Patent ID: 6952613
Filing Date: 2005-10-04
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A gastrointestinal lead adapted to be implanted within the body at a site of the GI tract to conduct electrical stimulation from an implantable or external gastrointestinal stimulator to the site and to conduct electrical signals of the GI tract from the site to the implantable or external gastrointestinal stimulator comprising: an elongated lead body extending from a lead body proximal end to a lead body distal end; an electrode head formed at the lead body distal end having a plate adapted to bear against the serosa, the electrode head supporting a first stimulation/sense electrode; a first lead connector element at the lead body proximal end; a first lead conductor enclosed within the lead body and electrically coupled to the first stimulation/sense electrode and the first lead connector element; and an active fixation mechanism extending away from the plate of the electrode head shaped to penetrate through the serosa and into the muscularis externa upon application of force to the electrode head to draw the plate against the serosa and operatively contact the first stimulation/sense electrode with the GI tract wall, whereupon the plate inhibits further advancement of the active fixation mechanism and perforation of the GI tract wall and the active fixation mechanism inhibits dislodgement of the first stimulation/sense electrode from operative contact with the GI tract wall, wherein: the active fixation mechanism comprises an inner helix and an outer helix, the inner helix comprising one or more coil turns extending from an inner helix fixed end and an inner helix free end adapted to penetrate through the serosa, and the outer helix comprising one or more coil turns extending from an outer helix fixed end and an outer helix free end adapted to penetrate through the serosa; and further comprising: means for supporting the inner and outer helixes in co-axial relation extending away from the electrode plate means for rotating the inner and outer helixes to advance the inner and outer helixes into the muscularis externa until the plate is drawn against the serosa.