Abstract: A common mode choke apparatus includes a first bus bar forming a first plurality of loops about a first segment of a ferrite core, the first bus bar having a plurality of first upper surfaces, and a second bus bar forming a second plurality of loops about a second segment of the ferrite core, the second bus bar having a plurality of second upper surfaces.

Abstract: An implantable myocardial stimulation lead comprises a lead body having a distal end and a proximal end, and an electrical connector carried by the proximal end of the lead body. An electrode header carried by the distal end of the lead body has an axis and includes a helical fixation element extending along the axis, the electrode header having a surface configured to receive a driver for rotating the electrode header to screw the helical fixation element into the tissue of the heart. The lead body carries along its length a strain relief member resisting excessive bending of the lead body.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device is equipped with an isolation system capable of attenuating or eliminating induction currents flowing through the stimulation device by eliminating induction loops. The isolation system comprises a magnetic insulator configured to shield selected components of the stimulation device from external magnetic fields or radio-frequency (RF) signals. The magnetic insulator comprises a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect the intensity of the external magnetic fields and/or RF signals, and a switch bank that electrically isolates certain components of the stimulation device to eliminate the induction loops. The isolation system further comprises an attenuation system comprised of at least one magnetoresistor disposed along potential induction loops to attenuate induction currents when subjected to undesirable external magnetic fields and/or RF signals.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead is disclosed for placement in the coronary sinus region and its associated coronary vessels overlying the left side of a patient's heart. The lead comprises at least one proximal connector; at least one tissue stimulation electrode; at least one conductor coupled between the at least one proximal connector and the at least one stimulation electrode; and a lead body including a housing of insulating material enclosing the at least one conductor, the lead body having a relatively flexible distal portion of, for example, silicone rubber, having a length corresponding to the coronary sinus region of the heart, and a stiffer proximal portion of, for example, polyurethane. A robust transition joint comprising telescoped sections of the distal and proximal portions of the lead body couples the two portions of the lead body. Also provided is a versatile lead delivery system including a stylet stop disposed within the distal portion of the lead body.

Abstract: An electrical lead in which a transitional coil conductor near a proximal end of the lead is electrically connected to a wire conductor distal of the coil conductor. The transitional coil is connected to an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead. The electrical connector may be a standard ring and pin connector such as an IS-1 standard electrical connector often used in implantable medical devices. A second coil conductor runs substantially the entire length of the lead from its proximal to its distal end. The transitional coil is connected to the wire conductor through a coupling. The coupling includes a channel configured to receive the second coil conductor to allow it to run through the coupling. The coupling further includes a coil receiver configured to receive the distal end of the transitional coil to hold it in electrical contact with the electrically conductive body of the coupling.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation lead system for use with an implantable stimulation device includes an elongated lead with a conductor extending between distal and proximal ends. A tubular insulating sheath overlies the conductor and has an outer peripheral surface of revolution defined by a radius originating at the longitudinal axis. A tip electrode at the distal end of the lead is attached to the conductor. A proximal connector is in electrical continuity with the stimulation device and coupled to the tip electrode. The insulating sheath is formed with a passive fixation feature formed into the outer peripheral surface for encouraging tissue ingrowth to facilitate stability of the tip electrode when the lead system is implanted. No portion of the passive fixation feature extends radially from the longitudinal axis by a distance greater than the radius of the tubular insulating sheath.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device is equipped with an isolation system capable of attenuating or eliminating induction currents flowing through the stimulation device by eliminating induction loops. The isolation system comprises a magnetic insulator configured to shield selected components of the stimulation device from external magnetic fields or radio-frequency (RF) signals. The magnetic insulator comprises a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect the intensity of the external magnetic fields and/or RF signals, and a switch bank that electrically isolates certain components of the stimulation device to eliminate the induction loops. The isolation system further comprises an attenuation system comprised of at least one magnetoresistor disposed along potential induction loops to attenuate induction currents when subjected to undesirable external magnetic fields and/or RF signals.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation lead system for use with an implantable stimulation device includes an elongated lead with a conductor extending between distal and proximal ends. A tubular insulating sheath overlies the conductor and has an outer peripheral surface of revolution defined by a radius originating at the longitudinal axis. A tip electrode at the distal end of the lead is attached to the conductor. A proximal connector is in electrical continuity with the stimulation device and coupled to the tip electrode. The insulating sheath is formed with a passive fixation feature formed into the outer peripheral surface for encouraging tissue ingrowth to facilitate stability of the tip electrode when the lead system is implanted. No portion of the passive fixation feature extends radially from the longitudinal axis by a distance greater than the radius of the tubular insulating sheath.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead is disclosed for placement in the coronary sinus region and its associated coronary vessels overlying the left side of a patient's heart. The lead comprises at least one proximal connector; at least one tissue stimulation electrode; at least one conductor coupled between the at least one proximal connector and the at least one stimulation electrode; and a lead body including a housing of insulating material enclosing the at least one conductor, the lead body having a relatively flexible distal portion of, for example, silicone rubber, having a length corresponding to the coronary sinus region of the heart, and a stiffer proximal portion of, for example, polyurethane. A robust transition joint comprising telescoped sections of the distal and proximal portions of the lead body couples the two portions of the lead body.

Abstract: A method of joining an electrically-conductive elongate member, which may be a multi-strand cable, to an electrically-conductive electrode, possibly for an implantable medical device, requires that the free end of the electrically-conductive member be inserted axially into a longitudinally extending passage of a tubular crimp/weld sleeve. Thereupon, the crimp/weld sleeve is crimped onto the electrically-conductive elongate member to achieve firm engagement between the crimp/weld sleeve and the electrically-conductive elongate member. The crimp/weld sleeve is provided with a radially outward extending prominent member which may be one of a variety of shapes. The electrode is tubular, overlies the outer surface of a longitudinally extending lead body, and is formed with an aperture defined by a rim having a transverse dimension greater than the transverse dimension of the prominent member.