Patent ID: 8948883
Filing Date: 2015-02-03
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable medical device comprising a pulse generator, a power source, an hermetically sealed capsule that contains the pulse generator and the power source, and an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly comprising a longitudinal axis, a helical structure coupled to the capsule and extending distally from the capsule and around the longitudinal axis, a first electrode surface formed on the helical structure, and a second electrode surface electrically isolated from the first electrode surface, the helical structure including a piercing distal tip located adjacent the first electrode surface; and an improvement to the device comprising at least one fixation member, wherein each fixation member comprises: a fixed end coupled to the capsule, the fixed end comprising a post that extends approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis, between the distal portion of the device and the tissue engaging portion of the corresponding fixation member; and a tissue engaging portion terminated by a piercing distal tip, each tissue engaging portion extending from the corresponding distal tip to the corresponding fixed end along a circular path, the helical structure being located within a perimeter of the circular path; and wherein each tissue engaging portion extends from the piercing distal tip thereof in a direction along the circular path that is the same as that in which the helical structure extends from the piercing distal tip thereof, either clockwise or counter-clockwise, and wherein the fixed end of each fixation member of the electrode assembly further comprises a base segment from which the corresponding post extends distally to the corresponding tissue engaging portion, the base segment of each fixation member extending along an arcuate path, around the longitudinal axis.