U.S. patent application number 09/839303 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular patient safety cable and methods regarding same.
Invention is credited to Struble, Chester L..
Application Number | 20020183819 09/839303 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25279372 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020183819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Struble, Chester L. |
December 5, 2002 |
BI-ATRIAL AND/OR BI-VENTRICULAR PATIENT SAFETY CABLE AND METHODS
REGARDING SAME
Abstract
A bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular patient safety cable includes
a multi-conductor insulated external cable having a Y-connector
portion, an external lead connector assembly, and two or more lead
adaptors. The patient safety cable is used to electrically connect
one or more implantable leads "in parallel" to an external medical
device.
Inventors: |
Struble, Chester L.;
(Eijsden, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas F. Woods
Medtronic, Inc., MS LC 340
710 Medtronic Parkway
Minneapolis
MN
55432-5604
US
|
Family ID: |
25279372 |
Appl. No.: |
09/839303 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/36842 20170801;
A61N 1/3684 20130101; A61N 1/056 20130101; A61N 1/36514 20130101;
A61N 1/36843 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/122 |
International
Class: |
A61N 001/05 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A patient safety medical device cable apparatus comprising: a
multi-conductor insulated external cable, the external cable
comprising: a first cable portion having a first end and a second
end, wherein the first cable portion comprises one or more
conductors; a second cable portion comprising at least one pair of
external cable lead elements, wherein each of the at least one pair
of external cable lead elements corresponds to one of a pair of
bi-atrial implantable leads and a pair of bi-ventricular
implantable leads; a Y-connector portion connected to the first end
of the first cable portion, wherein the Y-connector portion
comprises at least one Y connection electrically connecting the at
least one pair of external cable lead elements with one or more
conductors of the first cable portion; an external lead connector
assembly terminating the second end of the first cable portion and
configured to be electrically connected to an external medical
device; and two or more lead adaptors, wherein each lead adaptor is
configured for electrical connection to an implantable lead, and
further wherein each of the external cable lead elements of the at
least one pair of external cable lead elements is terminated by one
of the two or more lead adaptors.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus
further comprises an indifferent electrode lead element associated
with at least the first cable portion and configured to be
electrically connected with a patient, and further wherein the
external lead connector assembly terminates the indifferent
electrode lead element.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second cable
portion comprises a single pair of external cable lead elements,
and further wherein the single pair of external cable lead elements
corresponds to a single pair of bi-atrial implantable leads.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second cable
portion comprises a single pair of external cable lead elements,
and further wherein the single pair of external cable lead elements
corresponds to a single pair of bi-ventricular implantable
leads.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second cable
portion comprises two pairs of external cable lead elements,
wherein the two pairs of external cable lead elements correspond to
a single pair of bi-atrial implantable leads and a single pair of
bi-ventricular implantable leads.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the external medical device
comprises an external pacemaker.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the external medical device
comprises a programmer.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the external medical device
comprises an analyzer.
9. A patient safety medical device cable apparatus comprising: a
multi-conductor insulated external cable, the external cable
comprising: a first cable portion having a first end and a second
end, wherein the first cable portion comprises one or more
conductors; a second cable portion comprising a first external lead
element and a second external lead element, wherein the first
external lead element and the second external lead element
correspond to a first bi-atrial implantable lead and a second
bi-atrial implantable lead, respectively; a Y-connector portion
connected to the first end of the first cable portion, wherein the
Y-connector portion comprises a Y connection electrically
connecting the first external lead element and the second external
lead element with one or more conductors of the first cable
portion; an external lead connector assembly terminating the second
end of the first cable portion and configured to be electrically
connected to an external medical device; and a first lead adaptor
and a second lead adaptor, wherein each lead adaptor is configured
for electrical connection to an implantable lead, and further
wherein the first external lead element is terminated by the first
lead adaptor and the second external lead element is terminated by
the second lead adaptor.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus
further comprises an indifferent electrode lead element associated
with at least the first cable portion and configured to be
electrically connected with a patient and terminated by the
external lead connector assembly, wherein the first external lead
element comprises at least one conductor of a first polarity when
the external lead connector assembly is electrically connected to
the external medical device, wherein the second external lead
element comprises at least one conductor of a first polarity when
the external lead connector assembly is electrically connected to
the external medical device, and further wherein the indifferent
electrode lead element comprises a conductor of a second polarity
when the external lead connector assembly is electrically connected
to the external medical device.
11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first external
lead element and the second external lead element comprise at least
one conductor of a first polarity when the external lead connector
assembly is electrically connected to the external medical device
and at least one conductor of a second polarity when the external
lead connector assembly is electrically connected to the external
medical device, wherein the Y connection connects the at least one
conductor of a first polarity of the first external lead element
and second external lead element to at least one conductor of a
first polarity of the first cable portion, and further wherein the
Y connection connects the at least one conductor of a second
polarity of the first external lead element and second external
lead element to at least one conductor of a second polarity of the
first cable portion.
12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the external
medical device is at least one of an external pacemaker, a
programmer, and an analyzer.
13. A patient safety medical device cable apparatus comprising: a
multi-conductor insulated external cable, the external cable
comprising: a first cable portion having a first end and a second
end, wherein the first cable portion comprises one or more
conductors; a second cable portion comprising a first external lead
element and a second external lead element, wherein the first
external lead element and the second external lead element
correspond to a first bi-ventricular implantable lead and a second
bi-ventricular implantable lead, respectively; a Y-connector
portion connected to the first end of the first cable portion,
wherein the Y-connector portion comprises a Y connection
electrically connecting the first external lead element and the
second external lead element with one or more conductors of the
first cable portion; an external lead connector assembly
terminating the second end of the first cable portion and
configured to be electrically connected to an external medical
device; and a first lead adaptor and a second lead adaptor, wherein
each lead adaptor is configured for electrical connection to an
implantable lead, and further wherein the first external lead
element is terminated by the first lead adaptor and the second
external lead element is terminated by the second lead adaptor.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus
further comprises an indifferent electrode lead element associated
with at least the first cable portion and configured to be
electrically connected with a patient and terminated by the
external lead connector assembly, wherein the first external lead
element comprises at least one conductor of a first polarity when
the external lead connector assembly is electrically connected to
the external medical device, wherein the second external lead
element comprises at least one conductor of a first polarity when
the external lead connector assembly is electrically connected to
the external medical device, and further wherein the indifferent
electrode lead element comprises a conductor of a second polarity
when the external lead connector assembly is electrically connected
to the external medical device.
