Implantable electrical cable and method of making

Abstract

The present invention is an implantable cable and a process to manufacture said implantable cable. The cable is composed of a biocompatible fluoropolymer, in which biocompatible conductor wires are embedded. The entire cable is heat treated at various stages to ensure the wires are securely embedded. The cable is then undulated to enhance its pliability and flexibility. Further treatment activates the outer surface of the cable, following which it may be encapsulated in silicone.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This present invention relates generally to the field of implantable medical cables and conductor wires, particularly to implantable medical cable for use with various implantable electrical devices such as cochlear implants and other neurostimulation and recording applications, and to a method of fabricating such cables. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The human body is a hostile environment to implanted medical devices and materials, particularly to chronically implanted electrical cables and leads. For example, implantable cardiac cables are typically coupled at their proximal ends with implanted pacemaker and pacemaker / cardioverter / defibrillator pulse generators. Over the years of implantation, the cables and insulation are subjected to cumulative mechanical stresses that can result in degradation of the insulation or fractures of the lead conductors with untoward effects on device performance and patient well-being. [0003] The traditio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a process to make an implantable cable. The cable has a structure with multiple layers and conductor wires. The process involves creating grooves on a layer of fluoropolymer film, positioning the wires into the grooves, and then heating to confine the wires. Another layer of fluoropolymer is deposited and the resulting structure is encapsulated with silicone. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a reliable and flexible cable that can safely be implanted in the body for various applications such as neural stimulation or drug delivery.

Problems solved by technology

The human body is a hostile environment to implanted medical devices and materials, particularly to chronically implanted electrical cables and leads.

Over the years of implantation, the cables and insulation are subjected to cumulative mechanical stresses that can result in degradation of the insulation or fractures of the lead conductors with untoward effects on device performance and patient well-being.

A stiff and inflexible cable would apply a bias force, which would resist movement of the patient, and which would cause discomfort to the patient.

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