Abstract: An electrode assembly for an elongated implantable lead containing conducting filars. The electrode assembly has a first support hull surrounding a portion of the lead. The electrode assembly also has an electrode hull for at least partially surrounding the support hull and a portion of the lead adjacent to the support hull. The electrode hull secures to the support hull and to the lead at a location axially spaced from the support hull, such that the electrode hull, the support hull, and the lead define a gap. The gap allows the conducting filars to operatively connect to the first support hull.

Abstract: A vascular introducer assembly is disclosed that includes a dilator, a sheath having an axial lumen for accommodating the dilator, a locking collar for securing the dilator and the sheath to one another and an adjustable hemostatic seal for preventing fluid egress from the axial lumen and restricting insertion of instruments through the axial lumen.

Abstract: A cardiac lead is disclosed which includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal ends, a tip electrode operatively associated with the distal end of the elongated lead body, a connector operatively associated with the proximal end of the elongated lead body and electrically connected to the tip electrode, and a cylindrical eluting ring disposed proximate the tip electrode and formed from a compound including an elastomer and about 15% to 25% by weight medicament.

Abstract: A permanent implantable lead having an elongated lead body with a proximal end and a distal end. A multifilar conductor having electrically active elements for providing electrical communication between connectors at the proximal end and electrical components between the proximal and distal ends of the lead body, wherein hulls facilitate resilient, low profile, efficient connection between the multifilar conductor and electrical components and seals secure the position of the electrical components. The hulls are located radially outward of the conductor and radially inward of the electrical components and the seals are located radially outward of the electrical components.

Abstract: A cardiac lead delivery device is disclosed which includes an elongated carrier body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining an interior channel for accommodating implantable cardiac leads, and an adjustable collar for securing the implantable cardiac leads within the interior channel of the carrier body during delivery to an implantation site.

Abstract: A lead adapter is disclosed which includes a connector portion having a connector configured for reception by an electrical stimulation device and a receptacle portion electrically connected to the connector portion and having at least two receptacles for operatively accepting lead connectors, wherein at least one of the receptacles of the receptacle portion is configured to operatively accept a different type of lead connector than another receptacle of the receptacle portion.

Abstract: An epicardial screw-in lead is disclosed which includes an elongated lead body, an electrode housing at a distal end of the lead body for stimulating cardiac tissue, and a helical fixation screw within the electrode housing which can be extended to affix the electrode housing to the cardiac tissue. Preferably at least a portion of the helical fixation screw is electrically active. A lead implantation kit is also disclosed that can include the screw-in lead, a screwdriver tipped stylet for activating the screw, and a flexible guiding sheath for directing the tip of the stylet to the electrode housing.

Abstract: A permanent implantable lead having an elongated lead body with at least one multifilar conductor having electrically active elements for providing electrical communication between connectors at a proximal end and electrical components at a distal end of the lead body, and one or more electrically inactive elements for insulating the electrically active elements from one another.

Abstract: A percutaneous vascular introducer is disclosed which includes a dilator having an elongated tubular body defining opposed proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion of the dilator having, among other things, radiopaque characteristics to facilitate the safe placement of the distal tip of the dilator, and an elongated sheath having an interior lumen dimensioned and configured to accommodate the dilator.

Abstract: A cardiac lead is disclosed that includes a first lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and an interior lumen extending therethrough. The first lead body includes a sensor for measuring blood flow parameters to facilitate placement of the distal end portion thereof adjacent the coronary sinus. The first lead body has a distal electrode operatively associated with the distal end portion thereof and a proximal electrode operatively associated with the proximal end thereof. The second lead body has opposed proximal and distal end portions. A distal electrode is operatively associated with the distal end portion thereof and a proximal electrode operatively associated with the proximal end thereof. The second elongated lead body is dimensioned and configured for accommodation within the interior lumen of the first lead body.

Abstract: A cardiac lead is disclosed that includes a first lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and an interior lumen extending therethrough, the first lead body having a distal electrode operatively associated with the distal end portion thereof and a proximal electrode operatively associated with the proximal end thereof, and a second lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, the second lead body having a distal electrode operatively associated with the distal end portion thereof and a proximal electrode operatively associated with the proximal end thereof, wherein the second elongated lead body is dimensioned and configured for accommodation within the interior lumen of the first lead body.

Abstract: An endocardial lead is disclosed including an elongated insulative lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and having a lumen extending therethrough, an electrode assembly operatively associated with the distal end portion of the lead body and including a distal electrode having a central portion and structure extending radially therefrom to define the shocking surface of the electrode, a connector assembly operatively associated with the proximal end portion of the lead body, and a conductor assembly extending through the lumen of the lead body to electrically join the electrode assembly and the connector assembly.

Abstract: A high impedance bipolar cardiac lead is disclosed that includes a lead body with a distal electrode assembly that includes an anodic ring electrode and a coaxially disposed cathodic tip electrode, wherein the anodic ring electrode and the cathodic tip electrode are separated from one another by a drug eluting insulating member.

Abstract: A vascular introducer is disclosed which includes an elongated primary sheath defining an interior lumen and having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and at least an elongated secondary sheath disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath and adapted for movement from a collapsed condition to an open condition in response to insertion of a dilator through an interior lumen thereof.