METHODS, IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEADS, AND RELATED SYSTEMS TO MONITOR AND LIMIT TEMPERATURE CHANGES IN PROXIMTY TO ELECTRODES

摘要

A temperature sensor is included within a lead in proximity to distal electrodes. The temperature sensor measures temperature change at the electrode to tissue interface. Actions can be taken when the temperature exceeds a threshold due to heating from current induced by radio frequency energy from an MRI scan. The actions may include sending a signal via telemetry from the implanted device to an external device to produce an alarm to alert an MRI technician or to instruct the MRI scanner to alter the MRI scan. The actions may include activating a switch in the conduction path of an implanted lead to block some of the RF energy and/or to activate a shunt in the conduction path to divert some of the RF energy. The temperature sensor may be of various forms and may be mounted in various locations within the lead.

主权项

1. A method of reducing heating at an electrode of an implantable medical system during an MRI scan, comprising:
monitoring a temperature at the electrode during an MRI scan; and upon detecting that the temperature being monitored exceeds a threshold, then reducing the current reaching the electrode.