Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for enhancing blood circulation, and thereby reducing fatigue, in a skeletal muscle used for powering a cardiac assist device wherein the muscle is positioned to compress a blood reservoir in response to muscle contracting stimuli. Enhanced perfusion of the skeletal muscle is achieved by delaying blood flow into the reservoir for a period of time following each muscle contraction.

Abstract: The cardiac lead comprises a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, a coiled conductor within the tubular body defining a lumen therein and having a distal end and a proximal end, a tip electrode mounted at the distal end of the tubular body, and an elongate stiffener wire comprising an elongate member made of a wire having a preset shape, a distal end and a proximal end positioned within the tubular body. The stiffener wire includes an electrical insulative material covering the elongate member for the length thereof to prevent short circuiting of the coils of the coiled conductor which may come in contact with the elongate member. A sleeve is provided for connecting a portion of the distal end of the coiled conductor to the tip electrode and for fixing the distal end of the elongate member at the distal end of the tubular body.