Implantable lead infection barrier

Abstract

A sleeve or collar for preventing the migration of infection along the length of an implanted lead. The sleeve or collar is given anti-microbial properties, as by embedding therein or coating with anti-microbial substance. At the time that a changeable portion of an implantable device is changed-out, e.g., when the pulse generator in a pacemaker system must be replaced due to battery depletion, the collar or sleeve in accordance with the present invention is affixed to the lead and slid as far distal along the lead as possible, in order to ensure that a barrier is established to prevent the migration of infection to the extreme distal end of the lead. In one embodiment of the invention, the collar or sleeve can serve the dual purposes of establishing an infection barrier and of facilitating the anchoring of the lead in place.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a method of implanting an implantable device comprising a chronically changeable portion and a permanently implanted portion having a body extending distally from said chronically changeable portion, said method involving the surgical placement of the chronically changeable portion with respect to the permanently implanted portion, the improvement which comprises placing a circumferential bacteriostatic collar on said body of said permanently implanted portion and advancing the collar toward a distal end of said permanently implanted portion. 
     
     
       2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said chronically changeable portion is a pulse generator, and said permanently implanted portion is a cardiac lead. 
     
     
       3. In combination with an implanted medical device comprising a chronically changeable portion and a permanently implanted portion, said permanently implanted portion coupled to said chronically changeable portion, said permanently implanted portion having a body extending distally from said chronically changeable portion, a circumferential bacteriostatic collar disposed around said body of said permanently implanted portion. 
     
     
       4. A combination in accordance with claim 3, wherein said chronically changeable portion is a cardiac pacemaker, and said permanently implanted portion is a cardiac lead.