Patent ID: 8565872
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A conditioning method, comprising: (a) providing an implanted system having: (i) a current generator; (ii) a first electrode electrically coupled to said current generator; (iii) a second electrode electrically coupled to said current generator; and (iv) a bio-medical device implanted within a thoracic cavity of a human patient, wherein at least a portion of the bio-medical device is exposed to blood flow and the portion of the bio-medical device exposed to blood flow is electrically conductive; (b) positioning said first electrode subcutaneously at a first position external to the thoracic cavity; (c) positioning said second electrode subcutaneously at a second position external to the thoracic cavity, wherein said second position is spaced from said first position such that the electrically conductive portion of the bio-medical device is operably disposed substantially between said first and second electrodes; generating an electric field with the current generator, wherein the electric field extends between said first and second electrodes such that the electrically conductive portion of the bio-medical device is disposed within the electric field to provide an electrical current at said electrically conductive portion of the bio-medical device; and conditioning the electrically conductive portion of the bio-medical device with the electric current to inhibit blood component coagulation and/or mineralization.