Long-term performance of stimulation and sensing behaviour of TiN and Ir coated pacemaker leads having a fractal surface structure

Unipolar pacemaker leads with titanium nitride or iridium coated tips having the same fractal surface structure have been examined in regard to their stimulation and sensing performance. It is shown, that the electrochemical active surface area is the most important factor, the type of material is less important. Tip coatings with fractal surface structure show the highest active surface and therefore the best results in comparison to smoother coatings of the same material.