Abstract: A locking clip for placement between a dilator and a sheath for releasably securing a dilator and a sheath together during an insertion procedure. The locking clip includes a back support, a snap ring for engaging about a hub of the dilator at one end of the back support and at least one tooth at a lower end of the back support for engaging under a tab of the sheath. The sheath can be a tear-away sheath.

Abstract: A cardiac sensing lead which is placed and used on the epicardial surface of the heart. The lead consists of a screw-in electrode which acts as the cathode and a mesh of platinum/iridium that acts as the anode. The electrodes' effective distances from each other are no longer than lcm. The screw-in electrode also acts as the anchor in the tissue and is implanted with a lead applicator. The cardiac sensing lead senses cardiac signals for the application for diagnostic purposes such as for an internal defibrillator or any other external or internal medical devices.

Abstract: A lead insertion tool of a molded polymer including a main body and two movable fingers extending at an angle from one end of the main body for holding a cardiac sensing lead or cardiac pacing lead. The inner ends of the fingers are configured to grasp a pacing lead electrode body. A tubular member with finger tabs extends down and over the main body and down and over the extending fingers so that the ends of the fingers movingly engage about the pacing lead body when the tubular member is slid down the body of the lead insertion tool. The inner ends of the extending fingers can be geometrically configured to accept any particular pacing lead body member supporting the electrodes of the pacing lead.

Abstract: An intravascular endocardial lead includes an electrically insulated flexible conductor having a lumen throughout the length thereof. A hollow connector element is connected to the proximal end of the conductor, and a hollow elongate electrode is connected to the distal end thereof. A helix assembly is positioned in the electrode and is longitudinally but non-rotatably movable from a retracted position to an extended position. A stylet is inserted through the lumen of the conductor to move the helix assembly to the extended position. Thereafter, when the conductor, electrode and helix assembly are rotated as a unit about the stylet, the helix assembly will penetrate and positively attach the lead to the body tissue and urge the electrode into engagement with the latter.