15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first external
lead element and the second external lead element comprise at least
one conductor of a first polarity when the external lead connector
assembly is electrically connected to the external medical device
and at least one conductor of a second polarity when the external
lead connector assembly is electrically connected to the external
medical device, wherein the Y connection connects the at least one
conductor of a first polarity of the first external lead element
and second external lead element to at least one conductor of a
first polarity of the first cable portion, and further wherein the
Y connection connects the at least one conductor of a second
polarity of the first external lead element and second external
lead element to at least one conductor of a second polarity of the
first cable portion.
16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the external
medical device is at least one of an external pacemaker, a
programmer, and an analyzer.
17. A patient safety medical device cable apparatus comprising: a
multi-conductor insulated external cable, the external cable
comprising: a first cable portion having a first end and a second
end, wherein the first cable portion comprises one or more
conductors; a second cable portion comprising a first pair of
external cable lead elements and a second pair of external cable
lead elements, wherein the first pair of external cable lead
elements corresponds to a pair of bi-atrial implantable leads, and
further wherein the second pair of external cable lead elements
corresponds to a pair of bi-ventricular implantable leads; a
Y-connector portion connected to the first end of the first cable
portion, wherein the Y-connector portion comprises a first Y
connection and a second Y connection, wherein the first Y
connection electrically connects the first pair of external cable
lead elements with one or more conductors of the first cable
portion, and further wherein the second Y connection electrically
connects the second pair of external cable lead elements with one
or more conductors of the first cable portion; an external lead
connector assembly terminating the second end of the first cable
portion and configured to be electrically connected to an external
medical device; and a plurality of lead adaptors, wherein each lead
adaptor is configured for electrical connection to an implantable
lead, and further wherein each of the external cable lead elements
of the first pair of external cable lead elements and each of the
second pair of external cable lead elements is terminated by one of
the plurality of lead adaptors.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the apparatus
further comprises an indifferent electrode lead element associated
with at least the first cable portion and configured to be
electrically connected with a patient and terminated by the
external lead connector assembly, wherein each of the external
cable lead elements of the first pair of external cable lead
elements and the second pair of external cable lead elements
comprises at least one conductor of a first polarity when the
external lead connector assembly is electrically connected to the
external medical device, and further wherein the indifferent
electrode lead element comprises a conductor of a second polarity
when the external lead connector assembly is electrically connected
to the external medical device.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each of the
external cable lead elements of the first pair of external cable
lead elements and the second pair of external cable lead elements
comprises at least one conductor of a first polarity when the
external lead connector assembly is electrically connected to the
external medical device and at least one conductor of a second
polarity when the external lead connector assembly is electrically
connected to the external medical device, wherein the first Y
connection connects the at least one conductor of a first polarity
of the first pair of external cable lead elements to at least one
conductor of a first polarity of the first cable portion, wherein
the first Y connection connects the at least one conductor of a
second polarity of the first pair of external cable lead elements
to at least one conductor of a second polarity of the first cable
portion, wherein the second Y connection connects the at least one
conductor of a first polarity of the second pair of external cable
lead elements to at least one conductor of a first polarity of the
first cable portion, and further wherein the second Y connection
connects the at least one conductor of a second polarity of the
second pair of external cable lead elements to at least one
conductor of a second polarity of the first cable portion.
20. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein at least one lead
adaptor of the plurality lead adaptors is configured for electrical
connection to a quadripolar implantable lead.
21. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the external
medical device is at least one of an external pacemaker, a
programmer, and an analyzer.
22. A method for electrically connecting one or more implantable
leads to an external medical device, the method comprising:
providing a patient safety medical device cable apparatus
comprising: a multi-conductor insulated external cable, the
external cable comprising: a first cable portion having a first end
and a second end, wherein the first cable portion comprises one or
more conductors; a second cable portion comprising at least one
pair of external cable lead elements, wherein each of the at least
one pair of external cable lead elements corresponds to one of a
pair of bi-atrial implantable leads and a pair of bi-ventricular
implantable leads; a Y-connector portion connected to the first end
of the first cable portion, wherein the Y-connector portion
comprises at least one Y connection electrically connecting the at
least one pair of external cable lead elements with one or more
conductors of the first cable portion; an external lead connector
assembly terminating the second end of the first cable portion and
configured to be electrically connected to an external medical
device; and two or more lead adaptors, wherein each lead adaptor is
configured for electrical connection to an implantable lead, and
further wherein each of the external cable lead elements of the at
least one pair of external cable lead elements is terminated by one
of the two or more lead adaptors; electrically coupling at least
one of the two or more lead adaptors to at least one of the
implantable leads of the pair of bi-atrial implantable leads and
the pair of bi-ventricular implantable leads; and attaching the
external lead connector assembly to the external medical
device.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the patient safety
medical device cable apparatus further comprises an indifferent
electrode lead element terminated by the external lead connector
assembly, and further wherein the method comprises connecting the
indifferent electrode lead element with a patient.
24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the second cable
portion of the patient safety medical device cable apparatus
comprises a single pair of external cable lead elements, wherein
the single pair of external cable lead elements corresponds to a
single pair of bi-atrial implantable leads, and further wherein
electrically coupling the two or more lead adaptors comprises
electrically coupling each of the bi-atrial implantable leads to a
lead adaptor that terminates each of the single pair of external
cable lead elements.
25. The method according to claim 22, wherein the second cable
portion of the patient safety medical device cable apparatus
comprises a single pair of external cable lead elements, wherein
the single pair of external cable lead elements corresponds to a
single pair of bi-ventricular implantable leads, and further
wherein electrically coupling the two or more lead adaptors
comprises electrically coupling each of the bi-ventricular leads to
a lead adaptor that terminates each of the single pair of external
cable lead elements.
26. The method according to claim 22, wherein the second cable
portion of the patient safety medical device cable apparatus
comprises two pairs of external cable lead elements, wherein the
two pairs of external cable lead elements correspond to a single
pair of bi-atrial implantable leads and a single pair of
bi-ventricular implantable leads, and further wherein electrically
coupling the two or more lead adaptors comprises electrically
coupling each of the bi-atrial and bi-ventricular implantable leads
to a lead adaptor that terminates each of the two pairs of external
cable lead elements.
27. The method according to claim 22, wherein the external medical
device is at least one of an external pacemaker, a programmer, and
an analyzer.
