Abstract: A tool for protecting a cardiac stimulating lead from damage upon passing through a hemostasis valve of a vascular introducer in the course of an implantation procedure comprises a splittable, peal-away sheath that is rendered sufficiently rigid by a tool dilator or placement of the lead body within the sheath so that the combination can be forced through a self-closing aperture formed through the hemostatic valve member. The use of the tubular sheath in breaching the self-closing aperture shields the lead electrodes and any covering that may be present from becoming distorted as well as from contamination by silicon oil commonly found in vascular introducers having a hemostasis valve.

Abstract: A tool for protecting a cardiac stimulating lead from damage upon passing through a hemostasis valve of a vascular introducer in the course of an implantation procedure comprises a splittable, peal-away sheath that is rendered sufficiently rigid by a tool dilator or placement of the lead body within the sheath so that the combination can be forced through a self-closing aperture formed through the hemostatic valve member. The use of the tubular sheath in breaching the self-closing aperture shields the lead electrodes and any covering that may be present from becoming distorted as well as from contamination by silicon oil commonly found in vascular introducers having a hemostasis valve.

Abstract: A single-pass endocardial lead electrode adapted for implantation in, on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity includes a lead body which is adapted for implantation within a single chamber of the heart, or multiple chambers of the heart. The lead includes a first distal end electrode which has a first electrical conducting surface. The lead body also has a second electrode which has a second electrical conducting surface. The first and second electrodes are either passively or actively attached to the wall of the heart. The lead body also includes a curved portion which facilitates the positioning of the second electrode. The main lead body alternatively includes a recess into which an atrial lead body and an active fixation element attached to one end can travel from a recessed position to a position for fixation to the wall of the heart. The lead is attached to a pulse generator for producing pulses to the multiple sites within the heart.

Abstract: A single-pass endocardial lead electrode adapted for implantation in, on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity includes a lead body which is adapted for implantation within a single chamber of the heart, or multiple chambers of the heart. The lead includes a first distal end electrode which has a first electrical conducting surface. The lead body also has a second electrode which has a second electrical conducting surface. The first and second electrodes are either passively or actively attached to the wall of the heart. The lead body also includes a curved portion which facilitates the positioning of the second electrode. The main lead body alternatively includes a recess into which an atrial lead body and an active fixation element attached to one end can travel from a recessed position to a position for fixation to the wall of the heart. The active fixation element can also be moved by turning the terminal pin.

Abstract: A cardiac lead designed for implantation in the vasculature of the left side of the heart comprising a flexible lead body having a central lumen, a removable terminal pin, electrodes electrically coupled to the removable terminal pin, a mechanism for securing the electrodes in the proper position in the vasculature and a mechanism for sealing the central lumen after implantation to prevent body fluids from invading the lumen. The cardiac lead can be implanted or explanted using either a guidewire, a guide catheter or both.

Abstract: A cardiac lead designed for implantation in the vasculature of the left side of the heart comprising a flexible lead body having a central lumen, a removable terminal pin, electrodes electrically coupled to the removable terminal pin, a mechanism for securing the electrodes in the proper position in the vasculature and a mechanism for sealing the central lumen after implantation to prevent body fluids from invading the lumen. The cardiac lead can be implanted or explanted using either a guidewire, a guide catheter or both.

Abstract: A single-pass endocardial lead electrode adapted for implantation on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity includes a lead body with a circumferential outer surface. The lead includes a first distal end electrode which has a first electrical conducting surface. The lead body also has a second electrode which has a second electrical conducting surface. The second electrode is adapted for positioning and fixation to the wall of the atrium of the heart. A passive fixation element may be used as part of the second electrode. The lead body also includes a curved portion which facilitates the positioning and passive fixation of the second electrode.

Abstract: A single-pass endocardial lead electrode adapted for implantation in, on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity includes a lead body which is adapted for implantation within a single chamber of the heart, or multiple chambers of the heart. The lead includes a first distal end electrode which has a first electrical conducting surface. The lead body also has a second electrode which has a second electrical conducting surface. The first and second electrodes are either passively or actively attached to the wall of the heart. The lead body also includes a curved portion which facilitates the positioning of the second electrode. The main lead body alternatively includes a recess into which an atrial lead body and an active fixation element attached to one end can travel from a recessed position to a position for fixation to the wall of the heart. The active fixation element can also be moved by turning the terminal pin.