Abstract:
An implantable lead including an elongate lead body and a functional lead which extends in the longitudinal direction of the lead body and enables the implementation of a medical function of the lead, wherein, in addition to the functional lead and insulated therefrom, a plurality of inductive resistance circuit elements are embedded in the lead body, which reduce a coupling of the functional lead with an external alternating magnetic field or dampen the transmission of electrical high-frequency energy along the lead.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/416,778, filed on Nov. 24, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to implantable leads and, more particularly, to an implantable lead comprising an elongate lead body and a functional lead which extends in the longitudinal direction of the lead body and enables the implementation of a medical function of the lead. Leads of that type are, in particular, stimulation electrode leads (also referred to simply as “electrodes”) of cardiac pacemakers or shock electrode leads of implantable defibrillators, or they can be catheters that contain an elongate conductive structure. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Medical implants, such as, for example, the aforementioned pacemakers and defibrillators, often include an electrical connection to the inside of the patient&#39;s body. A connection of this type is used to measure electrical signals or stimulate cells of the body. This connection is often designed as an elongate electrode. Currently, electrical signals are transmitted between the implant and the electrode contacts (e.g., tip, rings, HV shock helixes, sensors, etc.) using materials having good electrical conductivity. 
         [0004]    If a system comprised of an implant and an electrode is exposed to strong interference fields (e.g., EMI, MRI, etc.), unwanted consequences can occur, especially a heating-up of parts of the system or electrical malfunctions (e.g., resets). The heating can result in damage to bodily tissue or organs if the heated parts have direct contact with the tissue. This is typically the case with the electrode tip, in particular. 
         [0005]    The unwanted malfunction is caused by the interaction of the field with the elongate lead structure of the electrode. The electrode functions as an antenna and receives energy from the surrounding fields. The antenna can dissipate this energy on the leads, which are used for therapeutic purposes, distally into the tissue via the electrode contacts (e.g., tip, ring, etc.), or proximally into the implant. 
         [0006]    The same problems also occur with other elongate conductive structures, the proximal end of which is not necessarily connected to an implant (e.g. catheters, temporary electrodes, stents, etc.). 
         [0007]    Shielded electrodes are known. The shielding of the electrode mainly counteracts electrical fields that are coupled in from the outside. In addition, these shieldings provide only a particular shielding strength and are stable over the long term when they have an appropriate shield strength. A compromise must therefore be found between increasing the diameter of the electrode—which would have a corresponding effect on the costs and handling of the electrode—and a diminished shielding effect. 
         [0008]    To prevent interferences by magnetic alternating fields, especially in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses, and especially to limit the heating of the electrode tip in fields of this type, it was proposed in U.S. Publication No. 2008/0243218 to provide a protective conductor in an electrode lead that turns back on itself in the longitudinal direction. This “billabong” principle likewise utilizes mutual inductances to diminish induced currents. In this case, however, the three-layered helical winding is likewise expected to increase the diameter of the electrode. Moreover, the electrode will have lower conductivity. 
         [0009]    From Ladd M., Quick H.:  Reduction of Resonant RF Heating in Intravascular Catheters Using Coaxial Chokes , Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 2000, measures are known for protecting against the heating of intravascular catheters, which is induced by RF resonances, the measures being designed as external protective throttles (referred to as “chokes”). Chokes of that type are situated on the outer sleeve of the electrode and counteract surface currents. However, this solution does not reduce currents that couple into the inner helix. In addition, the electrode diameter is expected to be increased, with the aforementioned consequences. 
         [0010]    The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned problems 