28. The method according to claim 22, wherein attaching the
external lead connector assembly to the external medical device
comprises: attaching the external lead connector assembly to an
external medical device adaptor; and attaching the external medical
device adaptor to the external medical device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to patient safety cables. More
particularly, the present invention pertains to bi-atrial and/or
bi-ventricular patient safety cables such as for use with
implantable leads and external medical devices and methods for
their use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The earliest instances of relatively prolonged cardiac
stimulation, namely cardiac pacing, of a patient's heart was
effected through implanted cardiac leads attached to the heart
muscle at distal electrode ends and extended through an incision in
the patient's skin. Initially, cardiac pacing was employed during
postoperative recovery from cardiac surgery, and the attachment to
the heart was made to the epicardium during the surgical procedure.
To effect unipolar pacing of the heart, a single such implantable
pacing lead was employed in conjunction with a subcutaneously
implanted or skin surface return electrode coupled to an external
lead conductor. To effect bipolar pacing of the heart, two such
implantable pacing leads were implanted with the electrode ends
implanted a distance apart. Implantable pacing leads have since
evolved, for example, into permanent, unipolar and/or bipolar,
endocardial and epicardial, pacing leads for chronic implantation
in a patient.
[0003] Various circumstances require the connection of an external
medical device to an implantable lead system, such as a system
including unipolar and/or bipolar leads. Generally, cables are used
to provide such connections. For example, such a situation arises
during surgical implantation of an implantable device, e.g., a
pacemaker or pacemaker-cardioverter-defibrillator, including a
permanent cardiac lead or lead system, or, for example, during
connection of a replacement implantable device with a pre-existing
permanent cardiac lead or lead system. One particular situation
includes an external pacing system analyzer, e.g., the
MEDTRONIC.RTM. Model No. 5311B PSA, that may be attached to the
lead system to assess the performance thereof.
[0004] Further, for example, during patient hospitalization, a lead
system may be implanted to allow monitoring and demand pacing of
the heart as the patient recovers from cardiac surgery or another
condition. It may be necessary at times to connect the lead system
implanted in a patient to a temporary external pacemaker,
programmer, analyzer, or other external medical device. For
example, the proximal ends of the lead system may be attached to
external medical device connector elements associated with
MEDTRONIC.RTM. Model Nos. 5348 or 5388 external single chamber or
dual chamber cardiac pacemakers. When a permanent or temporary
pacing lead is to be connected, for example, a MEDTRONIC.RTM. Model
5433A/V or the Model 5832/S reusable safety cable may be employed
to make the connection between the temporary pacemaker and the
proximal connector ends of the pacing lead.
[0005] In addition, the proximal ends of the lead system may be
attached to the external medical device connector elements
associated with the MEDTRONIC.RTM. Model No. 9790 Programmer.
Connection to the programmer may be accomplished by using the
MEDTRONIC.RTM. Model No. 5436 Analyzer Patient Cable, which is
designed to connect the programmer's analyzer subsystem to IS-1
implantable leads. The 5436 cable has two quick-connect bipolar
lead connectors for dual chamber pacing and a spade-shaped
indifferent electrode for unipolar pacing.
[0006] Recently, it has been proposed that various conduction
disturbances involving both bradycardia and tachycardia of a heart
chamber could benefit from stimulation applied at multiple
electrode sites positioned in or about it in synchrony with a
depolarization that has been sensed at at least one of the
electrode sites. A number of proposals have been advanced for
providing pacing therapies to alleviate these types of conditions
and restore synchronous depolarization of right and left, upper and
lower heart chambers. For example, commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.
6,122,545, herein incorporated by reference, provides a
multi-chamber cardiac pacing system method for providing
synchronous pacing to the two upper heart chambers, to the two
lower heart chambers, to three heart chambers, or to all four heart
chambers. Such pacing systems require bi-atrial and/or
bi-ventricular lead systems. These lead systems, in circumstances
such as those described above, e.g., during hospitalization, may
require operative connection to external devices, e.g., analyzer,
external pacemaker, etc., for use in performing bi-atrial and/or
bi-ventricular sensing/pacing functions. For example, during
implant evaluation of bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular
configurations, sensing is analyzed and thresholds and impedances
must be measured. Such measurements can be done in different
configurations, namely single unipolar, single bipolar, common ring
bipolar, etc.
[0007] The above-mentioned cables are designed to work with leads
implanted in a single atrial and/or single ventricular chamber. For
example, the MEDTRONIC.RTM. Model No. 5436 Analyzer Patient Cable
is designed to connect an analyzer subsystem to two IS-1
implantable leads, e.g., one atrial lead and one ventricular lead.
The cable has two quick-connect bipolar lead connectors and a
spade-shaped indifferent electrode for unipolar pacing. The cable,
however, is not suitable for use in bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular
sensing or pacing.
[0008] The systems and apparatus listed in Table 1 below, some of
which are also described above, do not address the bi-atrial and/or
bi-ventricular pacing/sensing problems discussed above, e.g., the
inability to operatively connect bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular
implantable leads with an external medical device.
1TABLE 1 Patent No. Inventor Issue Date 6,122,545 Struble et al.
Sep. 19, 2000 6,081,748 Struble et al. Jun. 27, 2000 6,070,101
Struble et al. May 30, 2000 5,931,861 Werner et al. Aug. 3, 1999
5,902,324 Thompson et al. May 11, 1999 5,626,621 Skoglund et al.
May 6, 1997 4,341,226 Peters Jul. 27, 1982
[0009] All references listed in Table 1, and elsewhere herein, are
incorporated by reference in their respective entireties. As those
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate readily upon reading
the Summary of the Invention, Detailed Description of the
Embodiments, and claims set forth below, at least some of the
devices and methods disclosed in the references of Table 1 and
elsewhere herein may be modified advantageously by using the
teachings of the present invention. However, the listing of any
such references in Table 1, or elsewhere herein, is by no means an
indication that such references are prior art to the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention has certain objects. That is, various
embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to one or
more problems existing in the art with respect to patient safety
cables. One such problem involves the inability to operatively
connect bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular implantable leads with an
external medical device.
[0011] The bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular patient safety cable and
methods according to the present invention provide one or more of
the following advantages. For instance, the present invention
provides an "in-parallel" configured cable that operatively
connects bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular implantable leads (e.g.,
those leads used for multi-site pacing) with an external medical
device. As such, for example, simultaneous pacing and sensing can
be performed in both atrial chambers and/or both ventricular
chambers.
