Patent ID: 8142363

Claim:
An implantable lead comprising: an elongate flexible lead body having a distal portion, a distal end, a proximal end and an longitudinal axis, wherein the proximal end is configured to be coupled to an implantable medical device; an electrode disposed on the lead body; and a pressure transducer assembly disposed at the distal portion of the lead body having a pressure transducer with a pressure sensitive surface, a volume adjacent the pressure sensitive surface enclosed by a frame structure defining a plurality of apertures circumscribing a circumference of the lead body, the apertures allowing pressure waves to enter the volume from outside the lead and to interact with the pressure sensitive surface of the transducer, wherein the pressure sensitive surface of the pressure transducer comprises a diaphragm surface contained within the lead body located distal of the plurality of apertures and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lead body facing the volume enclosed by the frame structure.