Abstract: A medical electrical lead containing a pyroelectric material is provided. The pyroelectric material is capable of dissipating heat generated in the lead due to radio frequency energy. The pyroelectric material may be a polymeric material, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of measuring pressure through a septum in a patient's heart is disclosed. A lead inserted into the right side of a heart is routed through the septum to gain access to the left side of the heart. The lead includes an attachment structure that secures the lead to one or both of the septal walls. The attachment structure may include at least one protruding tine, membrane, inflatable balloon, involuted spiral or J-lead that engage one or more sides of the septum. The lead also includes one or more sensors for measuring cardiac pressure on the left side of the heart and, as necessary, the right side of the heart.

Abstract: The lead body of a medical lead comprises a distal end portion carrying at least one electrode for placement in the pericardial sac of a human heart. The distal end portion of the lead body includes a multi-turn section having opposed ends, opposing forces applied to the ends tending to flatten the multi-turn section, the multi-turn section being thereby adapted to be retained within the pericardial sac. The turns of the multi-turn section may become progressively smaller from one end of the section to the other end of the section. The multi-turn section may have, in a relaxed state thereof, a generally conical, helical configuration. The at least one electrode may be carried adjacent to the end of the multi-turn section having the larger turns. Alternatively, the at least one electrode may be carried adjacent to the end of the multi-turn section having the smaller turns.