Abstract: A medical electrical lead adapted to be at least partially implanted in a cardiac vessel includes a fixation feature operable to change from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the fixation feature is adapted to engage an inner surface of the cardiac vessel. A tendon is disposed within a lumen of the lead and is operatively connected to the fixation feature and adapted to cause the fixation feature to change from the undeployed configuration to the deployed configuration for acute and/or chronic fixation of the lead. In one embodiment, the fixation feature includes a deflectable region of the lead which in the deployed configuration causes a surface of the lead body to engage the inner surface of the cardiac vessel. In another embodiment, the fixation feature includes a radially expandable structure for engaging the inner surface of the vessel in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A lead assembly for placement in a coronary vessel of the heart, the coronary vessel having a pericardial wall portion and a myocardial wall portion. The lead assembly comprises a lead body extending from a proximal end adapted for coupling to a pulse generator to a distal end adapted for implantation in the heart, an electrode positioned at the distal end of the lead body, and a loop biasing feature located at the distal end of the lead body. The loop biasing feature includes a resilient loop positioned to bias a portion of the electrode towards the myocardial wall portion of the coronary vessel by exerting a force against the pericardial wall portion. The loop biasing feature further includes a collar for coupling the loop biasing feature to the lead body. A method of implanting the lead assembly.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead configured for use in stimulating the left side of the heart (i.e., the left ventricle). In one embodiment, the lead includes an elongate lead body including an inner surface. An inflatable member is disposed on the outer surface of the body between its proximal and distal ends, the inflatable member being adapted when inflated to impart a radial force on and frictionally engage a surface of the coronary sinus or coronary vein for fixation of the distal end of the lead therein. The lead further includes a conductive member extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, and an inner insulating layer positioned between the conductive member and the inner surface of the body. Separation between the inner insulating layer and the inner surface of the body defines an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the inflatable member.

Abstract: A lead for sensing and pacing a left ventricle of the heart includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a lumen extending through the lead body, a conductor extending through the lead body from the proximal end to the distal end and an electrode disposed on the distal portion of the lead body and electrically coupled to the conductor. A distal tip of the lead body is continuously deflectable upon advancement and withdrawal of a stylet through the lumen at the distal portion to access a selected branch of the coronary sinus. The distal tip of the lead body may be offset before or after continuously deflecting the distal tip.

Abstract: Medical electrical leads are provided including fixation features for acute and chronic fixation of a portion of the respective leads within the cardiac venous system. The medical electrical lead includes an elongate body having proximal and distal regions. Tissue contacting portions are selectively located in the distal region to contact an inner surface of the cardiac vessel when the lead is in an implanted position. The tissue contacting portion(s) include fixation features adapted to frictionally engage the inner surface of the cardiac vessel and promote tissue in-growth for chronic fixation. In some embodiments, the fixation features are detachable from the lead such that the lead can be extracted from its implanted position after tissue in-growth occurs.

Abstract: A lead having pre-formed biased portion is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and are biased toward a vessel wall by the preformed biased portion, which operates to fixate the lead against the vessel wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cardiac lead for delivery to the left side of a patient's heart including a self-expanding fixation method positioned over the distal portion of the lead. The self-expanding fixation member is capable of automatically expanding from a collapsed state to an expanded state upon deployment at a target site in a cardiac vessel. The fixation member is configured such that in the expanded state it is biased to a side of the lead body.

Abstract: A lead having an atraumatic tip is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and are biased toward a vessel wall by a preformed biased portion. Near the distal end, the lead has an optional tapered portion and a flexible portion, where the flexible portion is more flexible than the biased portion.

Abstract: A lead assembly and method of forming a lead assembly is provided. Devices and methods of forming the lead assembly include a support coil. The support coil provides enhanced support and protection from lead damage and failure. A lead assembly and method of forming a lead assembly is also provided including at least one electrode. Electrodes may be incorporated into the support coil design. The lead assembly and method of forming a lead assembly may be incorporated with other medical devices such as an implantable defibrillator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cardiac lead for delivery to the left side of a patient's heart including a self-expanding fixation method positioned over the distal portion of the lead. The self-expanding fixation member is capable of automatically expanding from a collapsed state to an expanded state upon deployment at a target site in a cardiac vessel. the fixation member is configured such that in the expanded state it is biased to a side of the lead body.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead configured for use in stimulating the left side of the heart (i.e., the left ventricle). In one embodiment, the lead includes an elongate lead body including an inner surface. An inflatable member is disposed on the outer surface of the body between its proximal and distal ends, the inflatable member being adapted when inflated to impart a radial force on and frictionally engage a surface of the coronary sinus or coronary vein for fixation of the distal end of the lead therein. The lead further includes a conductive member extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, and an inner insulating layer positioned between the conductive member and the inner surface of the body. Separation between the inner insulating layer and the inner surface of the body defines an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the inflatable member.

