Abstract: A medical electrical lead, which may be useful in coupling an implantable medical device, is comprised of a first and second lead. The first lead has a first electrode coupled adjacent a distal end portion thereof. The distal end portion of the first lead is anchorable in the coronary sinus of a patient. The second lead is coupled with and moveable along the first lead. The second lead has a second electrode located thereon wherein the position of the first and second electrodes may be varied relative to one another by movement of the second lead along the first lead. A rubber tip holds the relative position of each electrode.

Abstract: The medical lead delivery device more easily and quickly delivers a lead to or through the coronary vein of a patient's heart. The medical lead delivery device includes an elongated body, a controller, a first and second spring, and a sleeve. The elongated body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The controller is disposed at the proximal end and provides enhanced control of the distal tip of the elongated body.

Abstract: The medical lead delivery device more easily and quickly delivers a lead to or through the coronary vein of a patient's heart. The medical lead delivery device includes an elongated body, a controller, a first and second spring, and a sleeve. The elongated body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The controller is disposed at the proximal end and provides enhanced control of the distal tip of the elongated body.

Abstract: The medical lead delivery device combines features of a guidewire and a stylet in order to more easily and quickly deliver a lead to or through the coronary vein of a patient's heart. The medical lead delivery device includes an elongated body, a controller, a first and second spring, and a sleeve. The elongated body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The controller is disposed at the proximal end and provides enhanced control of the distal tip of the elongated body.

Abstract: An injection needle comprises an elongated body having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a longitudinal channel through the tubular body. The elongated body further comprises a distal end and at least one lateral delivery port extending from the inner surface to the outer surface proximate the distal end and fluidly coupled to the longitudinal channel. A distal tip is coupled to the distal end and comprises a radio-opaque material.

Abstract: The medical lead delivery device more easily and quickly delivers a lead to or through the coronary vein of a patient's heart. The medical lead delivery device includes an elongated body, a controller, a first and second spring, and a sleeve. The elongated body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The controller is disposed at the proximal end and provides enhanced control of the distal tip of the elongated body.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead, which may be useful in coupling an implantable medical device, is comprised of a first and second lead. The first lead has a first electrode coupled adjacent a distal end portion thereof. The distal end portion of the first lead is anchorable in the coronary sinus of a patient. The second lead is coupled with and moveable along the first lead. The second lead has a second electrode located thereon wherein the position of the first and second electrodes may be varied relative to one another by movement of the second lead along the first lead. A rubber tip holds the relative position of each electrode.

Abstract: The medical lead delivery device combines features of a guidewire and a stylet in order to more easily and quickly deliver a lead to the left ventricle of a patient's heart. The medical lead delivery device includes an elongated body, a controller, a first and second spring, and a sleeve. The elongated body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The controller is disposed at the proximal end and provides enhanced control of the distal tip of the elongated body.

Abstract: A medical device lead is presented. The medical device lead includes a lead body and a tip electrode. A radio frequency shunted sleeve head is coupled to the lead body and to the tip electrode. The sleeve head includes a proximal end and a distal end. A biostable dielectric coating is introduced over the sleeve head.

Abstract: A lead connector arrangement includes a non-cylindrically shaped connector pin coupled to a lead conductor and a connector sleeve assembly for receiving the non-cylindrically shaped connector pin. The connector sleeve assembly includes an insert with an axial bore formed therein that complements the shape of the non-cylindrical connector pin. According to one embodiment, the non-cylindrical connector pin may be provided in the form of a triangular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal shape. The axial bore has a complimentary shape to receive the connector pin. When the connector pin is threaded through the connector sleeve assembly using a pull-wire device, the pull-wire device may be unscrewed from the connector pin without causing axial rotation of the lead conductor when the connector pin is fully inserted within the axial bore.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes an implantable medical lead including a fixation element adapted to secure the lead to a tissue site and a fluid delivery device including a tissue piercing distal tip; the device is adapted to pass through a proximal port, a lumen and a distal port of the lead. The system further includes means for adjusting a position of the device distal tip with respect to the lead distal port.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lead configurations for sensors that allow for less invasive sensor replacement procedures. In one configuration, a sensor lead assembly includes an outer lead body and an inner lead including a sensor such as an electrochemical glucose sensor. The inner lead can be positioned in an inner conduit of the outer lead body. The outer lead body may be substantially permanently implanted in the patient, and the inner lead can be implanted through the inner conduit of the outer lead body. Once the sensor of the inner lead has worn out or otherwise exhausted its useful life, the inner lead can be removed, and a new inner lead can be implanted in place of the old inner lead.

Abstract: An automated identification and configuration system for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The system includes a first communication circuit that is attached to, or otherwise carried by, a detachable component associated with the IMD such as a medical lead. The communication circuit stores data such as model numbers, serial numbers, technical data, and/or calibration information that describes the additional component. This information may be transferred by the first communications circuit to a second communications circuit that is external to the additional component. This transferred data can be used to automatically configure the internal circuitry and connection functions of the IMD to properly interface with, and support, the additional component. For example, the data can be used to automatically adjust amplifier gains or other sensor circuitry, or to configure a connector block to properly couple to the component.

Abstract: A medical device having retention means extending along a length of an elongate body of the medical device including a plurality of projections adapted to interfere with a wall of a generally tubular vessel to retain the body within the vessel.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes an implantable medical lead and a fluid delivery device; the device is adapted to pass through a proximal port, a lumen and a distal port of the lead. The fluid delivery device includes a tissue piercing distal tip and a pre-formed curve in proximity to the distal tip such that the tip is directed away from a lead fixation element after passing beyond the distal port of the lead.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assessing ventricular function on a chronic basis using a plurality of electrodes disposed on or about a left ventricle and/or a right ventricle—and optionally, at least one mechanical or metabolic sensor—all operatively electrically coupled to an implantable medical device. The plurality of electrodes are preferably spaced-apart so that at least one electrode is disposed electrical communication with a discrete volume of ventricular tissue. In one embodiment, the discrete volume of tissue is defined by multiple longitudinal and axial planes as known and used in the medical arts.

Abstract: An improved medical lead assembly and method of use is provided. The lead assembly includes a lead body, and a spring member positioned adjacent to the lead body. The spring member may be deployed a selectable amount to maintain the lead body in a fixed location within a patient's body. The spring member may be an expandable coil, a mesh structure that is similar to a stent, or any other similar device that may be positioned in a low-profile state during a lead implant procedure. After the lead is positioned at a target destination, the spring member may be deployed an amount that is selected based on the characteristics of the surrounding tissue, including vessel size. According to one aspect of the invention, the lead assembly may provide means for facilitating chronic lead extraction.

Abstract: A medical system incorporating fluid delivery and lead delivery lumens dispense fluid into a volume of tissue. The fluid comprises or contains a pharmacologic, genetic, or biologic agent. The fluid may be dispensed initially during implantation or later using a minimally invasive medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lead configurations for sensors that allow for less invasive sensor replacement procedures. In one configuration, a sensor lead assembly includes an outer lead body and an inner lead including a sensor such as an electrochemical glucose sensor. The inner lead can be positioned in an inner conduit of the outer lead body. The outer lead body may be substantially permanently implanted in the patient, and the inner lead can be implanted through the inner conduit of the outer lead body. Once the sensor of the inner lead has worn out or otherwise exhausted its useful life, the inner lead can be removed, and a new inner lead can be implanted in place of the old inner lead.

Abstract: An improved suture sleeve for a lead body includes an elongated tubular sleeve body formed of a compressible elastomeric material wherein a surface of the lumen has a relatively rough texture formed by a particulate or fibrous media embedded therein.