Abstract: A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process.

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 lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process. The lead includes a terminal assembly having an outer terminal ring, a terminal pin, and an insulative sleeve disposed between the outer terminal ring and the terminal pin. The insulative sleeve is coupled with the outer terminal ring with a snap-fit connection.

Abstract: A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process.

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 including a lead body with a circumferential outer surface. The lead includes a first distal end electrode which has a first electrical conducting surface which is for positioning within the ventricle of the heart. The lead body also has a second electrode which has a second electrical conducting surface adapted for positioning within the atrium of the heart. Both of the first and the second electrodes are adapted for positioning and fixation to the wall. An active fixation element is used as part of the second electrode. The lead body also includes a curved portion which facilitates the positioning and fixing 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.

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 including a lead body with a circumferential outer surface. The lead includes a first distal end electrode which has a first electrical conducting surface which is for positioning within the ventricle of the heart. The lead body also has a second electrode which has a second electrical conducting surface adapted for positioning within the atrium of the heart. Both of the first and the second electrodes are adapted for positioning and fixation to the wall. An active fixation element is used as part of the second electrode. The lead body also includes a curved portion which facilitates the positioning and fixing of the second electrode.

Abstract: A single pass endocardial lead is provided which is adapted for implantation on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The lead includes a main body which extends into two distal leg portions, each having at least two electrodes coupled therewith. The first leg is for positioning within the ventricle of the heart. The second leg is for positioning within the atrium of the heart. Both the first leg and the second leg are bipolar and are adapted for positioning and fixation to the heart wall. The first and second legs can be fixated to the heart wall using either passive or active fixation structures. A movement assembly for advancing a helix comprises an externally threaded collar which engages with an internally threaded housing or housing insert.

Abstract: A headerless pulse generator for an implantable tissue stimulator, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator or nerve stimulator, wherein the pulse generator has a significantly reduced size. The pulse generator is provided with a feed-through that couples directly to the terminal end of a lead. A connector of the terminal end of the lead, connects several conductors of the lead to the pulse generator without the need for a header assembly. The feed-through and connector are keyed to ensure proper orientation and, together, provide a means for locking the connector to the feed-through without the need for set screws.

Abstract: A triple port and quadruple port header assembly of an implantable tissue stimulator, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or nerve stimulator, wherein three or more sensing and/or pacing leads may be coupled thereto. Ports of the header assembly receive the terminal end of corresponding leads, wherein each port has two terminal blocks positioned therein which are adapted for coupling a pin and/or ring of the terminal end of the corresponding lead. Feedthrough wires electrically couple the terminal blocks to the electronic circuit of the implantable tissue stimulator, and jumper wires electrically couple the terminal blocks of at least two ports, thereby electrically coupling the corresponding pins and/or rings of at least two leads contained therein.

Abstract: Intravenous cardiac leads having at least one electrode intended to be implanted within the coronary veins are disclosed. Also disclosed are structures and techniques for advancing such leads through the atrium and coronary sinus into the coronary veins.

Abstract: A device for converting magnetic force to mechanical force including a member having an axis about which it is rotatable, the member having a peripheral edge portion formed of a material that is effected by the presence of a magnetic force adjacent thereto, at least one magnetic member positioned adjacent the peripheral portion of the rotatable member to produce a magnetic coupling force therebetween, the peripheral portion of the rotatable member having a shape such that the magnetic coupling between the magnetic member and the peripheral portion of the rotatable member varies continuously as the rotatable member rotates.