         [0011]    It is an object of the invention to provide an improved implantable lead of the type described initially that has improved properties in strong external electromagnetic alternating fields and has a simple design, thereby enabling it to be realized in a cost-effective manner. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    This object is solved by an implantable lead having the features of the independent claim(s). Advantageous developments of the inventive idea are the subject matter of the dependent claims. 
         [0013]    A main idea of the invention is to reduce the influence of strong external fields by embedding a plurality of additional conductive elements in the implantable lead. The additional leads (also referred to here as inductive resistive circuit elements or field-decoupling lead elements), which are insulated against the functional lead and function as local mutual inductances, in particular, change the interaction between the external field and the implantable lead in a manner such that a different current distribution forms on the implantable lead. The additional leads reduce a coupling of the functional lead with an external alternating magnetic field and increase the damping of electrical high-frequency energy that is transported along the implantable lead. The unwanted antenna properties of the lead change as a result of this detuning. This results in reduced heating of the distal lead contacts. This advantage applies for various geometric shapes and various positions of the lead, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. 
         [0014]    The inductive resistive circuit elements can contain, e.g., a nickel-cobalt alloy and, in particular, MP35N®. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment of the invention, the inductive resistive circuit elements are designed as rings disposed in a row and interspaced in the longitudinal direction of the lead body. Small rings of that type are available at very low cost. In alternative embodiments, the field-decoupling lead elements are designed as wire loops or windings disposed in a row and interspaced in the longitudinal direction of the lead body. The aforementioned rings, which generate mutual inductance, can also be comprised of ring segments interconnected in a conductive manner. 
         [0016]    According to a further embodiment of the invention, the field-decoupling lead elements are distributed evenly along the length of the lead body, in particular being disposed equidistantly from each other. In this case, the distances between the functional lead elements can be smaller than their diameter, in particular. Arranging the field-decoupling lead elements in a row at relatively short distances apart from one another, as described above, results in a continuous effect of the inductive field-decoupling along the entire length and in practically any feasible bending state of the lead. 
         [0017]    According to a further embodiment, the field-decoupling lead elements are placed in preformed recesses in the lead body. Corresponding grooves can be formed relatively easily in the plastic or silicone lead body and ensure that the lead elements retain their even spacing in rows even under the influence of relatively strong mechanical loads of the type that can occur, e.g., during implantation or repositioning. 
         [0018]    According to an embodiment of the lead, according to the invention, which is particularly significant for practical application, the lead comprises a first and a second functional lead which extend coaxially relative to one another. The field-decoupling lead elements are disposed in the radial direction between the first and the second functional lead, and insulated by the first or the second functional lead. 
         [0019]    While, according to the aforementioned embodiments, individual short field-decoupling leads are used to protect the functional lead or leads, the use of relatively elongate lead elements is feasible in other embodiments. According to a further embodiment, the field-decoupling lead elements therefore comprise a helix, which is a subsection of the above-described helical functional lead and extends in the longitudinal direction of the lead body, the turns of which do not have contact with each another. The insulated turns are interconnected along the length of the lead body by electrically connecting longitudinal wires which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the lead body. According to a modification of the latter embodiment, the insulated turns of the aforementioned helix of the functional lead are provided as the field-decoupling lead elements, the helix being formed by at least one connecting wire which is slanted relative to the longitudinal direction of the lead body. The connecting wire extends along at least one subsection of the lead body and connects at least two adjacent turns of the helix. According to a further embodiment, the connecting wires are subsections of a wire helix that extends contradirectionally to the helix of the functional lead. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the helix of the functional lead can be designed as a strip or a wire. 
