Introducer for a minimally invasive physiologic parameter recorder

Abstract

An implantable monitoring device includes a flexible lead body that includes at least one sensing element. The device also includes a rigid main body connected to the flexible lead body at an attachment point. The rigid main body is generally centered about a longitudinal axis defined by the flexible lead body when the lead body is unflexed. The device further includes a measurement circuit, which is housed within the rigid main body and electrically coupled to the at least one sensing element of the flexible lead body and at least another sensing element on an outside surface of the rigid main body. The measurement circuit is configured to measure a potential difference between the at least one sensing element of the flexible lead body and the at least another sensing element of the main body.

1 . An implantable medical device, comprising:
 a) a rigid section extending from a rigid section first end to a rigid section second end;   b) a first flexible enclosure extending from the rigid section first end to a first flexible enclosure distal end, wherein a first electrode is electrically and mechanically connected to the first flexible enclosure distal end; and   c) a second flexible enclosure extending from the rigid section second end to a second flexible enclosure distal end, wherein a second electrode is electrically and mechanically connected to the second flexible enclosure distal end.   
     
     
         2 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the first flexible enclosure contains a charging coil and the second flexible enclosure contains an RF antenna. 
     
     
         3 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid section contains a rechargeable battery and device electronics. 
     
     
         4 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second flexible enclosures are comprises of silicone. 
     
     
         5 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second flexible enclosures are fluid-filled. 
     
     
         6 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second flexible enclosures is provided with a mesh. 
     
     
         7 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid section is comprised of titanium. 
     
     
         8 . The implantable medical device of  claim 7 , wherein the rigid section is provided with a parylene coating. 
     
     
         9 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid section is tubular in shape. 
     
     
         10 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid section has a flattened cross-sectional shape with opposing flat major sides joined to opposed rounded minor sides. 
     
     
         11 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrodes each have a partial hemispherical shape. 
     
     
         12 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrodes are of titanium. 
     
     
         13 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein with the medical device in a substantially straight orientation, the first and second flexible sections are substantially tubular in shape. 
     
     
         14 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the first rigid section is hermetically sealed. 
     
     
         15 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid section is fabricated from a metal or ceramic. 
     
     
         16 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second flexible enclosures are non-hermetic. 
     
     
         17 . The implantable medical device of  claim 16 , wherein the non-hermetic first and second flexible enclosures are fabricated from a polymer. 
     
     
         18 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second flexible enclosures permit the implantable medical device to both stretch and flex. 
     
     
         19 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein, the rigid section is greater than zero, but less than 3 cm in length. 
     
     
         20 . The implantable medical device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second flexible enclosures house a piezoelectric element. 
     
     
         21 . An implantable medical device, comprising:
 a) a rigid section extending from a rigid section first end to a rigid section second end;   b) a first fluid-filled silicone enclosure extending from the rigid section first end to a first silicone enclosure distal end, wherein a first electrode is electrically and mechanically connected to the first silicone enclosure distal end; and   c) a second fluid-filled silicon enclosure extending from the rigid section second end to a second silicone enclosure distal end, wherein a second electrode is electrically and mechanically connected to the second silicone enclosure distal end,   d) wherein the rigid section contains a rechargeable battery and device electronic and wherein the first silicone enclosure contains a charging coil and the second silicone enclosure contains an RF antenna.   
     
     
         22 . The implantable medical device of  claim 21 , wherein the rigid section is comprised of titanium provided with a parylene coating.