Abstract: A medical device is disclosed herein that is configured to engage and penetrate a pericardial sac. The device includes an outer tubular body, an inner tubular body, and a helical tissue engagement member. The outer tubular body includes a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the ends. The inner tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tubular body is located in the lumen of the outer tubular body. The proximal end of the inner tubular body is operably coupled to the proximal end of the outer tubular body. The distal end of the inner tubular body is extendable out of the distal end of the outer tubular body. The helical tissue engagement member is displaceable from a first position to a second position, the first position being in the lumen of the outer tubular body recessed relative to the distal end of the outer tubular body, and the second position extending out of the distal end of the outer tubular body.

Abstract: A first cardiac signal associated with an activity of a first implant site of a heart during a cardiac cycle is sensed. A second cardiac signal is sensed using an intrapericardial lead located on an epicardial surface proximate a second implant site of the heart. The second cardiac signal is associated with an activity of the second implant site during the cardiac cycle. A timing delay between the activity of the first implant site and the activity of the second implant site is obtained and analyzed to determine if the intrapericardial lead location is appropriate. The preceding is repeated until an appropriate intrapericardial lead location is determined. Other measurements obtained during implant determine whether the intrapericardial lead location is at or near slow conduction zone and whether the intrapericardial lead is placed at the location having the greatest mechanical delay. Post implant measurements determine whether the intrapericardial lead has migrated.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed herein that is configured to engage and penetrate a pericardial sac. The device includes an outer tubular body, an inner tubular body, and a helical tissue engagement member. The outer tubular body includes a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the ends. The inner tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tubular body is located in the lumen of the outer tubular body. The proximal end of the inner tubular body is operably coupled to the proximal end of the outer tubular body. The distal end of the inner tubular body is extendable out of the distal end of the outer tubular body. The helical tissue engagement member is displaceable from a first position to a second position, the first position being in the lumen of the outer tubular body recessed relative to the distal end of the outer tubular body, and the second position extending out of the distal end of the outer tubular body.