         [0021]    Various other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the specification, the drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Advantages and useful features of the invention also result from the description of special embodiments, below, and with reference to the figures. They show: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram which serves to explain the invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are schematic representations of an embodiment of the implantable lead according to the invention, in the longitudinal direction ( FIG. 2A ) and in a cross-sectional view ( FIG. 2B ); 
           [0025]      FIGS. 3A-3C  are schematic depictions of a further embodiment of the lead according to the invention; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 4A-4C  are schematic depictions of a further embodiment which has been modified relative to  FIGS. 3A-3C ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a section of a further lead according to the invention, and 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a section of a further lead according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]      FIG. 1  is a schematic depiction which serves to explain the invention and shows, for clarity, only the conductive elements of an electrode lead  1  as an embodiment of an implantable lead, but not its insulating lead body. In the embodiment shown, an inner conductor  3  which is comprised of a plurality of interwoven wires (also referred to simply as the “first functional lead”), and an outer conductor  5  which is likewise formed of a plurality of interwoven wires (referred to as the “second functional lead”) are provided. In this embodiment, the inner conductor  3  and the outer conductor  5  are wound in opposite directions. However, they may be wound in the same direction. During use, they can be exposed to an external alternating magnetic field H e  which induces a current flow I(t) in the conductors  3  and  5 . 
         [0030]    To reduce disadvantageous influences of these induced currents, conductive rings (which are also referred to as “induction rings” or “field-decoupling lead elements”)  7  disposed equidistantly from one another are situated in the intermediate space between the inner conductor  3  and the outer conductor  5  (i.e., the first and the second functional lead). Due to the time-dependent current flow and the electrical resistance induced therein, rings  7  generate a compensating magnetic field H e  which at least partially compensates for the effect of the external magnetic field H e  or for electrical losses which diminish the transmission of electrical energy along the conductor. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  show, in somewhat greater detail, the structural design of a lead  21  according to the invention. In  FIGS. 2A-2B , elements that correspond to those shown in the schematic representation in  FIG. 1  are labeled with the same reference numbers used therein. Lead  21  comprises, embedded in a lead body  22  (which is depicted schematically in this case) and being insulated from each other via an inner insulating sleeve  24   a  and a middle insulating sleeve  24   b , an inner helix  23  (which itself comprises a plurality of interwoven helixes), an outer helix  25 , and induction rings  27  disposed there between. Although these figures are not dimensionally true representations,  FIG. 2B  does illustrate that the thickness of induction rings  27  is substantially smaller than that of functional leads  23  and  25 . 
         [0032]    In terms of the geometry of the helixes and the functional leads, and of the induction rings or sleeves, an explanation will be presented on the basis of the example of a special electrode lead which is known as a Setrox electrode. It includes a helix comprised of four wires having a diameter of 0.13 mm. The mean diameter d i  of the helix is 0.57 mm. The current I i  flows in the helix, that is, an alternating current having an angular frequency ω. A turn is intended to mean a winding of all four wires. The turn difference of a turn of this type is approximately 0.13 mm at 4.105% compression, which equals 0.546 mm at approximately 5% compression. A sleeve that is comprised, e.g. of MP35N®, and has the mean diameter is provided on the far outside, and through which current I a  induced by the inner helix flows. This sleeve is electrically insulated against the inner helix. The current flow is generated in that the sleeve also encloses the surface of the inner helix, thereby coupling the two in an inductive manner. 
         [0033]    The inductance that is generated by the current flowing in the inner helix and occurs only in the surface of the inner helix is 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               B 
               i 
             
