first pliant insulating tube surrounding said first conductor; a distal electrode tip electrically connected to said distal end of said first conductor; means for shaping said first conductor to bend around the crista terminalis of the heart to place a distal electrode tip into substantial electrical contact with the cardiac tissue at the junction between the superior margin of the right atrial appendage and the origin of the crista terminalis when said bipolar atrial electrode lead is inserted into the right atrium of a human heart; a second conductor having a proximal end and a distal end, and being electrically insulated from said first conductor; a second pliant insulating tube surrounding said second conductor; a second electrode positioned proximally to said distal electrode tip and electrically connected to said second conductor; and first and second coupling members electrically connected to said proximal end of said first and second conductors, respectively, and adapted for connection to said cardiac pacemaker circuit module.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
186 words
A bipolar atrial electrode lead for connection to a cardiac pacemaker circuit module comprising: a first conductor having a proximal end and a distal end; a first pliant insulating tube surrounding said first conductor; a distal electrode tip electrically connected to said distal end of said first conductor; means for shaping said first conductor to bend around the crista terminalis of the heart to place a distal electrode tip into substantial electrical contact with the cardiac tissue at the junction between the superior margin of the right atrial appendage and the origin of the crista terminalis when said bipolar atrial electrode lead is inserted into the right atrium of a human heart; a second conductor having a proximal end and a distal end, and being electrically insulated from said first conductor; a second pliant insulating tube surrounding said second conductor; a second electrode positioned proximally to said distal electrode tip and electrically connected to said second conductor; and first and second coupling members electrically connected to said proximal end of said first and second conductors, respectively, and adapted for connection to said cardiac pacemaker circuit module.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
73 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 52 wherein said shaping means further reinforces said first conductor proximally to said distal electrode tip to shape said first conductor into a substantial J-shape, said shaping means comprising a substantially linear proximal portion, a terminal portion terminating adjacent to said distal electrode tip, and a curvilinear portion between said linear proximal and terminal portions positioning said distal electrode tip adjacent to said linear proximal portion.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
46 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 53 wherein said curvilinear portion is arcuate and has an inside radius in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm, measured from the centre of curvature to the innermost face of the outer surface of said curvilinear portion.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
47 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 53 wherein said terminal portion has a length such that the furthermost distance from the exposed surface of said distal electrode tip to the innermost face of said curvilinear portion is in the range of 10 mm to 28 mm.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
45 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 53 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
44 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 53 wherein said distal electrode tip is positioned in a range of zero to 5 mm from the outer surface of said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
30 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 53 wherein said distal electrode tip overlaps said linear proximal portion when said J-shaped portion of said lead is in a relaxed position.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
63 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 53 further including a plurality of non-conducting resilient tines extending angularly from said distal electrode tip, said tines havng a length sufficient to engage the musculae pectinatae of the right atrial appendage of the heart to secure said electrode lead adjacent to said crista terminalis both when the heart is swollen and not swollen with blood.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
26 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 59 wherein said plurality of tines includes a first tine shorter than at least one of the remaining tines.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 60 wherein said first tine when folded proximally extends 4 mm to 6 mm from said electrode tip.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 60 wherein at least one of said remaining tines, when folded proximally extends in a range from 8 mm to 12 mm from said electrode tip.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 59 wherein said tines are formed of silicone elastomer material and said first pliant insulating tube is made of polyurethane.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
20 words
A bipolar atrial electrode lead in accordance with claim 53 wherein said second electrode is positioned within said curvilinear portion.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
37 words
An atrial electrode lead in accordance with claim 53 wherein said second electrode is proximal to said curvilinear portion and wherein said first and second electrodes are equidistant from the center of curvature of said curvilinear portion.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
41 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 52 wherein said shaping means comprises a shaped sheath of resilient material encasing a portion of said first pliant insulating tube and said first conductor adjacent to said distal end of said first conductor.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
An atrial electrode lead according to claim 66 wherein said first pliant insulating tube is made of polyurethane and said sheath of resilient material comprises silicone elastomer material.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
33 words
An atrial electrode lead in accordance with claim 52 wherein said shaping means comprises a substantially J-shaped sleeve surrounding a portion of said second pliant insulating tube proximal to said distal electrode tip.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
21 words
An atrial electrode lead in accordance with claim 52 wherein said second electrode comprises an uninsulated portion of said second conductor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-09-05 | 1987-03-07 | 1987-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-09-05 | 1991-03-07 | 1991-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-09-05 | 1995-03-07 | 1995-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |