Abstract: An electrical lead for sensing electrical activity with the body of the patient and for applying electrical energization to selected body tissue comprises an elongated, flexible polymeric lead body having one or more conductors extending the length thereof, the conductors being connected at their distal end to electrode pads where the pads each comprise a multilayer thin metallic film structure formed on the surface of the lead body where the overall thickness of the composite electrodes are less than about 5 microns. As such, the electrodes do not adversely impact the ability of the distal end portion of the catheter to flex and conform to tissue structures where sensing is to be taken and therapy delivered via the lead.

Abstract: A cutting guide for assuring that mating bone segments will be properly aligned following excision of the joint therebetween comprises first and second alignment bar segments hingedly joined, end-to-end, whose angle of inclination therebetween can be readily set and fixed, is clamped to a toe to be treated by a pair of transversely extending arm members that can be clamped to the metatarsal and phalangeal bones. The coupling between the arm clamped to the metatarsal bone and its associated alignment bar segment allows limited rotation and fixing of the alignment bar. A cutting blade guide member having a blade receiving slot is adjustably mounted to and parallel with the clamping arm affixed to the phalangeal bone. The resulting cuts made through the head of the metatarsal bone and the base of the phalangeal bone on either side of the joint being removed will provide a predetermined inclination and direction to the toe following fusion thereof.