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New material for implantable cardiac leads
S Suave Lobodzinski1, Michael Laks
1California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA. slobo@csulb.edu
Journal of Electrocardiology
|October 27, 2009
Summary
New gold-plated poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) fibers offer superior strength and conductivity for implantable cardiac leads. These advanced materials improve pacemaker function and durability compared to traditional electrodes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Implantable cardiac devices like pacemakers rely on leads with electrodes for heart monitoring and stimulation.
- Conventional braided multifilament wire electrodes exhibit high failure rates, compromising pacemaker function.
- There is a critical need for advanced cardiac lead materials with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties for reliable pacemaker performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel fiber material for implantable cardiac leads with superior mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.
- To address the limitations of existing electrode materials in cardiac function management devices.
- To engineer a material that ensures safe and effective pacemaker function.
Main Methods:
- Poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) fibers were developed and subsequently plated with gold using an electroless plating technique.
- Silver plating was performed on the fibers prior to gold plating due to challenges in direct gold adhesion.
- Material characterization included X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and electrochemical polarization measurements.
Main Results:
- Gold was uniformly plated onto the poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) fibers, demonstrating good corrosion resistance.
- The gold-plated fibers exhibited excellent electrical conductivity exceeding 4 x 10^4 S/cm.
- Single-fiber tensile strength and Young's modulus were measured at over 1.9 GPa and 130 GPa, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Metal-clad polymer fibers offer significant advantages over traditional metal cardiac leads, including flexibility, reduced weight, enhanced strength, and durability.
- The new fiber material enables the creation of smaller diameter implantable cardiac leads with improved strength and tailored electrical conductivity.
- These advanced fibers are compatible with standard termination methods like ultrasonic bonding, crimping, and band connections, facilitating integration into existing device manufacturing processes.
