Abstract: An implantable medical device has a therapy module configured to generate a composite pacing pulse including a series of at least two individual pulses. The therapy module is configured to generate the composite pacing pulse by generating a first pulse of the at least two individual pulses by selectively coupling a first portion of a plurality of capacitors to an output signal line and generate a second pulse of the at least two individual pulses by selectively coupling a second portion of the plurality of capacitors to the output signal line.

Abstract: Implantable medical electrical leads having electrodes arranged such that a defibrillation coil electrode and a pace/sense electrode(s) are concurrently positioned substantially over the ventricle when implanted as described. The leads include an elongated lead body having a distal portion and a proximal end, a connector at the proximal end of the lead body, a defibrillation electrode located along the distal portion of the lead body, wherein the defibrillation electrode includes a first electrode segment and a second electrode segment proximal to the first electrode segment by a distance. The leads may include at least one pace/sense electrode, which in some instances, is located between the first defibrillation electrode segment and the second defibrillation electrode segment.

Abstract: A method for implanting a medical lead. The method includes advancing a tunneling tool posteriorly proximate the caudal end of the sternum toward a first location. The tunneling tool is advanced superiorly underneath the sternum through the anterior mediastinum from the first location to a second location cranial to the first location. A guidewire is advanced from the first location to the second location. A medical lead is slid along at least a portion of the guidewire, the medical lead at least substantially spanning the distance between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: A method for implanting a medical lead. The method includes advancing a tunneling tool posteriorly proximate the caudal end of the sternum toward a first location. The tunneling tool is advanced superiorly underneath the sternum through the anterior mediastinum from the first location to a second location cranial to the first location. A guidewire is advanced from the first location to the second location. A medical lead is slid along at least a portion of the guidewire, the medical lead at least substantially spanning the distance between the first location and the second location.