| abstract |
An expandable intravascular medical device is provided. The medical device comprises an arcuate spring configured to be expanded into firm contact with the inner surface of a blood vessel. The medical device further comprises at least one electrode associated with the arcuate spring. For example, the electrode(s) can be discrete elements that are bonded to the arcuate spring, electrically conductive layers disposed on the arcuate spring, or the arcuate spring, itself, can form the electrode(s). The inner surface of the arcuate spring may optionally be electrically insulative. An intravascular medical device is provided. In one embodiment, the medical device comprises an electrode support structure, e.g., a non-tubular arcuate structure or a cylindrical member, and a plurality of resilient spring loops laterally extending from the support structure. The contact created between the loops and a blood vessel are sufficient to anchor the medical device within the blood vessel. In another embodiment, the medical device comprises an elongated member and two resilient spring arms extending distally from the elongated member. The arms are configured to be laterally moved towards each other to place the medical device in a collapsed geometry, and configured to be laterally moved away from each into contact with an inner surface of a blood vessel to place the medical device an expanded geometry. The contact created between the respective arms and the blood vessel are sufficient to anchor the medical device within the blood vessel. In either embodiment, the medical device further comprises an electrode associated with the electrode support structure or the spring arms. |