Patent ID: 7085606
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An epicardial electrode for a cardiac stimulation device comprising: an electrode body having a stimulation surface adapted to bear against cardiac tissue and to stimulate a part of the heart; and at least one fixing element in the form of a claw adapted to be engaged into the cardiac tissue for fixing the stimulation surface to the cardiac tissue, wherein the claw is adapted to be movable such that it is to be extended from a condition of being retracted in the electrode body to provide for engagement with the cardiac tissue, wherein the electrode body has at least one passage with an elongate passage portion extending in parallel relationship with the stimulation surface and a curved passage portion such that the passage has an exit opening in the stimulation surface, and wherein at least a part of the claw is of a flexible nature and is arranged in the passage such that in the retracted condition of the claw, said part of the claw is disposed in a substantially elongate condition in the elongate passage portion and in the extended condition of the claw said part of the claw is disposed in the curved passage portion, wherein at least two of the fixing elements are reversibly extendable from a condition of being retracted in the electrode body to provide for reversible engagement with the cardiac tissue.