Abstract: An electrical lead includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a fixation member joined to the elongate body and distally disposed from the proximal end of the elongate body, wherein the fixation member is capable of being extended from and retracted toward the elongate body. A method includes advancing an electrical lead into vasculature and extending a fixation member from the body of the electrical lead to fixedly engage the electrical lead within the vasculature. The method may further include retracting the fixation member toward the body of the electrical lead to unengage the electrical lead within the vasculature and retracting the electrical lead from the vasculature.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrically active surface for a medical electrical lead includes the steps of inserting a conductor coil into a shroud that includes an opening, lifting an end of at least one filar of a plurality of filars forming the coil out through the opening, and removing a layer of insulation from about the end of the at least one filar by means of laser ablation.

Abstract: A bipolar cardiac vein lead and method of assembly is provided wherein the lead includes a flexible coil anode electrode such that the lead may be advanced through a tortuous pathway. The coil electrode is coupled to a conductor using a method of assembly that minimizes or eliminates rigid components, maintaining flexibility of the distal lead end. Multi-polar cardiac vein leads may include multiple flexible coil electrodes to achieve pacing and/or sensing in the left atrium and the left ventricle or at multiple left heart sites.

Abstract: An electrical medical lead is provided having two or more electrodes, electrically insulated from each other and electrically coupled to individually insulated filars in a multi-filar coiled conductor. When the lead is used with a medical device equipped with a switch matrix, electrodes are selected individually or simultaneously to serve as an anode or cathode in any unipolar, bipolar or multi-polar configuration for delivering stimulation and/or sensing signals in excitable tissue. In one embodiment, a tip electrode array is expandable for improving electrode contact with targeted tissue and stabilizing lead position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical, multi-polar, in-line connector system for use in connecting implantable medical devices (IMD) and associated non-standard, low profile medical electrical leads. In addition, the present invention provides a system that uses tool less, frictional, sealed, compressive electrical connections for most or all of the electrical interconnections between an IMD and a low profile lead. A protective sleeve seals the lead connector to the non-standard port to prevent intrusion of body fluids therein. In addition, optional microchip-based circuitry coupled to the sleeve enables wireless communication and remote programming for diverse IMDs. Memory associated with the circuitry can store, update and reprogram a wide variety of information relevant to the IMD, the patient, and the attending physician, among others. For example, the microchip may be used to identify the lead type and characteristics, as well as other useful data.

Abstract: An implantable lead system includes an elongated device slideably engaged within a lumen of a lead body. A distal portion of the elongated device is slidable through a helix tip coupled to a distal end of the lead body by passing through a pierceable fluid-tight seal disposed in proximity to the distal end of the lead body; the seal prevents ingress of bodily fluid into the lumen of the lead body.

Abstract: A system for implanting a medical electrical lead includes an elongated lead body and a relatively non-compliant lead extension joined to a proximal end of the proximal portion of the lead body. The lead body includes a plurality of connector rings positioned about a proximal portion of the lead body. The lead extension includes a plurality of temporary contact surfaces and a plurality of conductors wherein each conductor joins a temporary contact surface to a corresponding connector ring.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead is disclosed that is adapted for placement in the coronary sinus, or a branch vein thereof. The lead includes a first and second pace/sense electrode. A selection mechanism is provided to select either the first or the second electrode for use as a cathode, with the other electrode being selected as the anode. According to another aspect of the invention, a high-voltage coil electrode may be provided between the first and second electrodes. The coil electrode may be electrically coupled to the anode to increase the shadow area of the coil electrode.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead, which may be useful in coupling an implantable medical device, is comprised of an elongate body having first and second spaced apart lumens. A conductor and an electrode are associated with the first lumen, and the second lumen is multi-purpose. The second lumen may be used to guide the lead and to introduce various fluids into the venous system. The second lumen may at various times be used to introduce vasodilation solutions, contrast fluids and adhesives into the venous system.

Abstract: A guide catheter and medical lead are provided wherein the lead may be used as a pull wire to steer the guide catheter. The guide catheter is provided with a flexible distal segment and the lead is provided with a distal engaging member, which may also serve as an electrode. The distal engaging member interacts with the distal catheter end such that traction applied to the proximal lead end causes flexion of the distal segment of the catheter to advance the flexible distal segment between a non-flexed position and a flexed position, allowing the catheter to be steered around obstacles.

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 system for delivering a medical electrical lead within a coronary venous system that includes an introducer kit for establishing venous access to the coronary venous system and a plurality of delivery sheaths, each corresponding to a desired approach to a coronary sinus of the coronary venous system and insertable within the coronary venous system through the navigation pathway. A hemostasis valve is coupled to a delivery sheath of the plurality of delivery sheaths, and a guide wire is inserted within the lead lumen, guiding delivery of the distal tip of the medical electrical lead to a target site within the coronary venous system through the hemostasis valve and the delivery sheath. Subsequent to the distal tip being delivered to the target sight, the hemostasis valve is advanced over the connector of the medical electrical lead to remove the hemostasis valve from the medical electrical lead.

Abstract: A composite redundant insulation is formed about each of a plurality of conductors extending within a lead body of an implantable medical device. The insulation includes a first insulative layer, a second insulative layer having a lower durometer and a lower flexural modulus than the first insulative layer, and a third insulative layer having a higher durometer and a higher flexural modulus than the second insulative layer.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a compressible portion that expands to accept an inserted lead and then contracts around the lead to provide both an electrical and a spring-like mechanical connection to the lead. The connector may have a fluted pin that collapses around the lead body when a set screw of the connector port is tightened. Alternatively, a middle segment of a pin may have indentations or slots that collapse around an inserted lead body. The connector can be attached to the lead body after the lead body is implanted in the body of the patient. In lead systems in which the lead body is implanted using a guide catheter, attaching the connector to the lead body after implantation makes removal of the guide catheter much less difficult.

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 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: 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: A loading device for loading a guide wire within a medical electrical lead that includes a navigation portion, having an outer portion, and extending from a front end to a back end, and having an opening formed at the back end. An engagement cavity receives and properly orientates the lead distal tip to align the lumen of the lead with the opening of the navigation portion during the loading of the guide wire within the lead. A first side wall is spaced from a second side wall to form a slot extending along the outer portion from the front end to the back end of the navigation portion, and the guide wire is advanced through the slot as the lead having the guide wire loaded therein is removed from the loading device.

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.