Abstract: To implant a lead system for an implantable cardiac stimulation device, a guide wire is slidably introduced into a longitudinally extending internal passage of an elongated stylet. In turn, the combined stylet and guide wire are slidably introduced into the longitudinally extending lumen of an elongated tubular lead body of flexible resilient insulative material having a thrusting region near its distal end. With the distal end of the stylet in engagement with the thrusting region of the lead, the stylet together with the lead and guide wire are advanced until the lead should encounter a tortuous turn in the vasculature of the body. At this point, the guide wire is advanced through the stylet and into the vasculature until the distal end of the guide wire arrives at a chosen location. The stylet then re-continues its advance together with the lead until the lead reaches the desired implant location.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead suitable for placement in any one of a plurality of implant locations of the heart includes an identifier which identifies the implant location of the lead. The lead includes a lead body which carries a plurality of implant location indicators. The implant location indicators may be removable whereby the removal of all but one location indicator provides a unique indication of the lead implant location. The implant location indicators may alternatively be individually selectable to provide a unique indication of the implant location. Still further, the implant location indicators may comprise an implant location identifying system wherein each indicator provides a direct indication of a respective different one of the plurality of implant locations and is configured for individual placement, and for retainment, on the lead.