Current steering to achieve spatial selectivity for his bundle pacing
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for pacing a HIS bundle of a patient. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may include applying stimulation energy through one or more of a plurality of electrodes to direct a stimulation locus and pace a HIS bundle of a patient.
1 . An implantable lead for stimulating a His bundle of a patient, the lead comprising:
a lead body having a distal end portion terminating at a distal end; and
a plurality of expandable elements arranged circumferentially about the distal end portion of the lead body configured to stabilize the distal end portion against a tissue wall proximate the His bundle when in use, wherein the expandable elements are flexible tines arranged about the distal end portion of the lead body, each of the tines having a first portion that is connected to and extends distally of the distal end of the distal end portion, and a second portion that is connected to and extends radially outward from a location proximal to the distal end of the distal end portion, and wherein each of the expandable elements further includes a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimuli.
2 . The implantable lead of claim 1 , wherein the lead body and the tines are configured to facilitate placement of electrodes against the tissue wall proximate the HIS bundle.
3 . The implantable lead of claim 2 , further comprising a fixation helix extending distally from the distal end of the distal end portion of the lead body, the fixation helix configured to anchor the lead body to the tissue wall proximate the HIS bundle.
4 . The implantable lead of claim 3 , wherein the fixation helix is operable as an additional electrode.
5 . An implantable lead for stimulating a His bundle of a patient, the lead comprising:
a lead body having a distal end portion terminating at a distal end; and
a plurality of flexible tines arranged circumferentially about the distal end portion of the lead body, each of the tines having a first portion that is connected to and extends distally of the distal end of the distal end portion, and a second portion that is connected to and extends radially outward from a location proximal to the distal end of the distal end portion, wherein each of the expandable elements further includes a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimuli.
6 . The implantable lead of claim 5 , wherein the lead body and the tines are configured to facilitate placement of electrodes against the tissue wall proximate the HIS bundle.
7 . The implantable lead of claim 6 , further comprising a fixation helix extending distally from the distal end of the distal end portion of the lead body, the fixation helix configured to anchor the lead body to the tissue wall proximate the HIS bundle.
8 . The implantable lead of claim 7 , wherein the fixation helix is operable as an additional electrode.