Abstract: The electrode assembly (10) is adapted to be mounted at the distal end of a pacing lead (19) and comprises a mushroom shaped tip electrode (12, 90) having a reduced in diameter terminal pin (22, 42, 62, 92) extending rearwardly therefrom. A sleeve (34) of insulating material is positioned about said terminal pin (22, 42, 62, 92) and a coiled single or multiple wire conductor bared end portion (18, 44, 64, 96) of the pacing lead (19) is received on the terminal pin (22, 42, 62, 92) within the sleeve (34). The pin (22, 42, 62, 92) has a spiral, thread-like formation (48; 98,100) or ramp formation (66) thereon onto which the bared wire conductor end portion (18, 44, 64, 96) is threaded to form a secure and good mechanical and electrical connection (35, 60, 80, 110) between the terminal pin (22, 42, 62, 92) and the bared wire conductor end portion (18, 44, 64, 96).

Abstract: A cardiac pacer employing the connector system disclosed herein is usable with either a unipolar lead or a bipolar lead provided with a plug at the proximal end having an extending pin portion to which a distal stimulating electrode is electrically connected. In the case of a bipolar electrode, an annular ring is provided on the plug to which the reference or indifferent electrode is connected. Respective clamping means are provided for establishing electrical connections to the pin and the annular ring, if present. A bridging means is provided for utilizing the pacer case as a reference potential when a unipolar lead is being used.