Patent ID: 8850702

Claim:
A method of processing a multi-filar conductor cable for use in an implantable medical electrical lead, the multi-filar conductor cable having a non-insulated portion, the method comprising: securing the multi-filar conductor cable in an apparatus wherein the multi-filar conductor cable comprises a plurality of filars and wherein each of the plurality of filars comprise a core and an outer layer; applying a tensile force to the multi-filar conductor cable with the apparatus; and applying a laser beam to a desired location on the multi-filar conductor cable to cut the multi-filar conductor cable and simultaneously form a weld mass at the desired location, wherein the weld mass consists substantially entirely of a filar material, wherein the core comprises a conductive material and the outer layer comprises a highly corrosion-resistant material, wherein the applying the laser beam step further comprises melting together the conductive material and the highly corrosion-resistant material of each of the plurality of filars, whereby a substantial portion of the conductive material is urged to an outer portion of the weld mass, and wherein the conductive material on the outer portion of the weld mass subsequently corrodes, whereby only the corrosion-resistant material remains on the outer portion of the weld mass.