Patent ID: 7212870
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable lead for use with an implantable medical device, comprising: a lead body extending between a proximal end and a distal end; first and second electrical conductors insulated from each other and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the lead body; an electrical connector coupled to the proximal end of the lead body; first and second terminals electrically connected to respective ones of the first and second conductors; and an electrode assembly including first and second active fixation helices coupled to the distal end of the lead body, the first active fixation helix being an anode, the second active fixation helix being a cathode, the anode and the cathode being physically and electrically separated from each other; wherein the first and second electrical conductors electrically interconnect each of the active fixation electrodes and the first and second terminals; wherein each of the first and second active fixation helices has an outer peripheral surface with alternating insulated and un-insulated portions; and wherein the un-insulated portions of the outer peripheral surface of each of the first and second active fixation helices are formed as a plurality of islands in the insulated portions of the outer peripheral surfaces coated with an insulative ceramic material.