[0012] Embodiments of an apparatus of the present invention may
provide one or more of the following features: a patient safety
medical device cable apparatus; a multi-conductor insulated
external cable including a first cable portion, a second cable
portion including at least one pair of external cable lead
elements, and a Y-connector portion connected to a first end of the
first cable portion; at least one pair of external cable lead
elements that corresponds to one of a pair of bi-atrial implantable
leads and a pair of bi-ventricular implantable leads; a Y-connector
portion that includes at least one Y connection electrically
connecting at least one pair of external cable lead elements with
one or more conductors of a first cable portion; an external lead
connector assembly electrically coupled to a second end of a first
cable portion and configured to be electrically connected to an
external medical device; two or more lead adaptors that are each
configured for electrical connection to an implantable lead;
external cable lead elements that are each terminated by a lead
adaptor; an indifferent electrode lead element associated with at
least a first cable portion and configured to be electrically
connected with a patient; a second cable portion including a single
pair of external cable lead elements, wherein the single pair of
external cable lead elements corresponds to a single pair of
bi-atrial implantable leads; a second cable portion including a
single pair of external cable lead elements, wherein the single
pair of external cable lead elements corresponds to a single pair
of bi-ventricular implantable leads; a second cable portion
including two pairs of external cable lead elements, wherein the
two pairs of external cable lead elements correspond to a single
pair of bi-atrial implantable leads and a single pair of
bi-ventricular implantable leads; an external pacemaker including a
connector assembly configured to mate with an external lead
connector assembly; a programmer including a connector assembly
configured to mate with an external lead connector assembly; and an
analyzer including a connector assembly configured to mate with an
external lead connector assembly.
[0013] Other embodiments of a method of the present invention may
provide one or more of the following features: a method for
electrically connecting one or more implantable leads to an
external medical device; providing a patient safety medical device
cable apparatus; providing a multi-conductor insulated external
cable; providing an external cable including a first cable portion,
a second cable portion including at least one pair of external
cable lead elements corresponding to one of a pair of bi-atrial
implantable leads and a pair of bi-ventricular implantable leads,
and a Y-connector portion including at least one Y-connection
electrically connecting at least one pair of external cable lead
elements with one or more conductors of the first cable portion;
providing an external lead connector assembly; providing two or
more lead adaptors; attaching at least one lead adaptor to at least
one implantable lead of a pair of bi-atrial implantable leads or a
pair of bi-ventricular implantable leads; attaching an external
lead connector assembly to an external medical device; and
providing an indifferent electrode lead element associated with at
least a first cable portion and configured to be electrically
connected with a patient.
[0014] The above summary of the invention is not intended to
describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present
invention. Rather, a more complete understanding of the invention
will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following
detailed description and claims in view of the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will be further described with
reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a general view of a patient safety medical device
cable apparatus in accordance with the present invention, wherein
the apparatus is shown in relation to a human body;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a two channel, bi-atrial
implantable lead system with which the present invention may be
employed;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting another implantable lead
system with which the present invention may be employed;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a three or four channel,
bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular, implantable lead system with which
the present invention may be employed;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an external medical device with
which the present invention may be employed;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric partial view of the proximal
end of an implantable lead oriented to be inserted into a connector
receptacle of an adaptor connector assembly of one illustrative
embodiment of a lead adaptor for use with the patient safety
medical device cable apparatus shown generally in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting an illustrative embodiment of
the cable apparatus shown generally in FIG. 1, where the cable
apparatus is a bi-atrial/bi-ventricular patient safety medical
device cable apparatus;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram depicting one illustrative
embodiment of the bi-atrial/bi-ventricular patient safety medical
device cable apparatus of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another illustrative
embodiment of the bi-atrial/bi-ventricular patient safety medical
device cable apparatus of FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting another illustrative
embodiment of the cable apparatus shown generally in FIG. 1, where
the cable apparatus is a bi-atrial or a bi-ventricular patient
safety medical device cable apparatus;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of one illustrative
embodiment of the bi-atrial or bi-ventricular patient safety
medical device cable apparatus of FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of another illustrative
embodiment of the bi-atrial or bi-ventricular patient safety
medical device cable apparatus of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] In the following detailed description of the embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0029] The present invention shall first be described generally
with reference to FIG. 1. Various embodiments of the present
invention shall be described with reference to FIGS. 2-12.
[0030] FIG. 1 generally illustrates a cable apparatus 60 in
accordance with the present invention. The patient safety cable
apparatus 60 is used for connecting an external medical device 12,
e.g., a programmer, to one or more implantable leads 16 (e.g.,
bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular leads). As illustrated therein,
implantable leads 16 are located within the patient's body and
extend beyond the body externally. The implantable leads 16 are
shown implanted within the heart 10. The implantable leads 16 may
be permanently implanted in the patient for use with an implantable
medical device 20 (IMD). While illustrated as a cardiac IMD, cable
systems in accordance with the present invention are equally
applicable to IMDs of most any purpose, e.g., neurologic implants,
nerve stimulators, muscle stimulators, or other similar devices.
Alternatively, the implantable leads 16 may be temporarily
implanted for monitoring by an external medical device 12 and then
later removed.
[0031] Depending on the particular cardiac needs, e.g., two chamber
pacing/sensing or four chamber pacing/sensing, the number of
implantable leads may vary as further described below. The
implantable leads 16, which are used to sense electrical signals
attendant to the depolarization and re-polarization of cardiac
tissue in the vicinity of the distal ends thereof, may have
unipolar or bipolar electrodes disposed thereon, as is well known
in the art.
[0032] For example, FIG. 2 is an illustrative, exemplary
representation of a bi-atrial implantable lead system. In FIG. 2,
heart 10 includes the upper heart chambers, the right atrium (RA)
and left atrium (LA), and the lower heart chambers, the right
ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) and the coronary sinus (CS)
extending from the opening in the right atrium laterally around the
atria to form the great vein that extends further inferiorly into
branches of the great vein. Bipolar, endocardial implantable RA
lead 16 and bipolar endocardial implantable LA CS lead 22 are
passed through a vein into the RA chamber of the heart 10 and into
the CS to extend alongside the LA chamber. The RA lead 16 may
include a pair of electrically insulated conductors within lead
body 15 and may be connected with distal tip RA pace/sense
electrode 19 and proximal ring RA pace/sense electrode 21. The
distal end of the RA lead 16 is attached to the RA wall by an
attachment mechanism 17. The LA CS lead 22 is coupled to a pair of
electrically insulated conductors within lead body 26 and connected
with distal ring LA CS pace/sense electrode 30 and proximal ring LA
CS pace/sense electrode 30 and proximal ring LA CS pace/sense
electrode 28. The distal end of the LA CS implantable lead 26 is
extended into the CS to position the LA CS pace/sense electrodes
optimally with respect to the adjacent LA wall.
