An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high
frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an
energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the
leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy
dissipating surface, and at least one switch for diverting energy in the
implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the
energy dissipating surface. In alternate configurations, the switch may
be disposed between the implanted lead or the leadwire and the diversion
circuit, or disposed so that it electrically opens the implanted lead or
the leadwire when diverting energy through the diversion circuit to the
energy dissipating surface. The switch may comprise a single or
multi-pole double or single throw switch. The diversion circuit may be
either a high pass filter or a low pass filter.