Abstract: An implantable defibrillation electrode including a conductive distal end portion and a non-conductive proximal end portion is provided with at least a major portion of the length of the distal end portion having a pre-configured shape and being resiliently deformable into a generally straight condition. The distal end portion includes distal and proximal ends and at least one of those ends is hollow and has hook structure shiftably supported therein for movement longitudinally thereof from a retracted position at least substantially contained within the hollow end and an extended position at least substantially fully outwardly projected from the hollow end.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillation electrode including a conductive distal end portion and a non-conductive proximal end portion is provided with at least a major portion of the length of the distal end portion having a pre-configured shape and being resiliently deformable into a generally straight condition. The distal end portion includes distal and proximal ends and at least one of those ends is hollow and has hook structure shiftably supported therein for movement longitudinally thereof from a retracted position at least substantially contained within the hollow end and an extended position at least substantially fully outwardly projected from the hollow end.

Abstract: A cardioversion/defibrillation device includes a lead catheter housing, two electrically independent conductors, and a pair of resilient helically coiled electrodes, one electrode coupled to each of the conductors. The distal ends of the electrodes are contained within an insulative, resilient coupling sleeve, such that the electrodes and sleeve form a loop when in the relaxed state, with the electrodes electrically isolated from one another. To facilitate body insertion and delivery to the electrode placement site, the electrodes and coupling sleeve are loaded into a delivery cannula, which elastically deforms the electrodes and sleeve into an elongate, narrow delivery configuration. Upon release from the delivery device, these components resiliently return to the loop configuration. If desired, an inextensible filament secured to the coupling sleeve is pulled proximally after deployment to selectively reconfigure the electrodes into two loops.

Abstract: A bipolar lead for use in sensing cardiac depolarization signals and for applying electrical stimulation to cardiac tissue comprises a pair of elongated conductors contained within a lead body, the lead body terminating at its distal end in an enlarged head fabricated from an insulating plastic material. The head has a generally planar surface and projecting perpendicularly from that surface is a corkscrew electrode which is adapted to be screwed into myocardial tissue. Also supported on the planar surface of the head so as to surround the corkscrew electrode is a toroidal electrode formed from helically wound conductive wire. One of the conductors passing through the lead body connects at its distal end to the corkscrew electrode which the other conductor attached to the toroidal electrode.

Abstract: A system for the electrical treatment of spinal curvature through the exercise of selected spinal muscles. A probe having a blunt, muscle-penetrating tip is fitted with a sleeve such that its tip extends from the sleeve. A helical electrode is mounted on an elongated tool capable of imparting a rotational force to the electrode while allowing a disengagement with the electrode in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The probe is inserted in the paraspinal muscles and is removed while leaving the sleeve within the muscle. The electrode-tool assembly is inserted through the sleeve and the electrode secured in the paraspinal muscles by a rotational force applied to the tool. After electrode securement, the tool is withdrawn from the sleeve and the sleeve withdrawn from the muscle leaving the electrode secured within the muscle.