Abstract: Systems and methods which provide retractable anchor configurations for medical device leads are described. A retractable anchor may implement a retractable distention composed of a resilient material. The retractable distention may be distended when in a neutral state and may be contracted when in a biased state. A biasing bulkhead may be configured to receive a bias force sufficient to retract the retractable distention. A stylet may be inserted into an axial lumen of a medical device lead having retractable tip anchor structure and may engage the biasing bulkhead to apply a bias force. A stylet knob may be configured to interface with the stylet and provide bias force to be transferred to the biasing bulkhead of the retractable tip anchor structure. Locking the stylet knob on the medical device lead may maintain the bias force applied to the biasing bulkhead until the stylet knob is unlocked.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide retractable anchor configurations for medical device leads are described. A retractable anchor may implement a retractable distention composed of a resilient material. The retractable distention may be distended when in a neutral state and may be contracted when in a biased state. A biasing bulkhead may be configured to receive a bias force sufficient to retract the retractable distention. A stylet may be inserted into an axial lumen of a medical device lead having retractable tip anchor structure and may engage the biasing bulkhead to apply a bias force. A stylet knob may be configured to interface with the stylet and provide bias force to be transferred to the biasing bulkhead of the retractable tip anchor structure. Locking the stylet knob on the medical device lead may maintain the bias force applied to the biasing bulkhead until the stylet knob is unlocked.

Abstract: An electrode having a plurality of connected strands retained by a current collector is described. A connected strand has first and second ends that are retained by a current collector, and may be retained at different locations along the length of the current collector. A connected strand retained by the current collector in substantially the same location along the current collector, is a looped strand. A connected strand provides two paths for current to move through the strand to the current collector and may therefore provide lower resistance than a free strand having only one end coupled to the current collector. Furthermore, a connected may move less as a function of fluid forces and retain more bio-film in turbulent conditions than free strands. Finally, a connected strand has no free extended end and therefore is less likely to puncture through an ion conductive membrane.