Effect of Novel Conductive Caps on Abandoned Leads of Cardiac Implantable Electric Devices to Suppress RF-induced Heating

Motivation: To reduce RF-induced tissue heating of abandoned leads of implantable cardiac devices by using conductive caps on connector electrodes. Goal(s): To evaluate the effect of the conductive cap for reducing RF-induced heating in comparison with the conventional insulating caps. Approach: The basic configuration of the conductive cap was proposed. The heating reduction effect of the conductive cap was examined by electromagnetic and thermal simulations using the finite difference time domain method with a numerical human model. Results: Compared to the insulating cap, the conductive cap reduced heat generation by 57-80％, which was similar to the reduction rate of the uncapped case. Impact: Remarkable heat reduction effect of the conductive cap was verified. This reduction effect was equivalent to that the uncapped, indicating that the risk of RF-induced heating can be dramatically improved. We will evaluate biological safety issues towards clinical applications.