Abstract: A bi-furcated medical electrical lead that is adapted to be implanted in the cardiac venous system is disclosed. The lead includes a bifurcated distal portion having first and second elongated members, or fingers. In one embodiment, the first elongated member, or thumb portion, is adapted to be positioned within the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein. The second elongated member, or finger portion, of the bifurcated distal tip, may be positioned within a branch vessel of the coronary sinus such as the posterior vein or middle cardiac vein. The thumb portion may carry at least one electrode for pacing and/or sensing, and may carry additional electrodes for multi-polar pacing applications, whereas the finger portion may carry a defibrillation electrode. Portions of the pacing/sensing electrodes may be insulated so that electrical stimulation is only delivered to myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A bi-furcated medical electrical lead that is adapted to be implanted in the cardiac venous system is disclosed. The lead includes a bifurcated distal portion having first and second elongated members, or fingers. In one embodiment, the first elongated member, or thumb portion, is adapted to be positioned within the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein. The second elongated member, or finger portion, of the bifurcated distal tip, may be positioned within a branch vessel of the coronary sinus such as the posterior vein or middle cardiac vein. The thumb portion may carry at least one electrode for pacing and/or sensing, and may carry additional electrodes for multi-polar pacing applications, whereas the finger portion may carry a defibrillation electrode. Portions of the pacing/sensing electrodes may be insulated so that electrical stimulation is only delivered to myocardial tissue.

Abstract: An improved connection system for coupling a device such as a pacemaker, cardioverter, defibrillator, nerve stimulator, muscle stimulator, implantable monitor or other medical device to a medical lead is disclosed. The connection system includes a coupling member designed to couple to the proximal end of the lead. This coupling member, which includes an inner lumen sized to form a press fit around the proximal end of the lead body, may be of a generally tubular construction. This coupling member includes connector means to enable a connector pin at the proximal end of the lead to mechanically and electrically couple to a device. The connector means may further include means for coupling both mechanically and electrically to a ring connector on the proximal end of a multi-polar lead. An insertion member may also be provided to allow the lead to be more easily inserted within the inner lumen of the coupling member.

Abstract: A bi-furcated medical electrical lead that is adapted to be implanted in the cardiac venous system is disclosed. The lead includes a bifurcated distal portion having first and second elongated members, or fingers. In one embodiment, the first elongated member, or thumb portion, is adapted to be positioned within the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein. The second elongated member, or finger portion, of the bifurcated distal tip, may be positioned within a branch vessel of the coronary sinus such as the posterior vein or middle cardiac vein. The thumb portion may carry at least one electrode for pacing and/or sensing, and may carry additional electrodes for multi-polar pacing applications, whereas the finger portion may carry a defibrillation electrode. Portions of the pacing/sensing electrodes may be insulated so that electrical stimulation is only delivered to myocardial tissue.

Abstract: An improved connection system for coupling a device such as a pacemaker, cardioverter, defibrillator, nerve stimulator, muscle stimulator, implantable monitor or other medical device to a medical lead is disclosed. The connection system includes a coupling member designed to couple to the proximal end of the lead. This coupling member, which includes an inner lumen sized to form a press fit around the proximal end of the lead body, may be of a generally tubular construction. This coupling member includes connector means to enable a connector pin at the proximal end of the lead to mechanically and electrically couple to a device. The connector means may further include means for coupling both mechanically and electrically to a ring connector on the proximal end of a multi-polar lead. An insertion member may also be provided to allow the lead to be more easily inserted within the inner lumen of the coupling member.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying a lead in a cardiac chamber, a cardiac vein, or a coronary artery of a patient is disclosed. The system includes a delivery device such as a guidewire having an electrode retention member at the guidewire distal end to engage an electrode assembly. The guidewire is adapted to be inserted into the inner lumen of an introducer sheath so that the electrode retention member extends beyond the distal tip of the introducer. The electrode assembly is then coupled to the electrode retention member of the guidewire. The introducer includes means at the distal end adapted to engage the proximal end of the electrode assembly that is mounted on the guidewire. This allows the introducer to push the electrode assembly and the guidewire through the vasculature to a predetermined point of implant. The introducer may then be utilized to dislodge the electrode assembly from the guidewire at the predetermined implant site before the guidewire and introducer are withdrawn.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead featuring an improved anchoring sleeve. The improved anchoring sleeve includes a tubular sleeve having a central throughbore into which a medical electrical lead or catheter can extend. Integrally formed at one end of the anchoring sleeve is a securing portion having a partially annular portion with a slotted wall on one side, and a wrapping portion on the other side with a locking tabbed portion for securing to the slotted wall to grip the lead and secure it within the sleeve.