Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a lead body, at least one conductor extending through the lead body, and a covering having varied material properties. In an example, the covering is made by forming pieces of material having varied material properties. In another example, the covering is made by varying parameters such as heat or tension during wrapping of a piece of material onto a lead assembly.

Abstract: A lead assembly comprises a lead body extending from a lead proximal end portion to a lead distal end portion with at least one conductor disposed therein. A lead lumen extends within the lead body and is dimensioned and configured to removably and rotatably seat a driver therein. The driver includes a driver body extending from a driver proximal end to a driver distal end and having a stylet or guidewire lumen disposed therein. An extendable and retractable active fixation mechanism is disposed at the lead distal end portion. The active fixation mechanism is actuatable by rotation of the driver. In one example, the at least one conductor includes a first conductor and a second conductor, in which the first conductor is co-radial with the second conductor. In another example, the driver distal end includes a portion extractably engagable with the lead distal end portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrical lead comprising a lead body and an electrical conductor, and an electrode coupled to the electrical conductor, wherein the electrode includes a coating on at least a portion of a surface of the electrode, the coating including two or more layers, with a first layer adjacent the surface of the electrode comprising an insulative material and a second layer adjacent the first layer comprising at least one pharmacological agent.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a lead body, at least one conductor extending through the lead body, and a covering having varied material properties. In an example, the covering is made by forming pieces of material having varied material properties. In another example, the covering is made by varying parameters such as heat or tension during wrapping of a piece of material onto a lead assembly.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a lead body, at least one conductor extending through the lead body, and a covering having varied material properties. In an example, the covering is made by forming pieces of material having varied material properties. In another example, the covering is made by varying parameters such as heat or tension during wrapping of a piece of material onto a lead assembly.

Abstract: A lead includes a lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having an intermediate portion. A shocking electrode is disposed proximate the distal end of the lead body, and a pacing electrode is disposed along the intermediate portion of the lead body. The distal end of the lead body includes a preformed biased shape.

Abstract: A method including inserting an electrode into an umbilical vein, and advancing the electrode through the umbilical vein to a location near or in a heart. In an example, the electrode is inserted into an umbilical vein in utero. In another example, the electrode is inserted into an umbilical vein in a child soon after the child is born. In an example, the electrode is connected to a lead. In an example, a lead is inserted through a catheterized umbilicus.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes a lead body and at least one cables at least partially disposed within the lead body. The cable has a non-electrode portion and an electrode portion, where the non-electrode portion extends within the lead body, and the electrode portion is external to the lead body.

Abstract: A lead includes a lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having an intermediate portion. A shocking electrode is disposed proximate the distal end of the lead body, and a pacing electrode is disposed along the intermediate portion of the lead body. The distal end of the lead body includes a pre-formed biased shape.

Abstract: A method including inserting an electrode into an umbilical vein, and advancing the electrode through the umbilical vein to a location near or in a heart. In an example, the electrode is inserted into an umbilical vein in utero. In another example, the electrode is inserted into an umbilical vein in a child soon after the child is born. In an example, the electrode is connected to a lead. In an example, a lead is inserted through a catheterized umbilicus.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a lead body, at least one conductor extending through the lead body, and a covering having varied material properties. In an example, the covering is made by forming pieces of material having varied material properties. In another example, the covering is made by varying parameters such as heat or tension during wrapping of a piece of material onto a lead assembly.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a lead body, at least one conductor extending through the lead body, and a covering having varied material properties. In an example, the covering is made by forming pieces of material having varied material properties. In another example, the covering is made by varying parameters such as heat or tension during wrapping of a piece of material onto a lead assembly.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a mapping catheter having an open lumen and a mapping arrangement provided at a distal end of the mapping catheter. A balloon catheter is movably disposed within the open lumen of the mapping catheter. The balloon catheter has an open lumen dimensioned to receive a lead. A balloon arrangement is provided at a distal end of the balloon catheter and inflatable with an inflation mechanism provided at a proximal end of the balloon catheter. The balloon arrangement is dimensioned to prevent movement of the lead upon inflation of the balloon arrangement, and to permit movement of the lead within the open lumen of the balloon catheter upon deflation of the balloon arrangement.

Abstract: An implantable device such as a lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The implantable device includes an active fixation assembly for securing the device to tissue. The active fixation assembly includes one or more recessed portions therein.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a mapping catheter having an open lumen and a mapping arrangement provided at a distal end of the mapping catheter. A balloon catheter is movably disposed within the open lumen of the mapping catheter. The balloon catheter has an open lumen dimensioned to receive a lead. A balloon arrangement is provided at a distal end of the balloon catheter and inflatable with an inflation mechanism provided at a proximal end of the balloon catheter. The balloon arrangement is dimensioned to prevent movement of the lead upon inflation of the balloon arrangement, and to permit movement of the lead within the open lumen of the balloon catheter upon deflation of the balloon arrangement.

Abstract: A lead includes a lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having an intermediate portion. A shocking electrode is disposed proximate the distal end of the lead body, and a pacing electrode is disposed along the intermediate portion of the lead body. The distal end of the lead body includes a pre-formed biased shape.

Abstract: A lead body extends from a proximal end to a distal end and includes an intermediate portion and an electrode disposed along the intermediate portion. The distal end of the lead includes a pre-formed, biased shape adapted to passively fixate the distal end of the lead within a pulmonary artery with the electrode positioned against the ventricular septum or ventricular outflow tract. The lead body can include a curved portion and a second electrode disposed along the curved portion, wherein the second electrode is positioned a distance from the first electrode such that the second electrode is within the right atrium when the first electrode is positioned against the ventricular septum or ventricular outflow tract.

Abstract: A unitary lead body of a medical electrical lead is formed of a flexible material and has a substantially cylindrical shape. An outer surface of the unitary lead body defines an outer surface of the lead, thereby obviating the need for a separate outer surface or sheath. The unitary lead body includes one or more longitudinally extending cavities defining a number of lumens. One or more electrical conductors are disposed within at least one of the lumens. One or more electrodes are respectively coupled to the electrical conductors. The unitary lead body is preferably formed by use of an extrusion process.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead including an angled collar located adjacent to or integral with the proximal connector assembly is provided. The angled collar provides a area having enhance rigidity to allow insertion of the connector assembly without kinking or otherwise bending the conductors within the lead body. The angled collar comprises a bend adjacent the proximal end of the lead having a reinforcing layer disposed about the lead body. The angled collar may include a textured surface to reduce the likelihood of the users finger or fingers sliding off of the angled collar during insertion.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead including an angled collar located adjacent to or integral with the proximal connector assembly is provided. The angled collar provides a area having enhance rigidity to allow insertion of the connector assembly without kinking or otherwise bending the conductors within the lead body. The angled collar comprises a bend adjacent the proximal end of the lead having a reinforcing layer disposed about the lead body. The angled collar may include a textured surface to reduce the likelihood of the users finger or fingers sliding off of the angled collar during insertion.