[0033] Further, FIG. 3 is an illustrative, exemplary representation
of a bi-ventricular implantable lead system. Bipolar, endocardial
LV CS lead 42 is passed through a vein into the RA chamber of the
heart 10, into the CS and then inferiorly in the great vein and
cardiac veins extending therefrom to extend the distal ring
pace/sense electrodes 48 and 50 alongside the LV chamber. Bipolar,
endocardial RV lead 32 is passed through the vein into the RA
chamber of the heart 10 and into the RV where its distal ring and
tip pace/sense electrodes 38 and 40 are fixed in place in the apex
or in the interventricular septum by a distal attachment mechanism
52. The RV lead 32 is coupled to a pair of electrically insulated
conductors within lead body 36 and connected with distal tip
pace/sense electrode 40 and proximal pace/sense ring electrode 38.
The LV CS lead 42 is coupled to a pair of electrically insulated
conductors within lead body 46 and connected with distal ring
pace/sense electrode 50 and proximal pace/sense ring electrode 48.
The distal end of the LV CS lead 42 is extended into the CS to
position the ring electrodes optimally with respect to the adjacent
LV wall.
[0034] Yet further, FIG. 4 is an illustrative, exemplary
representation of a bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular implantable
lead system. RA lead 16 is coupled to a pair of electrically
insulated conductors within lead body 15 that are connected with
distal tip RA pace/sense electrode 19 and proximal ring RA
pace/sense electrode 21. The distal end of the RA lead 15 is
attached to the RA wall by a conventional attachment mechanism 17.
Bipolar, endocardial RV lead 32 is passed through the vein into the
RA chamber of the heart 10 and into the RV where its distal ring
and tip RV pace/sense electrodes 38 and 40 are fixed in place in
the apex by a conventional distal attachment mechanism 41. The RV
lead 32 is coupled to a pair of electrically insulated conductors
within lead body 36 and connected with distal tip RV pace/sense
electrode 40 and proximal ring RV pace/sense electrode 38.
[0035] In this illustrative embodiment, a quadripolar, endocardial
LV CS lead 52 is passed through a vein into the RA chamber of the
heart 10, into the CS and then inferiorly in the great vein to
extend the distal pair of LV CS pace/sense electrodes 48 and 50
alongside the LV chamber and leave the proximal pair of LA CS
pace/sense electrodes 28 and 30 adjacent the LA. The LV CS lead 52
is formed with a four conductor lead body 56. The four electrically
insulated lead conductors in LV CS lead body 56 are separately
connected with one of the distal pair of LV CS pace/sense
electrodes 48 and 50 and the proximal pair of LACS pace/sense
electrodes 28 and 30.
[0036] As opposed to a quadripolar lead, the left atrial and left
ventricular electrodes may be positioned in the heart chambers by a
LV CS lead 52 that may include two bipolar lead bodies 56 and 58
(shown in dashed alternative configuration). As such, one lead body
56 may be coupled to LV CS pace/sense electrodes 48 and 50, and
another lead body 58 may be coupled to LA CS pace/sense electrodes
28 and 30.
[0037] These illustrated bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular pace/sense
leads and electrode locations are merely exemplary of possible
leads and electrode locations that can be employed in the practice
of these embodiments of the present invention. It will be
understood that one or more of the other types of endocardial and
epicardial leads and pace/sense electrodes located in or about the
right and left chambers of the heart can be substituted for those
illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and described above. For example, the
implantable leads shown in FIGS. 2-4 may also be unipolar bi-atrial
and/or unipolar bi-ventricular leads, each having one conductor and
a single electrode.
[0038] As previously mentioned, the present invention is directed
to a patient safety cable apparatus 60 having an "in-parallel"
configuration for use in connecting external medical devices 12 to
implantable leads 16 (e.g., bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular leads).
FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of an external medical device 12
that may be connected to implantable lead systems 16 using the
present invention. In FIG. 5, the external medical device is a
programmer 310 that may include a keyboard 350, a display screen
360, and a receiving connector 340. Receiving connector 340 may
include any suitable mating structure for connecting the programmer
310 to the patient safety cable 60 and, in particular, external
lead connector assembly 50. Though a programmer is depicted, it
should be understood that the external medical device 12 may also
include an external pacemaker, analyzer, or any other external
medical device that may be separately connected to one or more
implantable leads 16 via cable 60. For example, any external
medical device having a suitable mating structure for connecting to
the external lead connector assembly 50 may be connected directly
thereto, or, for example, the mating structure may require use of
an adaptor to be so connected to the connector assembly 50.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the patient safety cable apparatus
60 includes an external cable 62, an external lead connector
assembly 50, and lead adaptors 90. The external cable 62 includes a
first cable portion 64, a second cable portion 80, and a
Y-connector portion 70. The first cable portion 64 is connected to
the Y-connector portion 70 at a first end 66 thereof, while a
second end 68 of the first cable portion 64 is connected to the
external lead connector assembly 50. The external lead connector
assembly 50 is preferably adapted to connect to or mate with a
receiving connector 14 of external medical device 12.
[0040] Extending from the Y-connector 70 is the second cable
portion 80. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second cable portion 80
may include two or more cable lead elements 82 each preferably
terminating at a lead adaptor 90. Each lead adapter 90 is
configured to be coupled to one or more of the implantable leads
16. For example, for a bi-atrial lead configuration, each of two
lead adaptors 90 would be individually coupled with one of the
bi-atrial implantable leads 16.
[0041] The Y-connector portion 70, which is coupled with the first
cable portion 64 at the first end 66, is configured to electrically
connect the two or more cable lead elements 82 with one or more
conductors of the first cable portion 64. Specifically, the
Y-connector portion 70 includes at least one Y connection that is
configured to electrically connect in parallel at least one pair of
cable lead elements 82 (e.g., pair of lead elements that correspond
to a pair of bi-atrial or a pair of bi-ventricular implantable
leads) with one or more conductors of the first cable portion 64.
In this in-parallel configuration, the cable 60 can be connected
directly to at least one pair of bi-atrial or bi-ventricular
implantable leads and to an external medical device 12 for use, for
example, in pacing and/or sensing via the at least one pair of
bi-atrial or bi-ventricular leads. For example, pacing pulses may
be provided for the bi-atrial or bi-ventricular leads
simultaneously via the in-parallel configuration employed via use
of the Y-connection. Bi-atrial or bi-ventricular sensing may also
be accomplished via the in-parallel configuration.
