Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable medical lead. In one embodiment, the lead includes a ring electrode, a tip electrode, first and second helically wound coaxial conductor coils, and a distal coil transition. The coils extend between the proximal and distal ends of the lead. The distal coil transition is proximal to the ring electrode and near the distal end and is where the first coil transitions from being outside the second coil proximal of the distal coil transition to being inside the second coil distal of the distal coil transition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable medical lead. In one embodiment, the lead includes a tubular body, a sensor module, and a distal crimp sleeve. The tubular body includes a distal end and a proximal end. The sensor module includes a sensor and a housing enclosing the sensor. The housing is operably coupled to the tubular body and includes a distal end cap. The distal crimp sleeve is operably coupled to the distal end cap and extends proximally therefrom. The longitudinal axis of the distal crimp sleeve is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A method of measuring pressure through a septum in a patient's heart is provided. A lead inserted into the right side of a heart is routed through the septum to gain access to the left side of the heart. The lead includes a mounting mechanism that secures the lead to one or both sides of the septal walls. The lead also includes one or more sensors for measuring cardiac pressure on the left side of the heart and, as necessary, the right side of the heart.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of measuring pressure through a septum in a patient's heart is provided. A lead inserted into the right side of a heart is routed through the septum to gain access to the left side of the heart. The lead includes a mounting mechanism that secures the lead to one or both sides of the septal walls. The lead also includes one or more sensors for measuring cardiac pressure on the left side of the heart and, as necessary, the right side of the heart.

Abstract: A drug-eluting endocardial lead and method of manufacture. The silicone elastomer of the present invention is ideally suited to a manufacturing environment due to its extended pot life and decreased curing time. A preferred silicone elastomer is comprised of a multi-part mixture having at least a base portion and a curing portion. Additionally, since curing does not begin until the base and curing portions are combined, the mixing can be physically undertaken closer to the location of the endocardial lead and the curing “clock” does not start until the mixing occurs and external heat is applied. Since the silicone elastomer formed by base and curing components have improved the pot life and curing characteristics, the mixture is suitable for mixing with a steroid and then dispensing into an endocardial lead tip thus eliminating current design limitations imposed by current art while concomitantly minimizing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A drug-eluting endocardial lead and method of manufacture. The silicone elastomer of the present invention is ideally suited to a manufacturing environment due to its extended pot life and decreased curing time. A preferred silicone elastomer is comprised of a multi-part mixture having at least a base portion and a curing portion. Additionally, since curing does not begin until the base and curing portions are combined, the mixing can be physically undertaken closer to the location of the endocardial lead and the curing “clock” does not start until the mixing occurs and external heat is applied. Since the silicone elastomer formed by base and curing components have improved the pot life and curing characteristics, the mixture is suitable for mixing with a steroid and then dispensing into an endocardial lead tip thus eliminating current design limitations imposed by current art while concomitantly minimizing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial lead for use with a cardiac stimulation device includes an active fixation helix disposed at the distal end of the lead. The helix is constructed of flat wire having a non-circular cross section. The helix may be fixed or movable between a retracted position fully within the lead and an extended position advanced beyond the distal end of the lead.

Abstract: An implantable lead adapted to transmit electrical signals between a connector assembly on a proximal end of the lead and at least one electrode carried by a distal end of the lead comprises a helical fixation element extendable and retractable from the distal end of the lead, the header comprising (a) an inner header part comprising an electrically conductive material that is substantially transparent fluoroscopically, the inner header part having a distal end, (b) an outer header part comprising an electrically insulating material, and (c) a collar attached to the distal end of the inner header part. The collar comprises a material that is substantially opaque fluoroscopically. The collar may be electrically conductive, and electrically and mechanically connected, preferably by means of an overlap joint, to the distal end of the inner header part.

