Patent ID: 9675799
Date: 2017-06-13
CPC Classifications: A61N

Claim:
1. A method of detecting conductor migration, damage, insulation abrasion or externalization within an implantable cardiac lead having an implantable cardiac lead length of less than 2 m implanted proximate and in electrical communication with a heart of a patient comprising: using a source to apply a test signal other than during delivery of high energy therapy to at least one high voltage conductor of the implantable cardiac lead that is electrically connected to at least one defibrillation electrode, wherein the test signal has a signal frequency greater than 10 MHz; measuring an imaginary component of a transmission line impedance of the implantable cardiac lead in response to the test signal; comparing the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance to an expected value of the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance at the signal frequency; and providing an indication of potential lead failure related to conductor migration, damage, insulation abrasion or externalization within the implantable cardiac lead based on whether the imaginary component of the transmission line impedance is increased relative to the expected value.