[0042] At the second end 68 of the first cable portion 64 is the
external lead connector assembly 50 that is configured to connect
to or mate with a receiving connector 14 of external medical device
12. The external lead connector assembly 50 can include any
suitable mating structure known in the art for coupling or mating a
cable with a device, e.g., RCA type plugs, banana plugs, threaded
terminals. Preferably, the external lead connector assembly 50 is
configured to prevent the patient safety cable apparatus 60 from
becoming disconnected from the external medical device 12 during
use. Such a configuration may preferably include a locking
structure, or an engaging structure such as currently used on the
5436 safety cable available from Medtronic, Inc.
[0043] At an end of the patient safety cable apparatus 60 opposite
from the external lead connector assembly 50 are lead adaptors 90.
The lead adaptors 90 are configured to electrically couple or mate
the cable lead elements 82 with the implantable leads 16. Any
suitable connector structure known in the art may be utilized for
lead adaptors 90, e.g., bare wire connections, male/female plug
adaptors, wire locking terminals, etc.
[0044] For example, FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a lead adaptor
410 as taught by Werner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,861, herein
incorporated by reference. The proximal end of an implantable lead
414 is shown in part and includes an elongated implantable lead
body 416. For purposes of illustration and convenience, the
implantable lead 414 is depicted as a bipolar, in-line, permanent
cardiac pacing lead employing co-axially wound, coiled wire,
implantable lead conductors 422 and 424 separated apart by an
insulating sheath 428. The outer implantable lead conductor 424 is
coupled to a respective lead connector ring 444, and the inner
implantable lead conductor 422 is coupled to a respective lead
connector pin 442. A lumen is formed within the inner implantable
lead conductor 422 for receiving a stiffening stylet wire 432
through a lumen end opening 438 in the lead connector pin 442. When
the stylet wire 432 is received in the lumen, it extends proximally
from the lumen end opening 438 so that the stylet knob 434 may be
manipulated to rotate or axially extend or withdraw the stylet wire
432 with respect to the lead body lumen.
[0045] The lead adaptor 410 includes an external lead body 450
having at least one external electrical conductor therein extending
between first and second external lead conductor ends thereof.
Preferably, the external lead body 450 encases two electrically
isolated external electrical conductors 452 and 454 of any known
configuration electrically connected to contact terminals 472, 474
for making contact with the conductors of the implantable lead
414.
[0046] An adaptor connector assembly 460 for receiving the lead
connector end assembly 412 is formed at the end of the external
lead body 450 and includes a housing 462 and a rotatable lock
mechanism or clip 464. The housing 462 includes an elongated
receptacle 470 that extends from the proximal and distal housing
ends 476 and 478 and is shaped to conformably receive the lead
connector end assembly 412 when laterally inserted therein through
a receptacle slot 480. At least the lead connector ring 444 and pin
442 of the lead connector end assembly 412 are received in the
elongated receptacle 470 between the proximal and distal housing
ends 476, 478 so that they are not exposed.
[0047] Though one illustrative embodiment of a lead adaptor 92 is
depicted in FIG. 6, lead adaptor 92 may include any suitable means
known in the art for coupling one or more conductors to a lead,
e.g., bipolar or unipolar implantable lead 16. For example, any
structure that receives one or more conductors of an implantable
lead 16 and locks such conductors in electrical connection with
conductors of lead elements 82 of the second cable portion 80 may
be used according to the present invention.
[0048] Various embodiments of the patient safety cable apparatus 60
in accordance with the present invention will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 7-12. Once again, these embodiments are
exemplary only and those of skill in the art will recognize that
other embodiments are certainly possible without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a patient safety cable 110 for use in
connecting bi-ventricular and bi-atrial leads to an external
medical device 12, e.g., unipolar or bipolar leads. As this figure
illustrates, patient safety cable 110 includes a multi-conductor
insulated external cable 112 which, in one embodiment, may include
a first cable portion 120, a second cable portion 130, and a
Y-connector portion 150. The first cable portion 120 connects to
the Y-connector portion 150 at a first end 122 while a second end
124 of the first cable portion 120 terminates in an external lead
connector assembly 160. The external lead connector assembly 160 is
preferably adapted to connect to a receiving connector (e.g.,
connector 14 of the external medical device 12 of FIG. 1), as
described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0050] Extending from the Y-connector portion 150 is the second
cable portion 130. The second cable portion 130 may include two or
more cable lead elements 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d, (generically
or collectively referred to hereinafter as cable lead elements
140). The end of the second cable portion 130, i.e., the end of
each lead element 140, preferably terminates at respective lead
adaptors 170a, 170b, 170c, and 170d, (generically or collectively
referred to hereinafter as cable lead adaptors 170). Cable lead
elements 140 correspond to a pair of bi-atrial implantable leads
and a pair of bi-ventricular implantable leads (e.g., implantable
leads 16 as depicted in FIG. 1). The two or more cable lead
elements 140 may be coupled with bipolar implantable leads using
the lead adaptors 170 by connection of the conductor of the
implantable leads to respective +/-terminals of each lead adaptor.
It will be recognized that a lead adaptor having more terminals may
be used to accommodate implantable leads having more than two
conductors such as a quadripolar lead.
[0051] Also depicted in FIG. 7 is an indifferent electrode 180
including an indifferent electrode lead element 182 and a body
coupler 184. The indifferent electrode 180 may be coupled with one
or more conductors of the multi-conductor insulated external cable
112 for use during unipolar pacing as further described below.
[0052] The Y-connector portion 150 allows pairs of bi-atrial and
bi-ventricular implantable leads to be connected in-parallel when
bi-atrial implantable leads are connected to RA/LA lead elements
140a-140b via lead adaptor 170a-170b and when bi-ventricular
implantable leads are connected to RV/LV lead elements 140c-140d
via lead adaptors 170c-170d. In other words, two channels, i.e.,
atrial and ventricular, are established by the in-parallel
configuration. For example, such a cable may be connected directly
to the MEDTRONIC.RTM. 8090 Analyzer or to any external pacemaker
with a safety port or other mating structure compatible with
external lead connector assembly 160 (e.g., safety plug 160). Both
dual unipolar and dual bipolar application functional connection
configurations are possible for each channel, either atrial or
ventricular, as further described below with reference to FIGS. 8
and 9.
[0053] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the
patient safety cable 110 configured for bipolar bi-atrial and
bi-ventricular lead connection. Patient safety cable 110 includes
the external cable 112, the external lead connector assembly 160,
and the lead adaptors 170. The external cable 112 includes first
cable portion 120, second cable portion 130, and Y-connector
portion 150.
[0054] The first cable portion 120 includes conductors 126a and
128a held at a negative potential when the cable 110 is being used
and connected to the external medical device 12 (hereafter negative
conductors), and positive conductors 126b and 128b held at a
positive potential when cable 110 is being used in such a manner
(hereinafter positive conductors). Each of the conductors within
the first cable portion 120 may include any suitable material for
electrical conduction, e.g., copper, aluminum, and be insulated
appropriately from one another. Further, it will be recognized that
leads of opposite polarity may be used.
