Abstract: A medical electrical lead, a system for providing electrical stimulation or sensing using such a lead, and methods of implanting, making and using same are described. The lead includes a rapidly connectable and/or interchangeable distal line that may be attached to a connector located distally from a distal end of a stimulating electrode. The rapidly connectable or interchangeable line may be sutured to a patient's muscle or other tissue. A physician may select a distal suture line of the present invention on the basis of the desired characteristics of the line, and then connect, secure or attach same to the lead body just prior to the surgical operation in which the stimulating or sensing medical electrical lead of the present invention is to be employed. The desired characteristics of the suture line may relate to thickness or diameter, length, the material from which the line is made, biodegradability, and the like.

Abstract: A stent which minimizes or solves the problem of restenosis. The present stent is designed so as to have a cyclical change in diameter, the change in diameter corresponding to the changes in blood pressure caused by the cardiac cycle. The present stent is constructed through several structural members, each structural member interlocking in a fashion which permits the stent diameter to be altered from a first, diastolic diameter to a second, systolic diameter. This variable diameter is provided through a series of joints between the interlocking structural members. The joints may be provided in any acceptable manner, including an interlocking dog bone configuration, an interlocking elastic coupling, mating struts, as well as interlocking guides.