Patent ID: 6405091
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A passive fixation body implantable lead assembly adapted to transmit electrical signals between a proximal end portion of the lead assembly and a distal end portion of the lead assembly and to thereby stimulate selected body tissue and/or sense electrical signals therefrom, the lead assembly having a longitudinal axis and comprising:an electrical conductor extending between said proximal and distal end portions of the lead assembly for transmitting the electrical signals, the conductor having a distal end; a sheath of insulative, biocompatible material enclosing the electrical conductor for electrically insulating the conductor from body tissue and body fluids, the insulative sheath having a distal extremity; a tip electrode electrically connected to the distal end of the electrical conductor, the tip electrode being in the form of a cylinder disposed coaxially of the longitudinal axis of the lead assembly, the tip electrode having a side surface and a distal extremity comprising a generally planar active electrode surface extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembly; and a thin dielectric insulating layer covering substantially the entire side surface of the tip electrode.