Abstract: An implantable lead which has an increased resistance to fracture and has the capability of continued function after fracture of a conductor. The lead is provided with a coiled conductor which may be monofilar or multifilar and which extends along the length of the lead, running from an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead to an electrode at or near the distal end of the lead. In addition, the lead is provided with a stranded conductor which is electrically coupled to the coiled conductor at point along the lead body located proximal to the point of expected breakage of the coiled conductor and at a point along the lead body located distal to the point of expected breakage. The proximal and distal ends of the stranded conductor in some embodiments are also mechanically coupled to the coiled conductor.

Abstract: Conductive aerogels are employed in fabrication of electrical medical leads adapted to be implanted in the body and subjected to bending stresses. An elongated, flexible and resilient, lead body extends from a proximal end to a distal end and includes an insulative sheath having an elongated lumen through which an elongated conductor extends. A layer of conductive aerogel is disposed over the conductor deforming upon movement of the conductor within the lumen against the aerogel in response to applied stresses.

Abstract: Conductive aerogels are employed in fabrication of electrical medical leads adapted to be implanted in the body and subjected to bending stresses. An elongated, flexible and resilient, lead body extends from a proximal end to a distal end and includes an insulative sheath having an elongated lumen through which an elongated conductor extends. A layer of conductive aerogel is disposed over the conductor deforming upon movement of the conductor within the lumen against the aerogel in response to applied stresses.

Abstract: A temporary backup mechanism for electrical conduction within an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. In an IMD such as lead or catheter having a cable conductor for conducting an electrical signal is provided with a safety cable for conducting an electrical signal if the primary cable conductor fails. In one embodiment, the conductor is a cable positioned adjacent to the safety cable so that the cable is in electrical contact with the conductor along various points on the conductor. In another embodiment, the conductor and cable are electrically isolated from one another except at proximal and distal ends where the two are mechanically coupled. In the latter embodiment, a change in impedance signals a potential conductor failure.

Abstract: A temporary backup mechanism for electrical conduction within an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. In an IMD such as lead or catheter having a cable conductor for conducting an electrical signal is provided with a safety cable for conducting an electrical signal if the primary cable conductor fails. In one embodiment, the conductor is a cable positioned adjacent to the safety cable so that the cable is in electrical contact with the conductor along various points on the conductor. In another embodiment, the conductor and cable are electrically isolated from one another except at proximal and distal ends where the two are mechanically coupled. In the latter embodiment, a change in impedance signals a potential conductor failure.

Abstract: An implantable lead which has an increased resistance to fracture and has the capability of continued function after fracture of a conductor. The lead is provided with a coiled conductor which may be monofilar or multifilar and which extends along the length of the lead, running from an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead to an electrode at or near the distal end of the lead. In addition, the lead is provided with a stranded conductor which is electrically coupled to the coiled conductor at point along the lead body located proximal to the point of expected breakage of the coiled conductor and at a point along the lead body located distal to the point of expected breakage. The proximal and distal ends of the stranded conductor in some embodiments are also mechanically coupled to the coiled conductor.

Abstract: An implantable lead which has an increased resistance to fracture and has the capability of continued function after fracture of a conductor. The lead is provided with a coiled conductor which may be monofilar or multifilar and which extends along the length of the lead, running from an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead to an electrode at or near the distal end of the lead. In addition, the lead is provided with a stranded conductor which is electrically coupled to the coiled conductor at point along the lead body located proximal to the point of expected breakage of the coiled conductor and at a point along the lead body located distal to the point of expected breakage. The proximal and distal ends of the stranded conductor in some embodiments are also mechanically coupled to the coiled conductor.

Abstract: An implantable lead which has an increased resistance to fracture and has the capability of continued function after fracture of a conductor. The lead is provided with a coiled conductor which may be monofilar or multifilar and which extends along the length of the lead, running from an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead to an electrode at or near the distal end of the lead. In addition, the lead is provided with a stranded conductor which is electrically coupled to the coiled conductor at point along the lead body located proximal to the point of expected breakage of the coiled conductor and at a point along the lead body located distal to the point of expected breakage. The proximal and distal ends of the stranded conductor in some embodiments are also mechanically coupled to the coiled conductor.

Abstract: An implantable lead which has an increased resistance to fracture and has the capability of continued function after fracture of a conductor. The lead is provided with a coiled conductor which may be monofilar or multifilar and which extends along the length of the lead, running from an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead to an electrode at or near the distal end of the lead. In addition, the lead is provided with a stranded conductor which is electrically coupled to the coiled conductor at point along the lead body located proximal to the point of expected breakage of the coiled conductor and at a point along the lead body located distal to the point of expected breakage. The proximal and distal ends of the stranded conductor in some embodiments are also mechanically coupled to the coiled conductor.

Abstract: A method of providing biocompatible surface texturing on a metal component of an implantable device and the device so produced. The coating is provided by applying particles of metal falling substantially entirely in the range of 1 to 5 microns to a surface of said component to provide a layer of generally uniform thickness and sintering said particles to one another and to said component to provide a generally continuous external surface having surface texturing in the form of projections formed from said sintered particles. The particles are preferably applied to a depth of 1 to 25 microns. In a preferred embodiment particles of titanium are applied to a surface of a titanium component.

Abstract: A method for making a conductive coated product comprising the steps of abrading a conductive metal substrate, applying to the conductive metal substrate a layer of a curable composition which includes 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, water and/or alcohol, and a curing agent and curing the composition on the substrate.