US Patent 8209015 Enhanced stability implantable medical device

An implantable medical device is provided which has a housing of an elongate form to minimize a size of an incision required for implantation. A stabilizing element is associated with the elongated form housing for the medical device. The stabilizing element transitions from a low profile initial form to a higher width final form to provide the medical device with a stabilized footprint after implantation. The stabilizing element is in the form of a rotating wing in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the stabilizing element is in the form of an expanding loop that can bend to extend out of side openings of a cavity within the housing, to provide such stabilization at the implantation site. The medical device can be in the form of a pacemaker, infusion pump, vascular access port or other subcutaneously implanted medical device.