Abstract: A composite wire can include a core including a material chosen from the group consisting of Ag and Ir and combinations thereof, a shell around the core including a material chosen from the group consisting of Ta, MP35N, and Nb and combinations thereof, and an outer layer over the shell including a material chosen from the group consisting of Pt and Pt—Ir and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A composite wire can include a core including a material chosen from the group consisting of Ag and Ir and combinations thereof, a shell around the core including a material chosen from the group consisting of Ta, MP35N, and Nb and combinations thereof, and an outer layer over the shell including a material chosen from the group consisting of Pt and Pt—Ir and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A lead having an adapting member extending from the lead's main body, wherein the adapting member is suitable for receiving a terminal pin of a second lead thereby electrically coupling the second lead thereto. The lead may then be electrically and mechanically coupled to a single electrical port of a medical device. The lead may be unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar and suitable for use with a pacer, defibrillator or other cardiac rhythm management device, wherein the second lead is electrically connected in parallel with a selected conductor of the lead. The adapter may be positioned on the lead adjacent the terminal pin such that when the lead is coupled to the medical device the adapter engages a portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A lead has a flexible lead body which extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The lead body has a conductor coupled with an electrode. At least a portion of the flexible lead body includes a polymer of vinylidene fluoride, or a polymer of vinylidene fluoride and silicone rubber. The polymer of vinylidene fluoride includes, but is not limited to, a homopolymer, a copolymer, or a terpolymer.

Abstract: A cardiac lead designed for implantation in the vasculature of the left side of the heart comprising a flexible lead body having a central lumen, a removable terminal pin, electrodes electrically coupled to the removable terminal pin, a mechanism for securing the electrodes in the proper position in the vasculature and a mechanism for sealing the central lumen after implantation to prevent body fluids from invading the lumen. The cardiac lead can be implanted or explanted using either a guidewire, a guide catheter or both.

Abstract: A cardiac lead designed for implantation in the vasculature of the left side of the heart comprising a flexible lead body having a central lumen, a removable terminal pin, electrodes electrically coupled to the removable terminal pin, a mechanism for securing the electrodes in the proper position in the vasculature and a mechanism for sealing the central lumen after implantation to prevent body fluids from invading the lumen. The cardiac lead can be implanted or explanted using either a guidewire, a guide catheter or both.

Abstract: Expandable electrodes for intravascular leads permit the electrodes to be placed and retained in the vasculature of the left side of the heart. Such electrodes can be in the form of a balloon, an expandable wire coil, or other expandable shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a cardiac lead in place within the vasculature of the heart includes a coil having a normal helical shape and a stylet for holding the coil straight during insertion of the coil through a lumen of the lead. Upon retraction of the stylet, the coil returns to its helical shape along with the lead, forcing portions of the lead into contact with the vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a cardiac lead in the vasculature of the heart includes a guide catheter, a sleeve and a guidewire. The guide catheter has an inflatable balloon at its distal end and a central lumen open distally to the exterior of the catheter for injection of dye or advancement of a guidewire through the guide catheter and past its distal end. The guide sleeve replaces the guide catheter once the guidewire is in position so that a lead can be advanced over the guidewire with the sleeve.

Abstract: An elongated monopolar or bipolar coronary vein lead having a reduced outer diameter and especially adapted to be advanced into a selected coronary vein for delivering a pacing signal to a predetermined region of a patient's heart, such as the left ventricle. A method of using the lead for pacing a patient's heart in the treatment of heart failure is also described. The method for pacing the heart includes advancing the coronary vein lead through both the coronary sinus and into a selected coronary vein of a patient's heart, connecting the lead to an electrical pacing source and applying electrical stimulation to a particular chamber of the patient's heart via the implanted lead. The lead includes a flexible tip and transition ring that enhances the ability to guide the lead through the coronary veins.

Abstract: A body implantable lead for placement in a selected coronary vein includes a resilient retention structure for inhibiting displacement of the lead because of heart beat action, breathing or other body movement. The retention structure includes a plurality of resilient projections that are attached to the lead body and which are adapted to project at a predetermined acute angle to the axis of the lead body when unconstrained. Prior to being routed through the vascular system, the projections can be bonded to the lead body to provide a low profile with a biodegradable adhesive. Following exposure to body fluids, the adhesive dissolves, releasing the projections so that they can engage the walls of the vein in which the lead is disposed.

Abstract: An intravenous lead for use with a cardiac device for implantation in the coronary venous system of the heart includes a lead body that is adapted to be routed through the vascular system into the coronary sinus with the distal end portion of the lead placed in the great cardiac vein or branch vein. The lead body includes a preformed section disposed just proximal of its tip so that the lead body exhibits a two-dimensional wave having peaks and valleys for contacting the endothelial layer of the vein at discrete, longitudinally spaced points to stabilize the electrode against displacement.

Abstract: Intravenous cardiac leads having at least one electrode intended to be implanted within the coronary artery are disclosed. Also disclosed are structures and techniques for advancing such leads through the atrium and coronary sinus into the coronary veins overlaying the left ventricle.

Abstract: Intravenous cardiac leads having at least one electrode intended to be implanted within the coronary veins are disclosed. Also disclosed are structures and techniques for advancing such leads through the atrium and coronary sinus into the coronary veins.

Abstract: Intravenous cardiac leads having at least one electrode intended to be implanted within the coronary veins are disclosed. Also disclosed are structures and techniques for advancing such leads through the atrium and coronary sinus into the coronary veins overlaying the left ventricle.