Abstract: An implantable electrical lead for electrical sensing and stimulation of the heart includes a lead body which includes a ventricular tip, a pair of distal atrial ring electrodes, a pair of proximal atrial ring electrodes, a pair of first stationary contacts in electrical continuity, respectively, with the distal atrial ring electrodes, and a pair of second stationary contacts in electrical continuity, respectively, with the proximal atrial ring electrodes. A bifurcation boot overlies the lead and is slidable lengthwise of the lead body. The bifurcation boot carries first and second mobile contacts movable between first and second longitudinally spaced positions on the lead body. In the first position, the first and second mobile contacts are engaged with the first pair of the stationary contacts, respectively. In the second position, the first and second mobile contacts are engaged with the second pair of the stationary contacts, respectively.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead is disclosed for placement in the coronary sinus region and its associated coronary vessels overlying the left side of a patient's heart. The lead comprises at least one proximal connector; at least one tissue stimulation electrode; at least one conductor coupled between the at least one proximal connector and the at least one stimulation electrode; and a lead body including a housing of insulating material enclosing the at least one conductor, the lead body having a relatively flexible distal portion of, for example, silicone rubber, having a length corresponding to the coronary sinus region of the heart, and a stiffer proximal portion of, for example, polyurethane. A robust transition joint comprising telescoped sections of the distal and proximal portions of the lead body couples the two portions of the lead body. Also provided is a versatile lead delivery system including a stylet stop disposed within the distal portion of the lead body.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead suitable for placement in any one of a plurality of implant locations of the heart includes an identifier which identifies the implant location of the lead. The lead includes a lead body which carries a plurality of implant location indicators. The implant location indicators may be removable whereby the removal of all but one location indicator provides a unique indication of the lead implant location. The implant location indicators may alternatively be individually selectable to provide a unique indication of the implant location. Still further, the implant location indicators may comprise an implant location identifying system wherein each indicator provides a direct indication of a respective different one of the plurality of implant locations and is configured for individual placement, and for retainment, on the lead.

Abstract: An implantable lead is provided for delivering electrical therapy. The lead, suitable for placement and passive anchoring in a vessel within the coronary sinus region of a patient's heart, comprises a lead body having a distal end carrying at least one electrode electrically connected to a terminal contact on a proximal end of the lead body, the lead body further including an insulative, tubular housing. A longitudinally extending coil member is contained within the housing, the housing and the coil member having distal ends provided with corresponding, substantially matching preformed bends, the distal end of the housing being thereby adapted to exert a sufficient bias against the inner wall of the vessel within which the lead is placed to stabilize the lead in said vessel.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial lead for use with a cardiac stimulation device includes an electrically active housing including a tubular end region extending to a terminal rim at the distal end of the lead and an electrical conductor within the lead extending between proximal and distal ends. An active fixation electrode within and spaced from the electrically active housing includes an electrically active helix coaxial with the endocardial lead coupled to the distal end of the electrical conductor and movable between a retracted position fully within the housing and an extended position advanced beyond the terminal rim of the housing for effecting penetration into the myocardial tissue. A guide system located proximally of the active fixation electrode serves to rotate the electrically active helix about the longitudinal axis as the helix is moved between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An electrical lead in which a transitional coil conductor near a proximal end of the lead is electrically connected to a wire conductor distal of the coil conductor. The transitional coil is connected to an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead. The electrical connector may be a standard ring and pin connector such as an IS-1 standard electrical connector often used in implantable medical devices. A second coil conductor runs substantially the entire length of the lead from its proximal to its distal end. The transitional coil is connected to the wire conductor through a coupling. The coupling includes a channel configured to receive the second coil conductor to allow it to run through the coupling. The coupling further includes a coil receiver configured to receive the distal end of the transitional coil to hold it in electrical contact with the electrically conductive body of the coupling.