Abstract: A lead assembly for placement in a coronary vessel of the heart, the coronary vessel having a pericardial wall portion and a myocardial wall portion. The lead assembly comprises a lead body extending from a proximal end adapted for coupling to a pulse generator to a distal end adapted for implantation in the heart, an electrode positioned at the distal end of the lead body, and a loop biasing feature located at the distal end of the lead body. The loop biasing feature includes a resilient loop positioned to bias a portion of the electrode towards the myocardial wall portion of the coronary vessel by exerting a force against the pericardial wall portion. The loop biasing feature further includes a collar for coupling the loop biasing feature to the lead body. A method of implanting the lead assembly.

Abstract: Medical electrical leads are provided including fixation features for acute and chronic fixation of a portion of the respective leads within the cardiac venous system. The medical electrical lead includes an elongate body having proximal and distal regions. Tissue contacting portions are selectively located in the distal region to contact an inner surface of the cardiac vessel when the lead is in an implanted position. The tissue contacting portion(s) include fixation features adapted to frictionally engage the inner surface of the cardiac vessel and promote tissue in-growth for chronic fixation. In some embodiments, the fixation features are detachable from the lead such that the lead can be extracted from its implanted position after tissue in-growth occurs.

Abstract: A left ventricular lead is provided for placement in a branch vessel of the coronary sinus, the vessel having a vessel wall and an adjacent myocardium. The lead includes a lead body having a central lumen extending therethrough, at least a first electrode on the lead body and at least a first orientation feature protruding from the lead body for orienting one or more of the electrodes into contact with the myocardium. The lead may also include a pre-shaped curvature. The orientation feature may also aid in steering the lead into a selected branch vessel of the coronary sinus and in fixing the lead within the branch vessel.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead adapted to be at least partially implanted in a cardiac vessel includes a fixation feature operable to change from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the fixation feature is adapted to engage an inner surface of the cardiac vessel. A tendon is disposed within a lumen of the lead and is operatively connected to the fixation feature and adapted to cause the fixation feature to change from the undeployed configuration to the deployed configuration for acute and/or chronic fixation of the lead. In one embodiment, the fixation feature includes a deflectable region of the lead which in the deployed configuration causes a surface of the lead body to engage the inner surface of the cardiac vessel. In another embodiment, the fixation feature includes a radially expandable structure for engaging the inner surface of the vessel in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A cardiac lead adapted for fixation at least partially within a cardiac vessel. The lead includes, in one embodiment, an elongate lead body defining a proximal region and a distal region including a distal end region having at least one electrode and a distal tip. The distal end region is configured such that the electrode and the distal tip can be implanted in the cardiac vessel. Stiffening structures in the distal region of the lead are adapted to stiffen selected portions of the lead for fixation of the electrode within the cardiac vessel. In some embodiments, the stiffening structures include an implantable member adapted to be implanted in a lumen of the lead. In other embodiments, the stiffening structures include a sheath adapted to be deployed over the lead body. In still other embodiments, the stiffening structures are integral to the lead and/or the lead body.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead adapted to be at least partially implanted in a cardiac vessel includes a fixation feature operable to change from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the fixation feature is adapted to engage an inner surface of the cardiac vessel. A tendon is disposed within a lumen of the lead and is operatively connected to the fixation feature and adapted to cause the fixation feature to change from the undeployed configuration to the deployed configuration for acute and/or chronic fixation of the lead. In one embodiment, the fixation feature includes a deflectable region of the lead which in the deployed configuration causes a surface of the lead body to engage the inner surface of the cardiac vessel. In another embodiment, the fixation feature includes a radially expandable structure for engaging the inner surface of the vessel in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A cardiac lead adapted for fixation at least partially within a cardiac vessel. The lead includes, in one embodiment, an elongate lead body defining a proximal region and a distal region including a distal end region having at least one electrode and a distal tip. The distal end region is configured such that the electrode and the distal tip can be implanted in the cardiac vessel. Stiffening structures in the distal region of the lead are adapted to stiffen selected portions of the lead for fixation of the electrode within the cardiac vessel. In some embodiments, the stiffening structures include an implantable member adapted to be implanted in a lumen of the lead. In other embodiments, the stiffening structures include a sheath adapted to be deployed over the lead body. In still other embodiments, the stiffening structures are integral to the lead and/or the lead body.

Abstract: A connector for connecting to an energy source such as a pulse generator for a cardiac stimulator system. The connector assembly includes a pin, at least one ring and a sleeve composed of an insulative hard polymer molded between the pin and ring such that the sleeve provides electrical insulation between the pin and ring and mechanically couples the pin and ring.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes an inner electrode coupled with a conductor, and an outer electrode disposed over the inner electrode, where the outer electrode is coupled with at least a portion of the inner electrode. Insulative material is disposed between a portion of the inner and outer electrodes, for example within a void between the inner and outer electrodes.