             = 
             
               μ 
                
               
                 
                   
                     
                       I 
                       i 
                     
                     · 
                     N 
                   
                   l 
                 
                 . 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    In that expression, N is the number of loops that extend for distance l, which is covered side-by-side with sleeves, l&gt;&gt;d a . The inductance generated by the current on the sleeve is 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               B 
               a 
             
             = 
             
               μ 
                
               
                 
                   
                     I 
                     a 
                   
                   l 
                 
                 . 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    To determine the magnetic flux that passes through the sleeve, multiply the inductances by the cross-sectional areas that enclose the currents that generate them, according to: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               Φ 
               ges 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   Φ 
                   i 
                 
                 + 
                 
                   Φ 
                   a 
                 
               
               = 
               
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         π 
                         · 
                         
                           d 
                           i 
                           2 
                         
                       
                       4 
                     
                     · 
                     μ 
                     · 
                     
                       
                         
                           I 
                           i 
                         
                         · 
                         N 
                       
                       l 
                     
                   
                   + 
                   
                     
                       
                         π 
                         · 
                         
                           d 
                           a 
                           2 
                         
                       
                       4 
                     
                     · 
                     μ 
                     · 
                     
                       
                         I 
                         a 
                       
                       l 
                     
                   
                 
                 = 
                 
                   
                     
                       L 
                       i 
                     
                     · 
                     
                       I 
                       i 
                     
                   
                   + 
                   
                     
                       L 
                       a 
                     
                     · 
                     
                       I 
                       a 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    in which 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               L 
               i 
             
             := 
             
               
                 
                   
                     μ 
                     · 
                     π 
                     · 
                     N 
                     · 
                     
                       d 
                       i 
                       2 
                     
                   
                   
                     4 
                     · 
                     l 
                   
                 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 and 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 
                   L 
                   a 
                 
               
               := 
               
                 
                   
                     μ 
                     · 
                     π 
                     · 
                     
                       d 
                       a 
                       2 
                     
                   
                   
                     4 
                     · 
                     l 
                   
                 
                 . 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0034]    The sleeve is a closed circuit, and therefore the voltages sum to zero. The voltages on the sleeve are comprised of the induced voltage of the inner helix, defined as jωI i L i  the self-inductance of the sleeve, defined as jωI a L a , and the voltage drop across the resistance of the sleeve, defined as I i R a . The following must therefore apply jωI i L i +jωI a L a +I a R a =0, and the following applies for the induced current in the sleeve 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               I 
               a 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   jω 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   
                     L 
                     i 
                   
                 
                 
                   
                     R 
                     a 
                   
                   + 
                   
                     j 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     ω 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     
                       L 
                       a 
                     
                   
                 
               
                
               
                 
                   I 
                   i 
                 
                 . 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0035]    To determine the effect of the sleeves, or inductive rings, on the inner helix, the effect of the induced current I a  on the inner helix must be investigated. The same loop rule used for the sleeve will now therefore be applied to the inner helix, wherein U i  is the voltage applied to the ends of the electrode lead or helix, and is determined as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     U 
                     i 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         I 
                         i 
                       
                        
                       
                         R 
                         i 
                       
                     
                     + 
                     
                       j 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       ω 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       
                         I 
                         i 
                       
                        
                       
                         L 
                         i 
                       
                        
                       N 
                     
                     + 
                     
                       jω 
                        
                       
                         
                           
                             π 
                             4 
                           
                            
                           
                              
                             i 
                             2 
                           
                         
                         
                           
                             π 
                             4 
                           
                            
                           
                              
                             a 
                             2 
                           
                         
                       
                        
                       
                         NL 
                         a 
                       
                        
                       
                         I 
                         a 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         I 
                         i 
                       
                        
                       
                         R 
                         i 
                       
                     
                     + 
                     
                       j 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       ω 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       
                         I 
                         i 
                       
                        
                       
                         L 
                         i 
                       
                        
                       N 
                     
                     + 
                     
                       jω 
                        
                       
                         
                            
                           i 
                           2 
                         
                         
                            
                           a 
                           2 
                         
                       
                        
                       
                         NL 
                         a 
                       
                        
                       
                         
                           jω 
                            
                           
                               
                           
                            
                           
                             L 
                             i 
                           
                         
                         
                           
                             R 
                             a 
                           
                           + 
                           
                             jω 
                              
                             
                                 
                             
                              
                             
                               L 
                               a 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                        
                       
                         I 
                         i 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    Taken into account herein is the fact that only a portion Φ a  of the magnetic flux 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   π 
                   4 
                 
                  
                 
                    
                   i 
                   2 
                 
               
               
                 
                   π 
                   4 
                 
                  
                 
                    
                   a 
                   2 
                 
               
             
              
             
               Φ 
               a 
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    generated by the sleeve also penetrates the surface 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               π 
               4 
             
              
             
               d 
               i 
               2 
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    of the helix. In addition, the magnetic flux passes through all turns in the helix and must therefore be multiplied by N. Separating the real part and the imaginary part, that is, the effective resistance and the reactance, results in the expression for the impedance of the helix: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               Z 
               i 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   U 
                   i 
                 
