Abstract: An implantable lead for electrical stimulation of the body includes an elongated multi-lumen tube with a distal tip electrode having a longitudinally extending central bore. A cable conductor is received in one lumen of the multi-lumen tube for electrical connection to the tip electrode and an elongated polymeric tubular liner having a coefficient of friction in the range of 0.01 to 0.20 is received in another lumen of the multi-lumen tube generally aligned with the bore of the distal tip electrode for freely receiving a guidewire through the tubular liner and through the bore of the distal tip electrode. An electrically conductive proximal pin is attached to the multi-lumen tubing distant from the tip electrode and, in one embodiment, the cable conductor and the proximal end of the polymeric tubular liner are attached to the proximal pin. Initially, the guidewire is implanted into the body along a desired trajectory.

Abstract: An implantable lead for electrical stimulation of the body includes an elongated multi-lumen tube with a distal tip electrode having a longitudinally extending central bore. A cable conductor is received in one lumen of the multi-lumen tube for electrical connection to the tip electrode and an elongated polymeric tubular liner having a coefficient of friction in the range of 0.01 to 0.20 is received in another lumen of the multi-lumen tube generally aligned with the bore of the distal tip electrode for freely receiving a guidewire through the tubular liner and through the bore of the distal tip electrode. An electrically conductive proximal pin is attached to the multi-lumen tubing distant from the tip electrode and, in one embodiment, the cable conductor and the proximal end of the polymeric tubular liner are attached to the proximal pin. Initially, the guidewire is implanted into the body along a desired trajectory.

Abstract: A single chronic implantable cardiac lead for use in the coronary sinus region of the heart provides both atrial and ventricular pacing and defibrillation therapy. The lead includes an elongated lead body having a distal end and a proximal end, a first electrode assembly including a ventricular pacing electrode and a ventricular defibrillation at the distal end, a second electrode assembly proximal to the first electrode assembly including at least one atrial pacing electrode and an atrial defibrillation electrode, and a further defibrillation electrode proximal to the second electrode assembly. The electrode assemblies and further defibrillation electrode are spaced apart so that when the lead is implanted within the coronary sinus region of the heart with the first electrode assembly adjacent the left ventricle, the second electrode assembly is adjacent the left atrium and the further defibrillation electrode is within the right atrium and/or the superior vena cava.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead is readily adaptable for stylet placement or guidewire lead placement. The implantable lead includes at its distal end an implanting guide structure which includes a rigid member having a through bore. A plug is dimensioned to be received within the through bore and a retaining mechanism releasably retains the plug within the through bore. When the plug is retained within the through bore, the lead is adapted for stylet placement and when the plug is released from the through bore, the lead is adapted for guidewire lead placement. In a preferred embodiment, the distal electrode of the lead provides the rigid member of the implanting guide structure. After the lead is positioned by guidewire lead placement, the proximal end of the lead may be sealed with a plug or the plug of the implanting guide structure or new plug may be replaced or placed in the lead to prevent blood flow through the lead.

Abstract: An implantable lead for electrical stimulation of the body includes an elongated multi-lumen tube with a distal tip electrode having a longitudinally extending central bore. A cable conductor is received in one lumen of the multi-lumen tube for electrical connection to the tip electrode and an elongated polymeric tubular liner having a coefficient of friction in the range of 0.01 to 0.20 is received in another lumen of the multi-lumen tube generally aligned with the bore of the distal tip electrode for freely receiving a guidewire through the tubular liner and through the bore of the distal tip electrode. An electrically conductive proximal pin is attached to the multi-lumen tubing distant from the tip electrode and, in one embodiment, the cable conductor and the proximal end of the polymeric tubular liner are attached to the proximal pin. Initially, the guidewire is implanted into the body along a desired trajectory.

Abstract: An implantable lead for electrical stimulation of the body includes an elongated multi-lumen tube with a distal tip electrode having a longitudinally extending central bore. A cable conductor is received in one lumen of the multi-lumen tube for electrical connection to the tip electrode and an elongated polymeric tubular liner having a coefficient of friction in the range of 0.01 to 0.20 is received in another lumen of the multi-lumen tube generally aligned with the bore of the distal tip electrode for freely receiving a guidewire through the tubular liner and through the bore of the distal tip electrode. An electrically conductive proximal pin is attached to the multi-lumen tubing distant from the tip electrode and, in one embodiment, the cable conductor and the proximal end of the polymeric tubular liner are attached to the proximal pin. Initially, the guidewire is implanted into the body along a desired trajectory.