Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides an endocardial cardiac rhythm management lead with an at least partially dissolvable coating at least partially on insulating portions of the lead body at or near its distal end. Upon dissolution, the coating promotes tissue ingrowth to secure the lead in place within fragile vascular structures or elsewhere. Dissolution of one such coating releases a therapeutic agent, such as a steroid that modifies the fibrotic scar tissue content of tissue ingrowth, such that the resulting bond between the tissue and the lead is weak, so that the lead can be easily extracted if desired. One such lead includes an insulating elongate body carrying at least. The lead also includes an at least partially dissolvable coating on an insulating portion of the peripheral distal lead surface. The coating provides one or more of a rough surface, a porous surface, or a swollen surface after being exposed to an aqueous substance.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides an endocardial cardiac rhythm management lead with an at least partially dissolvable coating at least partially on insulating portions of the lead body at or near its distal end. Upon dissolution, the coating promotes tissue ingrowth to secure the lead in place within fragile vascular structures or elsewhere. Dissolution of one such coating releases a therapeutic agent, such as a steroid that modifies the fibrotic scar tissue content of tissue ingrowth, such that the resulting bond between the tissue and the lead is weak, so that the lead can be easily extracted if desired. One such lead includes an insulating elongate body carrying at least. The lead also includes an at least partially dissolvable coating on an insulating portion of the peripheral distal lead surface. The coating provides one or more of a rough surface, a porous surface, or a swollen surface after being exposed to an aqueous substance.

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 lead is attached to a pulse generator for producing pulses to the multiple sites within the heart.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides an endocardial cardiac rhythm management lead with an at least partially dissolvable coating at least partially on insulating portions of the lead body at or near its distal end. Upon dissolution, the coating promotes tissue ingrowth to secure the lead in place within fragile vascular structures or elsewhere. Dissolution of one such coating releases a therapeutic agent, such as a steroid that modifies the fibrotic scar tissue content of tissue ingrowth, such that the resulting bond between the tissue and the lead is weak, so that the lead can be easily extracted if desired. One such lead includes an insulating elongate body carrying at least. The lead also includes an at least partially dissolvable coating on an insulating portion of the peripheral distal lead surface. The coating provides one or more of a rough surface, a porous surface, or a swollen surface after being exposed to an aqueous substance.

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 cardiac lead designed for implantation in the vasculature of the left side of the heart comprising a flexible lead body having a central lumen, a removable terminal pin, electrodes electrically coupled to the removable terminal pin, a mechanism for securing the electrodes in the proper position in the vasculature and a mechanism for sealing the central lumen after implantation to prevent body fluids from invading the lumen. The cardiac lead can be implanted or explanted using either a guidewire, a guide catheter or both.

Abstract: A cardiac lead designed for implantation in the vasculature of the left side of the heart comprising a flexible lead body having a central lumen, a removable terminal pin, electrodes electrically coupled to the removable terminal pin, a mechanism for securing the electrodes in the proper position in the vasculature and a mechanism for sealing the central lumen after implantation to prevent body fluids from invading the lumen. The cardiac lead can be implanted or explanted using either a guidewire, a guide catheter or both.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides an endocardial cardiac rhythm management lead with an at least partially dissolvable coating at least partially on insulating portions of the lead body at or near its distal end. Upon dissolution, the coating promotes tissue ingrowth to secure the lead in place within fragile vascular structures or elsewhere. Dissolution of one such coating releases a therapeutic agent, such as a steroid that modifies the fibrotic scar tissue content of tissue ingrowth, such that the resulting bond between the tissue and the lead is weak, so that the lead can be easily extracted if desired. One such lead includes an insulating elongate body carrying at least. The lead also includes an at least partially dissolvable coating on an insulating portion of the peripheral distal lead surface. The coating provides one or more of a rough surface, a porous surface, or a swollen surface after being exposed to an aqueous substance.

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 on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity includes a lead body with a circumferential outer surface. 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 second electrode is adapted for positioning and fixation to the wall of the atrium of the heart. A passive fixation element may be used as part of the second electrode. The lead body also includes a curved portion which facilitates the positioning and passive fixation of the second electrode.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system provides an endocardial cardiac rhythm management lead with an at least partially dissolvable coating at least partially on insulating portions of the lead body at or near its distal end. Upon dissolution, the coating promotes tissue ingrowth to secure the lead in place within fragile vascular structures or elsewhere. Dissolution of one such coating releases a therapeutic agent, such as a steroid that modifies the fibrotic scar tissue content of tissue ingrowth, such that the resulting bond between the tissue and the lead is weak, so that the lead can be easily extracted if desired. One such lead includes an insulating elongate body carrying at least. The lead also includes an at least partially dissolvable coating on an insulating portion of the peripheral distal lead surface. The coating provides one or more of a rough surface, a porous surface, or a swollen surface after being exposed to an aqueous substance.

Abstract: An endocardial lead comprising an elongate body having a first defibrillation coil electrode, a second defibrillation coil electrode and a first pacing/sensing electrode. The first defibrillation coil electrode has a first end and a second end, where the first end is at or near the distal end of the elongate body and the second end spaced longitudinally from the distal end. The first pacing/sensing electrode is spaced longitudinally along the peripheral surface from the second end of the first defibrillation coil electrode. The second defibrillation coil electrode is spaced longitudinally along the peripheral surface from the first pacing/sensing electrode to afford positioning the first defibrillation coil longitudinally adjacent an apical location of the right ventricle of a heart with the first pacing/sensing electrode within the right ventricle of the heart and the second defibrillation coil within the right atrial chamber or a major vein leading to the right atrial chamber of the heart.

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: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.