[0055] Extending from the Y-connector portion 150 is the second
cable portion 130. The second cable portion 130 includes cable lead
elements 140, including RA lead element 140a, LA lead element 140b,
RV lead element 140c, and LV lead element 140d. Each individual
lead element includes two conductors corresponding to, for example,
conductors of a bipolar implantable lead. For example, RA lead
element 140a may include negative lead element conductor 142a and
positive lead element conductor 142b. Further, LA lead element 140b
includes negative lead element conductor 144a and positive lead
element conductor 144b; RV lead element 140c includes negative lead
element conductor 146a and positive lead element conductor 146b;
and LV lead element 140d includes negative lead element conductor
148a and positive lead element conductor 148b.
[0056] The end of the second cable portion 130, i.e., the end of
each lead element 140, preferably terminates at respective lead
adaptors 170. Within each lead adaptor 170 are two terminals for
electrical connection to bipolar leads having a potential
difference therebetween when the patient safety cable 110 is
connected to the external medical device 12. For example, RA lead
adaptor 170a includes negative terminal 172a and positive terminal
172b. The other terminals of respective lead adaptors include
terminals 174a-b, 176a-b, and 178a-b.
[0057] Included within the Y connector portion 150 of the external
cable 112 is a first Y connection 152 and a second Y connection
154. The first Y connection 152 electrically connects negative lead
element conductors 142a and 144a together with the negative
conductor 126a of the first cable portion 120 in an in-parallel
configuration. Also, the first Y connection 152 electrically
connects the positive lead element conductors 142b and 144b
together with the positive conductor 126b of the first cable
portion 120, also in an in-parallel configuration. Similarly, the
second Y connection 154 connects in a parallel configuration the
negative cable lead elements 144a and 146a with the negative
conductor 128a of the first cable portion, and 144b and 146b
positive cable lead elements with the positive conductor 128b of
the first cable portion.
[0058] The conductors 126a and 126b and the conductors 128a and
128b are terminated in external connector assembly 160. For
example, such termination may be in the form of plugs to be
received by a receptacle of the external medical device 12 or any
other termination techniques such as that used in the 5436 cable
previously mentioned herein. With the lead adaptors 170 connected
to implantable LA/RA/LV/RV bipolar leads via terminals 172a-b,
174a-b, 176a-b, and 178a-b respectively, appropriate signals can be
transmitted to the electrodes of such bipolar leads and received by
the external medical device 12 using such leads.
[0059] In FIG. 9, a schematic of another embodiment of the cable
110 of the present invention is depicted. FIG. 9 illustrates a
safety cable 110 for unipolar, bi-atrial and bi-ventricular lead
connection. In this embodiment, only the negative portion (e.g.,
negative conductors, negative terminals, etc.) of the cable 110
shown in FIG. 8 are used in conjunction with indifferent electrode
180. The indifferent electrode 180 is used for one return path.
[0060] The conductors 126a and 128a are terminated in external
connector assembly 160. Further, the indifferent electrode 180 is
terminated in external connector assembly 160 by any suitable means
known in the art, e.g., plug termination, socket termination, etc.
With the lead adaptors 170a-170d connected to implantable unipolar
LA/RA/LV/RV leads via terminals 172a, 174a, 176a, and 178a,
respectively, appropriate signals can be transmitted to electrodes
of such unipolar leads and received by the external medical device
12 using such unipolar leads.
[0061] FIG. 10 is illustrative of an alternative embodiment of the
patient safety cable 60 of FIG. 1 according to the present
invention. In FIG. 10, patient safety cable 210 is configured for
either bi-atrial or bi-ventricular lead connection, e.g., unipolar
or bipolar lead connection. As this FIG. 10 illustrates, patient
safety cable 210 includes a multi-conductor insulated external
cable 212, which includes a first cable portion 220, a second cable
portion 230, and a Y-connector portion 250. The first cable portion
220 connects to the Y-connector portion 250 at a first end 222
while a second end 224 of the first cable portion 220 terminates in
external lead connector assembly 260. The external lead connector
assembly 260 is preferably adapted to connect to a receiving
connector (e.g., connector 14 of the external medical device 12 of
FIG. 1).
[0062] Extending from the Y-connector portion 250 is the second
cable portion 230. The second cable portion 230 includes cable lead
elements 240 including a first cable lead element 240a and a second
cable lead element 240b. The end of the second cable portion 230,
i.e., the end of cable lead elements 240, preferably terminates at
respective lead adaptors 270. Cable lead element 240a terminates at
lead adaptor 270a, and cable lead element 240b terminates at lead
adaptor 270b. Preferably, the cable lead elements 240 correspond to
a pair of bi-atrial implantable leads or a pair of bi-ventricular
implantable leads (e.g., implantable unipolar or bipolar leads 16
as depicted in FIG. 1). The cable lead elements 240 may be coupled
to implantable leads using the lead adaptors 270, e.g., lead
adaptor 410 of FIG. 6, via +/-contact terminals.
[0063] At the second end 224 of the first cable portion 220 is the
external lead connector assembly 260, which is configured to
connect to or mate with a receiving connector 14 of external
medical device 12. The external lead connector assembly 260 can
include any suitable mating structure known in the art for coupling
or mating a cable with a device, e.g., RCA type plugs, banana
plugs, threaded terminals, sockets. Preferably, the external lead
connector assembly 260 is configured to prevent the patient safety
cable apparatus 210 from becoming disconnected from the external
medical device 12 during use. Such a configuration may include a
locking structure, or an engaging structure such as currently used
on the 5436 safety cable available from Medtronic, Inc.
[0064] Alternatively, external lead assembly 260 may be coupled to
an adaptor 290 for attaching the patient safety cable 210 with an
external medical device (i.e., external medical device 12 of FIG.
1). In FIG. 10, the adaptor 290 is depicted as adaptor 292
including adaptor body 294, positive adaptor pin 296, and negative
adaptor pin 298. For example, the adaptor 290 may be used to
connect the patient safety cable 210 to an AAI or VVI external
pacemaker with a safety port, e.g., a MEDTRONIC.RTM. 5101 Adaptor
would enable the patient safety cable 210 to be connected to
certain external AAI/VI/DDD Medtronic pacemakers that are known in
the art. Both unipolar and bipolar configurations are possible
using adaptor 290.