                 
                   I 
                   i 
                 
               
               = 
               
                 
                   R 
                   i 
                 
                 + 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         ω 
                         2 
                       
                        
                       
                         NL 
                         i 
                       
                        
                       
                         L 
                         a 
                       
                     
                     
                       
                         R 
                         a 
                         2 
                       
                       + 
                       
                         
                           ω 
                           2 
                         
                          
                         
                           L 
                           a 
                           2 
                         
                       
                     
                   
                    
                   
                     
                       d 
                       i 
                       2 
                     
                     
                       d 
                       a 
                       2 
                     
                   
                 
                 + 
                 
                   j 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   ω 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   
                     L 
                     i 
                   
                    
                   
                     N 
                      
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         1 
                         - 
                         
                           
                             
                                
                               i 
                               2 
                             
                             
                                
                               a 
                               2 
                             
                           
                            
                           
                             
                               
                                 ω 
                                 2 
                               
                                
                               
                                 L 
                                 a 
                                 2 
                               
                             
                             
                               
                                 R 
                                 a 
                                 2 
                               
                               + 
                               
                                 
                                   ω 
                                   2 
                                 
                                  
                                 
                                   L 
                                   a 
                                   2 
                                 
                               
                             
                           
                         
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    Dividing all of this by length l, and therefore defining Z i ′, L i ′=N′L i  and R i ′ as resistances and inductances per unit of length, the result is 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               Z 
               i 
               ′ 
             
             = 
             
               
                 R 
                 i 
                 ′ 
               
               + 
               
                 
                   
                     
                       ω 
                       2 
                     
                      
                     
                       L 
                       i 
                       ′ 
                     
                      
                     
                       L 
                       a 
                     
                   
                   
                     
                       R 
                       a 
                       2 
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         ω 
                         2 
                       
                        
                       
                         L 
                         a 
                         2 
                       
                     
                   
                 
                  
                 
                   
                      
                     i 
                     2 
                   
                   
                      
                     a 
                     2 
                   
                 
               
               + 
               
                 j 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 ω 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 
                   
                     
                       L 
                       i 
                       ′ 
                     
                      
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         1 
                         - 
                         
                           
                             
                                
                               i 
                               2 
                             
                             
                                
                               a 
                               2 
                             
                           
                            
                           
                             
                               
                                 ω 
                                 2 
                               
                                
                               
                                 L 
                                 a 
                                 2 
                               
                             
                             
                               
                                 R 
                                 a 
                                 2 
                               
                               + 
                               
                                 
                                   ω 
                                   2 
                                 
                                  
                                 
                                   L 
                                   a 
                                   2 
                                 
                               
                             
                           
                         
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                   . 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0036]    The resistance of the inner helix given direct current R i ′ is therefore also joined by a frequency-dependent part 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   ω 
                   2 
                 
                  
                 
                   L 
                   i 
                   ′ 
                 
                  
                 
                   L 
                   a 
                 
               
               
                 
                   R 
                   a 
                   2 
                 
                 + 
                 
                   
                     ω 
                     2 
                   
                    
                   
                     L 
                     a 
                     2 
                   
                 
               
             
              
             
               
                 
                    
                   i 
                   2 
                 
                 
                    
                   a 
                   2 
                 
               
               . 
             
