Abstract: A transvenous bipolar lead specifically designed for coronary sinus implantation. The lead has essentially two main characteristics, the distal end has a 45-degree pre-shape to facilitate introduction of the lead through a catheter and provide optimal positioning of the lead within the coronary sinus. The lead further features a distal electrode tip which itself is canted at an angle of 45 degrees on the distal end of the lead to provide a very close contact with the coronary sinus upper wall and, thus, with the left atrium inferolateral wall. In addition, each of these sections is flexible to permit the lead to be introduced through a relatively small-sized guide catheter. Finally, the lead further features a center lumen to also permit the lead to be straightened for introduction with a stylet.

Abstract: A lead extraction device synchronized to the cardiac cycle which utilizes laser light to separate an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from fibrous scar tissue and thereby permit the implanted object to be extracted from a body. The extraction device features a catheter having a central lumen dimensioned so a pacemaker lead will fit within. The catheter is thereby guided by the lead. The catheter has at least one optical fiber to emit laser light from the distal end and thereby separate the lead from fibrous scar tissue. A means for generating a control pulse in response to a sensed ECG signal permits the catheter to by synchronized to the cardiac cycle. In such a manner laser light may be controlled so as to avoid striking the heart at a vulnerable period in the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A steerable stylet and manipulative handle assembly especially adapted for guiding the introduction of an endocardial pacing or cardioversion/defibrillation lead or a catheter to a desired location in a patient's cardiovascular system. The steerable stylet or catheter designed to be introduced into the lumen of a lead comprises an outer, elongated tubular member of a length sufficient to extend through the length of the lead or catheter from its proximal opening to the distal end thereof, a traction element or pull wire extending generally through the length of the tubular member and within its lumen except for a predetermined distance in the distal portion thereof, and a manipulative handle coupled to the proximal ends of the tubular member and wire which may be employed with one hand to both rotate the tubular member and impart a continuously variable curve in the distal portion thereof.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device which provides an improved method of conditioning a skeletal muscle graft. In particular the present invention features a memory. The memory contains a regime to transform the muscle. Typically the regime has a schedule of various muscle stimulation parameters which may be varied during the muscle training period. When the memory is activated the muscle conditioning regime is automatically altered during the desired time period. In the preferred embodiment the memory features several training schedules, any one of which may be selected. The present invention further features an interrupt to temporarily disable the muscle training regime in the event the onset of a cardiac arrythmia is detected. Once the arrythmia is confirmed, then the cardiac assist device delivers therapeutic stimulation to the heart. After the termination of the arrythmia is confirmed the muscle training regime is re-initiated at the point in the therapy it would have been if it had not been inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single pass medical electrical lead. In one embodiment, the lead features a pair of bipolar electrodes positioned along the lead body so that they are positioned in the ventricle and atrium respectively when the lead is implanted. The lead body features a 90 degree bent reinforced section. The bend has a radius of curvature approximately 13 mm and begins approximately 90 mm from the distal end. This curved section is approximately 40 mm in length when straightened. The ventricular electrodes are positioned approximately 28 mm apart. The ventricular cathode electrode is positioned at the distal end of the lead. The atrial electrodes are positioned approximately between 5-35 mm apart, with 28 mm preferred. The atrial anode is located at a position immediately adjacent and proximal the 90 degree bent reinforced section.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing signals indicative of power levels of depolarizations of heart tissue, particularly adapted for use in an implantable antiarrhythmia device or an implantable pacemaker. The device distinguishes between the power level of sensed depolarization signals in order to distinguish between different types of depolarization waveforms. In particular, the measured power level of the sensed depolarizations may be employed to distinguish between normally conducted and ectopic beats, for use in controlling the operation of an implantable antiarrhythmia device such as an implantable pacemaker/cardioverter/defibrillator or for use in controlling the operation of a bradycardia pacemaker.