Biocompatible medical lead

摘要

A medical lead having a lead body and a biocompatible cuff and especially suitable for use as a nerve electrode. In the preferred bipolar embodiment the lead body has two conductors running therethrough. The distal end is coupled to a pulse generator, the proximal end is coupled to the biocompatible cuff. The biocompatible cuff is cylindrical and is constructed from collagen. Preferably the collagen is multi-layer, i.e. the first portion is cross-linked to an amount greater than the second portion. Through such a construction the collagen promotes tissue ingrowth in the region proximate a nerve and does not permit tissue ingrowth in the region away from the nerve, e.g. the exterior of the cuff.