Patent ID: 7020530
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of electrically stimulating selected regions of a subject's heart, the subject having an implanted stimulus generator, the generator having an intracavitarily disposed electrode disposed in the subject, said method comprising the steps of: inserting into the subject at least a first conductor having at least a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact thereon, the first conductor being electrically and mechanically separated from the implanted stimulus generator; contacting a portion of the heart to be stimulated with the first electrical contact of the first conductor; positioning the second electrical contact of the at least a first conductor in contact with myocardial tissue such that an electrical stimulus delivered by the implanted stimulus generator creates an electrical potential difference between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the at least a first conductor; generating a stimulus from the implanted stimulus generator; and discharging the electrical stimulus from the intracavitarily disposed electrode wherein the stimulus is conducted through the myocardial tissue and through the at least a first electrical conductor and is transferred to the portion of the heart contacting the first electrical contact of the at least a first conductor, whereby the stimulus is sufficient to stimulate selected regions of the heart.