Patent ID: 7242980

Claim:
An implantable heart stimulator comprising: a pulse generator, configured for implantation in a subcutaneous pocket, and an electrode lead connected thereto for delivering electrical stimulation pulses to a heart of a patient, said pulse generator having an electrically conductive housing; said electrode lead having a proximal portion which, after implantation of said electrode lead, extends substantially from the housing to a location situated beyond entry of the electrode lead into the venous system and before entry of the electrode lead into the superior vena cava, said proximal portion having an exterior with an electrically conductive surface; said housing comprising a connector header in which said electrode lead is mechanically and electrically connected, said connector header having an exterior with an electrically conductive surface forming, together with said housing and said conductive surface on the exterior of said proximal portion of said electrode lead, an infection control current electrode; a counter electrode disposed outside of said subcutaneous pocket; and a current source that supplies an infection control current between said infection control current electrode and said counter electrode that counteracts bacterial growth at least on an exterior of said housing.