| abstract |
An implantable lead has a lead body construction designed to accommodate loading forces exerted on the lead body during patient movement. The lead body may be sufficiently stretchable to resist forces that could otherwise cause lead failure, axial migration of the electrodes, anchor damage, or tissue damage. Increasing stretchability of a lead body can also increase the vulnerability of the lead body to flex fatigue, buckling fatigue, kinking, and crush. Therefore, the lead described herein includes a coiled wire embedded between a first insulative layer and a second insulative layer of an outer jacket of the lead body to improve column stiffness and kink resistance. |