[0065] Also depicted in FIG. 10 is an indifferent electrode 280
including an indifferent electrode lead element 282 and a body
coupler 284. The indifferent electrode 280 may be coupled to a
conductor of the multi-conductor insulated external cable 212 and
terminated in the external lead assembly connector 260 for use in a
unipolar configuration as further described below.
[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of the patient
safety cable 210 of FIG. 10 in a bipolar lead connection
configuration. In FIG. 11, patient safety cable 210 includes the
multi-conductor insulated external cable 212, which includes the
first cable portion 220, the second cable portion 230, and the
Y-connector portion 250. The end of the second cable portion 230,
i.e., the end of cable lead elements 240, preferably terminates at
lead adaptors 270. Cable lead element 240a terminates at lead
adaptor 270a, and cable lead element 240b terminates at lead
adaptor 270b. First lead adaptor 270a, which terminates the first
cable lead element 240a, includes a negative terminal 272a and a
positive terminal 272b. Similarly, second lead adaptor 270b, which
terminates the second pace/sense lead element 240b, includes a
negative terminal 274a and a positive terminal 274b.
[0067] The cable lead elements 240 preferably correspond to a pair
of bipolar bi-atrial implantable leads or a pair of bipolar
bi-ventricular implantable leads (e.g., implantable leads 16 as
depicted in FIG. 1). The cable lead elements 240 may be coupled
with bipolar implantable leads using lead adaptors 270 (e.g., lead
adaptor 410 of FIG. 6). For example, a first bipolar bi-atrial lead
may be connected to terminals 272a and 272b of the lead adaptor
270a, and a second bipolar bi-atrial lead may be connected to
terminals 274a and 274b of the lead adaptor 270b.
[0068] Within the first cable lead element 240a is a negative lead
conductor 242a and a positive lead conductor 242b. Similarly, the
second cable lead element 240b includes a negative lead conductor
244a and a positive lead conductor 244b. Further, first cable
portion 220 includes negative and positive conductors 226a and
226b, respectively.
[0069] The Y-connector portion 250 includes a Y connection that
electrically connects in parallel the negative conductor 242a of
the first cable lead element 240a and the negative conductor 244a
of the second cable lead element 240b to the negative conductor
226a of the first cable portion 220. Similarly, the Y connection
electrically connects in parallel the positive conductor 242b of
the first cable lead element 240a and the positive conductor 244b
the cable lead element 244 to the positive conductor 226b of the
first cable portion 220 of the external cable 212.
[0070] The conductors 226a and 226b are terminated in external
connector assembly 260. For example, the termination may be in the
form of plugs to be received by a receptacle of the external
medical device 12. With the lead adaptors 270a and 270b connected
to either implantable bipolar RA/LA leads or RV/LV leads
respectively, appropriate signals can be transmitted to electro de
s of such bipolar leads and received by the external medical device
12 using such leads.
[0071] FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment of the present invention
where the patient safety cable 210 is connected in a unipolar
configuration. In this embodiment, only the negative portion (e.g.,
negative conductors, negative terminals, etc.) of the cable 210 of
FIG. 11 are used in conjunction with the indifferent electrode 280.
Patient safety cable 210 includes the multi-conductor insulated
external cable 212 that includes the first cable portion 220, the
second cable portion 230, and the Y-connector portion 250.
[0072] Further, the first cable portion includes the negative
conductor 226 and the indifferent electrode 280. In a unipolar
configuration, the negative conductors are used with the positive
indifferent electrode to provide appropriate unipolar connection of
an external medical device 12 to a pair of bi-atrial or
bi-ventricular leads.
[0073] Preferably, the cable lead elements 240a-b correspond to a
pair of unipolar bi-atrial implantable leads or a pair of unipolar
bi-ventricular implantable leads (e.g., implantable leads 16 as
depicted in FIG. 1). The cable lead elements 240 may be coupled
with the unipolar implantable leads using lead adaptors 270, e.g.,
the negative terminals 272a and 274a of the lead adaptors 270a and
270b, respectively.
[0074] The conductor 226a is terminated in external connector
assembly 260. For example, this termination may be in the form of
plugs to be received by a receptacle of the external medical device
12. With the lead adaptors 270a and 270b connected to implantable
unipolar RA/LA leads or unipolar RV/LV leads respectively,
appropriate signals can be transmitted to the electrodes of such
unipolar leads and received by the external medical device 12 using
such leads.
[0075] One skilled in the art will recognize from the description
herein that bipolar leads or unipolar leads may be connected using
the cable apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 10. However, such cable
apparatus may be provided that only connects bipolar or only
connects unipolar leads to the external medical device. For
example, cables following the schematics of FIGS. 8 and 11 for
bipolar leads and FIGS. 9 and 12 for unipolar leads may be
provided.
[0076] With reference to FIG. 1, a method for electrically
connecting one or more implantable leads 16 to an external medical
device 12 is herein described. The patient safety medical device
cable apparatus 60 is provided including an external cable 62, an
external lead connector assembly 50, and two or more lead adaptors
90. Implantable leads 16 may include a pair of bi-atrial
implantable leads and/or a pair of bi-ventricular implantable
leads. Further, said leads may be bipolar or unipolar. The patient
safety medical device cable apparatus 60 is employed by attaching
at least one of the two or more lead adaptors 90 to at least one
pair of bi-atrial implantable leads and/or bi-ventricular
implantable leads 16. The external lead connector assembly 50 may
be attached to an external medical device by coupling the external
lead connector assembly 50 with the receiving connector 14 of the
external medical device. In such a manner, an in-parallel
configuration of the bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular leads is
attained such that appropriate signaling between the external
medical device 12 and leads 16 can be performed. For bipolar leads,
both electrodes thereof are coupled through terminals of the lead
adaptors as previously described herein.
[0077] In the alternative unipolar configuration, electrodes of the
unipolar leads are coupled through terminals of the lead adaptors.
Further, an indifferent electrode 180 including an indifferent
electrode lead element 182 and a body coupler 184 are coupled to
the patient to provide a return path.
[0078] The complete disclosure of the patents, patent documents,
and publications cited in the Background, Detailed Description of
the Embodiments and elsewhere herein are incorporated by reference
in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated.
[0079] The preceding specific embodiments are illustrative of the
practice of the invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that
other expedients known to those skilled in the art or disclosed
herein may be employed without departing from the invention or the
scope of the appended claims. For example, the present invention is
not limited to the use of patient safety cables for bi-atrial
and/or bi-ventricular functions in connection with an analyzer or
external pacemaker, but may be used with any appropriate medical
device. The present invention further includes within its scope
methods of making and using apparatus described herein above.
* * * * *