Abstract: A device and method for accessing a pericardial space of the heart includes a shaft having a cavity at a distal end, a suction lumen terminating in a distal port within the cavity and a hollow needle having a distal tip extending into the cavity. The cavity may be a recess in the shaft into which the distal tip of the needle fixedly protrudes. In other embodiments, the cavity is formed by an inflatable member positioned at the distal end of the shaft and the needle is slidable relative to the shaft. Suction is applied at the cavity to draw a pericardial bleb. The needle pierces the pericardial bleb for accessing the pericardial space and also facilitates delivery of payloads into the pericardial space.

Abstract: A lead having a pre-formed biased portion is adapted for implantation with a body vessel and for connection to a signal generator. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are biased toward a vessel wall by the preformed biased portion, which operates to fixate the lead against the vessel wall.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing a pericardial space of the heart includes a shaft having a cavity at a distal end, a suction lumen terminating in a distal port within the cavity and a hollow needle having a distal tip extending into the cavity. The cavity may be a recess in the shaft into which the distal tip of the needle fixedly protrudes. In other embodiments, the cavity is formed by an inflatable member positioned at the distal end of the shaft and the needle is slidable relative to the shaft. Suction is applied at the cavity to draw a pericardial bleb. The needle pierces the pericardial bleb for accessing the pericardial space and also facilitates delivery of payloads into the pericardial space.

Abstract: A lead having a pre-formed biased portion is adapted for implantation with a body vessel and for connection to a signal generator. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are biased toward a vessel wall by the preformed biased portion, which operates to fixate the lead against the vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having a biased portion having an outer diameter dimensioned to abut a wall of a pulmonary artery, an electrode coupled proximate the distal end, and an implantable pulse generator electrically coupled to the electrode. The implantable pulse generator is adapted to deliver a baroreflex stimulation signal to a baroreceptor in the pulmonary artery via the electrode.

Abstract: A lead having a distal end electrode assembly adapted for implantation on or about the heart or within a vein and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The electrode assembly includes conductive fixation features, such as conductive tines or flexible members, in combination with non-conductive fixation features. The conductive fixation features also include tines coated with a conductive material. The fixation features further include conductive tines which are retractable. A defibrillation coil is optionally disposed at the distal end of the lead in combination with the conductive tines.

Abstract: A myocardial lead attachment system for securing a distal end of a lead within a myocardium of a patient's heart. The system includes a lead body, an anchor mechanism formed of a bioabsorbable or biodegradable polymer for engaging a surface of the patient's heart and a surface feature formed on a portion of the lead body for promoting formation of scar tissue around said portion of the lead body.

Abstract: The present invention is a myocardial lead attachment system for securing a lead within the myocardium. The attachment system includes an anchor configured to engage the heart, a tether coupled to the anchor and a lead body. The lead body has a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen for accepting the tether and a lock housing in the lumen. A lock structure is on the tether and mates with the lock housing and restrains motion of the lead with respect to the tether in either of a proximal or a distal direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a myocardial lead attachment system for securing a distal end of a cardiac lead within a myocardium of a patient's heart and anchoring against an epicardium of the patient's heart. The system includes an anchor configured to advance in a first orientation and anchor against an epicardial surface in a second orientation and a tether having a proximal end and a distal end. The anchor is coupled to the distal end of the tether. The system includes a cardiac lead having a lead body, a lumen extending through the lead body, a conductive member, a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode configured for stimulating the myocardium located at the distal end. The lead body and the lumen are configured such that the lead body can be threaded over the proximal end of the tether and slideably advanced over the tether toward the anchor during implantation. The system includes a fixation mechanism at the distal end of the cardiac lead.

Abstract: The present invention is a myocardial lead attachment system and method for securing a distal end of a lead within the myocardium of a patient's heart. The system includes an anchor, a tether coupled at a distal end to the anchor and a lead body. The lead body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough for receiving the tether. A fixation mechanism is at the distal end of the lead body, and is adapted to collapse to a first configuration during implantation and deploy to a second configuration after implantation.

Abstract: A lead for implanting into the epicardium includes a pair of tissue anchors coupled to a tissue engaging member, forming an anchor mechanism. The tissue anchors include electrodes coupled to conductors extending from the tissue engaging member. The tissue anchors are movable from a low profile configuration to an implanting configuration in which the tissue anchors are angled away from the tissue engaging member. A device for implanting the lead includes one or more lumens, including a lead lumen and a vacuum lumen terminating at a distal opening in the device. Suction is applied at the distal opening through the vacuum lumen to draw an epicardial bleb. The anchor mechanism of the lead is withdrawn proximally past the bleb, causing the tissue anchors to pierce the epicardium. The device is then withdrawn proximally over the conductors.

Abstract: A lead for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead body has one or more electrodes associated therewith. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall. A method for implanting the lead into the coronary vasculature is also provided, the method comprising the steps of inserting a stylet into the lead, inserting the lead into the coronary sinus, advancing the lead from the coronary sinus toward the toward the left atrium and into a coronary vein, removing the stylet, and sensing and pacing the heart.

Abstract: A lead having a distal end electrode assembly adapted for implantation on or about the heart or within a vein and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The electrode assembly includes conductive fixation features, such as conductive tines or flexible members, in combination with non-conductive fixation features. The conductive fixation features also include tines coated with a conductive material. The fixation features further include conductive tines which are retractable. A defibrillation coil is optionally disposed at the distal end of the lead in combination with the conductive tines.

Abstract: A lead for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead body has one or more electrodes associated therewith. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall. A method for implanting the lead into the coronary vasculature is also provided, the method comprising the steps of inserting a stylet into the lead, inserting the lead into the coronary sinus, advancing the lead from the coronary sinus toward the toward the left atrium and into a coronary vein, removing the stylet, and sensing and pacing 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 lead is attached to a pulse generator for producing pulses to the multiple sites within the heart.

Abstract: A lead for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead body has one or more electrodes associated therewith. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall. A method for implanting the lead into the coronary vasculature is also provided, the method comprising the steps of inserting a stylet into the lead, inserting the lead into the coronary sinus, advancing the lead from the coronary sinus toward the toward the left atrium and into a coronary vein, removing the stylet, and sensing and pacing the heart.

Abstract: A lead having a distal end electrode assembly adapted for implantation on or about the heart or within a vein and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The electrode assembly includes conductive fixation features, such as conductive tines or flexible members, in combination with non-conductive fixation features. The conductive fixation features also include tines coated with a conductive material. The fixation features further include conductive tines which are retractable. A defibrillation coil is optionally disposed at the distal end of the lead in combination with the conductive tines.

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 lead having a distal end electrode assembly adapted for implantation on or about the heart or within a vein and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The electrode assembly includes conductive fixation features, such as conductive tines or flexible members, in combination with non-conductive fixation features. The conductive fixation features also include tines coated with a conductive material. The fixation features further include conductive tines which are retractable. A defibrillation coil is optionally disposed at the distal end of the lead in combination with the conductive tines.

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.