Abstract: An electrode device for intracorporeal tissue stimulation, such as for intracardiac stimulation of heart tissue, includes an electrode cable containing at least one elongated, insulated conductor, and terminating in an electrode head at the distal end of the cable. The electrode head has a surface layer, which defines the shape of the electrode head, formed entirely of electrically conductive material, connected to the conductor, and thereby forming at least one stimulation surface. The surface layer is partially coated with high-resistivity insulating material, the coating forming a layer which is so thin that the difference in the distance between the uncovered portion of the stimulation surface and the heart tissue, and the distance between the insulating coating and the heart tissue, when the electrode device is applied to heart tissue, does not affect the threshold value for tissue stimulation.

Abstract: An electrode device for intracorporeal stimulation of body tissue, in particular for intracardial stimulation of heart tissue, has an electrode cable containing a coiled, flexible, insulated first wire running along substantially the entire length of the electrode cable and whose interior forms a channel, with at least one partially conductive electrode head provided on the distal end of the electrode cable. The cable also contains a second wire provided in the channel, this second wire running coaxially along the entire length of the electrode cable and being attached at or near the distal end of the electrode cable. The proximal end of the second wire extends beyond the proximal end of the electrode cable, a device for displacing the second wire in relation to the electrode cable in a selected way is provided so that by compressing the coiled first wire the electrode cable can be made stiff or pliant, as desired, with the need for a stylet.

Abstract: An implantable medical device has surfaces that are in communication with the tissue of the patient after an implantation. At least one part of these surfaces is provided with at least one layer composed of a medication. In order to simply and reliably control the administration of a desired quantity of the medication, the medication layer is covered by at least one layer composed of an ion exchanger material.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for in vivo stimulation of tissue with electrical energy has a catheter containing an electrical lead, the lead and the catheter being electrically and mechanically connected to further electrical conductors, arranged in a configuration forming a broad, flat, thin and flexible electrode. The conductors in the electrode are partially exposed and define an electrode surface for delivering electrical energy to adjacent tissue. The electrode arrangement further includes a fixing device, for attaching the electrode to tissue surrounding the tissue to be stimulated. The fixing device includes a fixing element which is mounted on the electrode so as to be movable independently of the electrode, and a stylet which controls movement of the fixing element, the stylet extending through the catheter. The fixing element can be controlled so as to be advanced from a retracted position to a position extending beyond the electrode surface in which the fixing element penetrates the tissue.

Abstract: A heart stimulation apparatus for intracardial stimulation of heart tissue has an electrode device with an electrode head provided at the distal end thereof, having at least a first conductive surface and a second conductive surface, a stimulation pulse generator and a switch for selectively connecting the conductive surface(s) to the stimulation pulse generator in any combination. In order to reduce the energy consumption, an autocapture unit is provided which automatically tests a number of possible combinations of conductive surfaces for stimulation and selects the combination providing the lowest stimulation threshold for connection to the pulse generator. A heart signal detector can also be provided to which the electrode surfaces are also connectable in any combination, with the autocapture unit selecting an optimal combination for sensing as well.

Abstract: For simplifying the positioning of electrodes inside living bodies, a positioning device has a wire running through a tube, the tube being fastened to a case and being fastened to a handling element disposed in the case. With the handling element, the wire can be moved relative to the tube, which enables the positioning of an electrode in, for example, the heart, by extending a preshaped curve at the end of the wire and turning it to a suitable position. Alternatively, the tube may be fastened to the handling element and moved relative to the wire which may be fastened to the case, or relative to a second turnable handling element in the case. The preshaped curve of the wire is released by pulling the tube back from the wire.