           
         
       
     
         [0037]    Wavelength k along the lead depends on the values for inductance, capacitance, and resistance per unit length, k 2 =ω 2 C′L′−G′R′−jω(C′ R′+L′ G′), wherein G′ is the conductance of the insulating tube and, assuming it is a perfect insulator, is set approximately to zero. This leaves k=√{square root over (ω 2 C′L′−jωC′R′)}=:β+jα, wherein β is the real part of the wave number and describes the wavelength 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               ( 
               
                 λ 
                 = 
                 
                   
                     2 
                      
                     
                         
                     
                      
                     π 
                   
                   β 
                 
               
               ) 
             
             , 
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    while α is the damping constant of the wave on the conductor. 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             α 
             = 
             
               
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           ( 
                           
                             
                               ω 
                               2 
                             
                              
                             
                               L 
                               ′ 
                             
                              
                             
                               C 
                               ′ 
                             
                           
                           ) 
                         
                         2 
                       
                       + 
                       
                         
                           ( 
                           
                             ω 
                              
                             
                                 
                             
                              
                             
                               R 
                               ′ 
                             
                              
                             
                               C 
                               ′ 
                             
                           
                           ) 
                         
                         2 
                       
                     
                   
                   - 
                   
                     
                       ω 
                       2 
                     
                      
                     
                       L 
                       ′ 
                     
                      
                     
                       C 
                       ′ 
                     
                   
                 
                 2 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    is ω 2 C′L′&gt;ωC′R′. If the values for Z i ′ and 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               R 
               ′ 
             
             = 
             
               
                 R 
                 i 
                 ′ 
               
               + 
               
                 
                   
                     
                       ω 
                       2 
                     
                      
                     
                       L 
                       i 
                       ′ 
                     
                      
                     
                       L 
                       a 
                     
                   
                   
                     
                       R 
                       a 
                       2 
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         ω 
                         2 
                       
                        
                       
                         L 
                         a 
                         2 
                       
                     
                   
                 
                  
                 
                   
                      
                     i 
                     2 
                   
                   
                      
                     a 
                     2 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    from the formula for the impedance of the helix 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               L 
               ′ 
             
             = 
             
               
                 L 
                 i 
                 ′ 
               
                
               
                 ( 
                 
                   1 
                   - 
                   
                     
                       
                          
                         i 
                         2 
                       
                       
                          
                         a 
                         2 
                       
                     
                      
                     
                       
                         
                           ω 
                           2 
                         
                          
                         
                           L 
                           a 
                           2 
                         
                       
                       
                         
                           R 
                           a 
                           2 
                         
                         + 
                         
                           
                             ω 
                             2 
                           
                            
                           
