Abstract: The present invention includes a “Z shaped” configuration for a pair of internal windings of a fiber core of a medical electrical lead which can be configured as or windings to provide counter-rotation an implanted cardiac lead. When fully assembled and implanted within a patient, a screw-type active fixation electrode, such as a helical electrode, electrically couples to a coil conductor and mechanically couples to a loop formed at an end of the Z-shaped braided fiber. To remove the lead, an axial traction force is applied and as the Z-shaped braids begin to unwind rotational forces operate to unscrew the helical electrode. A lead constructed according to the present invention rotates counterclockwise and thus essentially unscrews the active fixation electrode.

Abstract: A non-sheath based medical device delivery system is provided including an elongated tubular guide body having a distal end fixedly attached to a resilient collet with a longitudinal opening to receive a medical lead or other device. The collet may be opened by actuating a retraction member to cause the closing member to slide proximally along the collet shaft, allowing the collet to maintain a normally open position. With the collet closed, the device may be advanced to a desired internal body location by advancing the guide body. The majority of the device body will be exposed, running alongside the guide body, allowing any sensors or electrodes located on the device body to be fully operational during the implantation procedure. The delivery system may be removed by opening the collet, to slidably disengage from the device body.

Abstract: A non-sheath based medical device delivery system is provided including an elongated tubular guide body having a distal end fixedly attached to a resilient collet with a longitudinal opening to receive a medical lead or other device. The collet may be opened by actuating a retraction member to cause the closing member to slide proximally along the collet shaft, allowing the collet to maintain a normally open position. With the collet closed, the device may be advanced to a desired internal body location by advancing the guide body. The majority of the device body will be exposed, running alongside the guide body, allowing any sensors or electrodes located on the device body to be fully operational during the implantation procedure. The delivery system may be removed by opening the collet, to slidably disengage from the device body.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead, having an elongated lead body which includes an elongated insulative sheath having proximal and distal ends and which carries spaced first and second electrical components. The first and second electrical components are mechanically and electrically coupled to one another by a coil/core structure extending within the insulative sheath. The coil/core structure is made of lengths of fiber cord twisted around one another, with a metal coiled conductor wound around the lengths of twisted fiber cord. The coil/core structure may include two lengths of a single fiber cord, folded back upon itself to define a loop at one end thereof. The first electrical component may be provided with a longitudinal lumen extending therethrough and the fiber core may be tied into a knot located within the lumen of the first electrical component and the coil wound around the first electrical component.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead, having an elongated lead body which includes an elongated insulative sheath having proximal and distal ends and which carries spaced first and second electrical components. The first and second electrical components are mechanically and electrically coupled to one another by a coil/fiber assembly extending within the insulative sheath. The coil/core assembly is made of lengths of fiber cord twisted around one another, with a metal coiled conductor wound around the lengths of twisted fiber cord. The coil/core assembly may include two lengths of a single fiber cord, folded back upon itself to define a loop at one end thereof. The first electrical component may be provided with a longitudinal lumen extending therethrough and the fiber core may be tied into a knot located within the lumen of the first electrical component and the coil wound around the first electrical component.

Abstract: The present invention discloses use of a “Z-shaped” configuration for a pair of internal windings of a fiber core of a medical electrical lead. As illustrated and described, these Z-shaped braids, or windings, are a primary source of counter-rotation for an electrode coupled to cardiac tissue during extraction of the lead with axial tension, or traction. When fully assembled and implanted within a patient, an electrode, such as a helical electrode, is electrically coupled to a coil conductor and mechanically coupled to a loop formed at an end of the Z-shaped braided fiber. To remove the lead, a traction force is applied to the lead and as the Z-shaped braids begin to unwind rotational force is applied to unscrew the helical electrode. A lead constructed according to the present invention is isodiametric, has an outer diameter of less than about 4 French, and rotates counterclockwise in response to tensile force.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a radiopaque dissolvable covering for a member on an implantable lead, including the steps of mixing a radiopaque material with a solvent to form a paste, applying the paste to the member and allowing the paste to harden. The lead preferably is provided with a drug incorporated therein which is subject to degradation at high temperature, located adjacent to the member, and the applying step preferably takes place at about room temperature. The member to which the paste is applied may be an active fixation device such as a barb or a helix or may be a deployable member such as a tine or an electrode bearing member.