Abstract: A body implantable lead assembly adapted to transmit electrical tissue stimulating signals between a proximal end portion of the lead assembly and a distal end portion of the lead assembly includes an electrical conductor extending between the proximal and distal end portions of the lead assembly for transmitting the electrical signals. The conductor has an enlarged, preferably ball shaped distal extremity comprising a termination element. The lead assembly includes a tip electrode having a proximal portion, a proximal extremity, a distal portion and a distal extremity, the distal extremity comprising an active electrode surface. At least the proximal portion of the tip electrode comprises a tubular structure, the tubular proximal portion having an inside diameter slightly smaller than the termination element on the distal extremity of the conductor. The tubular proximal portion of the tip electrode has formed within the wall thereof at least one longitudinally oriented, keyhole-shaped opening.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial lead intended for use with a cardiac stimulation device includes an elongated lead body of flexible resilient material, for example, silicone rubber or polyurethane, having a longitudinally extending lumen defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending side wall surfaces, adjacent pairs of the side wall surfaces lying in angularly disposed planes and intersecting at an energy absorbing corner ridge. An electrical conductor is located loosely within and extends longitudinally along the lumen between proximal and distal ends. With this construction, forces imposed laterally on the lead body by the conductor engaging the side wall surfaces of the lumen upon bending of the lead body are absorbed without damaging the lead body by reason of engagement of the conductor with a corner ridge causing the corner ridge thereby engaged to recede toward a condition of being coplanar with its subtended pair of side wall surfaces.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial lead includes an electrical conductor coupled at its distal end to an active fixation electrode movable between a retracted position and an extended position advanced beyond the lead end for penetration into the myocardial tissue. A resilient coupling mechanism maintains electrical continuity between the active fixation electrode and an electrically active housing throughout movement of the electrode. In one instance, a conductive coupling is slidably received on a conductive shaft and is fixed to the electrically active housing. A compression spring is received on the conductive shaft intermediate and engaged with the conductive coupling and with a conductive ring stop member projecting radially from the conductive shaft. In another instance, an annular track member integral with the electrically active housing has an annular recess surrounding the conductive shaft and a metallic coil spring is received in the annular recess and slidably engageable with the conductive shaft.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead includes a connector having strain relief to protect the connector from damage during removal of the connector from an associated implantable cardiac stimulation device. The lead is elongated and has a distal end, a proximal end, an electrode, and a conductor coupled to the electrode and extending to the lead proximal end. A connector on the lead proximal end connects the conductor to a mating implantable device connector. The lead connector includes a body, a terminal carried by the body which is coupled to the conductor, an anchor longitudinally fixed on the lead and to the conductor distal to the terminal, and a strain relief member connected between the anchor and the terminal.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead is disclosed for placement in the coronary sinus region and its associated coronary vessels overlying the left side of a patient's heart. The lead comprises at least one proximal connector; at least one tissue stimulation electrode; at least one conductor coupled between the at least one proximal connector and the at least one stimulation electrode; and a lead body including a housing of insulating material enclosing the at least one conductor, the lead body having a relatively flexible distal portion of, for example, silicone rubber, having a length corresponding to the coronary sinus region of the heart, and a stiffer proximal portion of, for example, polyurethane. A robust transition joint comprising telescoped sections of the distal and proximal portions of the lead body couples the two portions of the lead body.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead is made by forming a generally radially directed bore extending between each lumen of an elongated lead body having a plurality of internal longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced lumina, the bores being located at longitudinally and circumferentially spaced locations, then drawing an elongated conductor cable into and through each lumen of the lead body such that a terminal end thereof projects through and beyond an associated one of the bores. A metallic tube is slidably attached onto each conductor cable adjacent the cable's terminal end, then is firmly joined to its associated conductor cable. Thereupon, each metallic tube is affixed, as by welding, preferably, by laser welding, to an associated one of a plurality of tubular electrodes coaxial with, and overlying, the lead body at longitudinally spaced locations. In one instance, the tubular electrode may be a ring electrode with the lead body connected to a pacemaker.