                             L 
                             a 
                             2 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 ) 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    are used here, the result is the optimal value R a,opt  which yields the greatest damping, with R a,opt ≈ωL a . 
         [0038]    For a four-fold inner helix having a mean diameter of 0.57 mm and a wire diameter of 0.13 mm, one obtains L′≈1.07 μH/m. Realistically, sleeves having a mean diameter of d a =0.77 mm could be slid over them. If they were comprised of MP35N®, the optimal wall thickness would be 10.63 μm. In the case in which the distances between the sleeves are as long as the sleeves, the wall thickness of the sleeves must be doubled in order to obtain the optimal resistance value once more, averaged by the length of the electrode in meters. 
         [0039]    Moreover, the distances separating the rings or sleeves must be substantially smaller than their diameter d a . These components, which are described as sleeves, can also be present in the form of closed wire loops. Most importantly, they are arranged side-by-side in a row and form closed loops having optimal resistance, in order to achieve strong damping of high-frequency waves. 
         [0040]    Given a wall thickness of the sleeves of 10.63 μm, then, in this example, a resistance of 220 Ω/m would be added to the resistance of the helix of 66 Ω/m, at 64 MHz. The inductance of the helix would then be only 0.777 μH/m, at 64 MHz. Given a capacitance per unit length of 160 pF/m, the damping constant without rings is α ohne =0.402 Np/m, and with rings is α mit =1.88 Np/m. Assuming that electrical energy is coupled in evenly along the electrode and is transmitted to the electrode tip, the energy, in particular, that enters the helix close to the proximal end is damped more heavily toward the distal end. 
         [0041]    Clearly, under these conditions, the current can be reduced by 30% and the energy in the tip can be reduced by 50% for an electrode having a length of 60 cm. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 3A-3C  show, as sketches of a side view ( FIG. 3A ) respectively, the plane of a winding ( FIG. 3B ), and a perspective sectional view ( FIG. 3C ), of a further embodiment of inductive resistive circuit elements  7  of a implantable lead according to the invention. In this case, inductive resistive circuit elements  37  include a spiral-wound strip, or a wire,  37   a , which is a subsection of the aforementioned helical functional lead, and connecting wires  37   b  which conductively interconnect the individual turns of helix  37   a  in the longitudinal direction of the implantable lead. Connecting wires  37   b  can be welded to the helix  37   a , or be bonded or soldered thereto in a conductive manner. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 4A-4C  show, as a modified embodiment and in a manner that corresponds to the depiction in  FIGS. 3A-3C , field-coupling lead elements  7  and  47  which, in turn, comprise a strip, or wire, helix  47   a  and connecting wires  47   b  as described above. In contrast to the aforementioned embodiment, in this case, the connecting wires do not extend in the longitudinal direction of the lead but, rather, obliquely thereto. This makes it substantially easier to deform the lead, in which case the oblique wires then change their local angle of inclination, while longitudinally extending connecting wires oppose deformation with considerable resistance. To further simplify the deformation, it can also be provided that, in contrast to the above-described configuration, the helix which forms the connecting wires are not attached via welding, nor are they conductively bonded or soldered thereto. Instead, the helix with the connecting wires is “crimped” to the functional-lead helix, e.g., by designing the two helixes to have the same inner diameter and mounting the helix with the connecting helixes externally onto the functional-lead helix. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 3C and 4C  each show how the current induced in the inductive resistive circuit element by the external alternating magnetic field forms a circuit element in a segment covering, in each case, four quarter turns of helix  37   a  and  47   a  and connecting wires  37   b  and  47   b . Since the circuit element (or the integrated inductive ring formed as a result) shares almost the same enclosed surface area as the associated electrode helix (i.e., the functional lead), the inductive coupling is greater than it is for the above-described induction rings and sleeves shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2A  and  2 B. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows, in a schematic cross-sectional depiction and as a further embodiment, a lead  51  according to the invention, in the case of which an inner helix  53 , which is wound from two individual wires to form a lead body  52 , and an outer helix  55 , which is wound from four individual wires, are embedded in the lead body  52 . An insulation  54  comprised of two concentric cylinders  54   a ,  54   b  is provided between the inner helix  53  and the outer helix  55 . Inner insulation material  54   a  of this insulation comprises grooves or channels  54   c , which are formed on the outer side, and into which wire rings  57  are placed, as induction rings in the sense of the schematic diagram shown in  FIG. 1 . The diameter ratio between wire rings  55  and the wires of inner  53  and outer  55  helixes is intended to show that the wire diameter of the induction rings is substantially smaller than that of the functional lead. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows, in a synergistic depiction and as modified embodiment(s), a further electrode lead  61  comprising a lead body  62 , a middle insulation  64 , and inner conductor structure  63  of which corresponds to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , and which has a cord structure  65  instead of a four-fold helix as the outer conductor. Field-decoupling rings (induction rings)  67 . 1  are shown on the right side of  FIG. 6 , and they are placed in the inner surface of outer lead body  62  in a manner such that they have resistance-laden, electrical contact with outer conductor  65 , while inductive resistive circuit elements  67 . 2  are depicted symbolically on the left side of  FIG. 6 , which are embedded in middle insulation  64  without electrical contact to outer conductor  65 . 
         [0047]    In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the symbol for electrical resistance represents a wire with resistance per unit length, and silicone is assumed to be the material of the lead body and the intermediate insulation. The specific dimensions shown in the two figures are intended merely to represent examples of dimensions for marketable electrode leads that are to be improved using the means according to the invention, and are in no way meant to be limiting. 
         [0048]    The embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above-described examples and emphasized aspects, but rather are possible in a large number of modifications that lie within the scope of a person skilled in the art. 
         [0049]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other alternate embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical value within that range.