Abstract: The endocardial lead comprises an elongate electrical conductor extending substantially the length of the lead, an insulating sheath surrounding the conductor for substantially the entire length of the conductor, and an electrode assembly at the distal end of the lead. The electrode assembly comprises a tip electrode having a distal tip and a proximal end and a sleeve of insulating material extending between and surrounding the proximal end of the tip electrode and the distal end of both the insulating sheath and the elongate conductor with the distal end of the elongate conductor being electrically connected to the proximal end of the tip electrode within the sleeve. The sleeve has at least two circumferentially spaced projections, each projection extending radially and axially away from the outer surface of the sleeve rearwardly away from the distal tip.

Abstract: A neural stimulator electrode element and lead includes an elongate sheath having a passage therein and which contains an electrical conductor and electrode, the latter of which communicates through the exterior wall of the sheath. Two pairs of flexible elongate wing members are positioned on the exterior wall of the sheath to stabilize the tip when it is installed in the patient's epidural space. The flexible wing members flex during installation, but extend laterally from the sheath following installation of the element to prevent the element and lead from rotating and maintain the element in position.

Abstract: A surface mapping electrode set assembly is provided which includes a plurality of insulated, elongated wires, each of which terminates at a distal end head portion of the assembly. The electrodes of the mapping electrode set are generally arcuate portions of the wires, each generally arcuate electrode projecting through a slit in the administration surface of the assembly while the distal tip portion of the wire remains beneath such administration surface.

Abstract: A monophasic action potential contact electrode catheter and method of producing same are provided. The catheter includes a compartmentalized tip portion that includes a distal tip electrode that was set in place within a distal tip compartment, as well as a lateral surface electrode that was set in place within a proximal compartment. The distal tip compartment and the proximal compartment are electrically insulated from each other, and the tip electrode has a surface at the distal end of the catheter that is suitable for contacting the tissue wall of locations at which monophasic action potential readings are to be taken.

Abstract: One embodiment of the electrode assembly is mounted at the distal end of a pacing lead including a lead body and at least one electrical wire conductor in the lead body and comprises a tip electrode including a tip and a connection of the tip to the wire conductor, and a partial skirt coupled to the lead body adjacent the tip. The partial skirt extends part way around the lead body backwardly from the tip. The partial skirt is capable of engaging trabeculae in a heart chamber for maintaining the electrode assembly in place and yet allows the electrode assembly to be removed when desired by the application of sufficient tension to the pacing lead to cause the partial skirt to fold back over itself as the pacing lead is withdrawn.

Abstract: A disposable atrial-ventricular percutaneous lead is provided which is suitable for carrying out a variety of functions, including endocardial pacing, mapping or diagnosis. The percutaneous lead maintains an isodiametric profile for insertion through a body cavity such as a vein or artery. By manipulation of a proximal end portion of the device, the length of extension of the ventricular electrode assembly can be adjusted, and a longitudinally spaced atrial electrode assembly can be radially expanded, the adjustability of these various assemblies permitting accommodation of a variety of differently sized hearts while retaining an isodiametric configuration for effective pervenous insertion. More than one atrial electrode may be incorporated in the lead to provide for bipolar stimulation and sensing of the atrium.

Abstract: A disposable percutaneous lead is provided which is suitable for caring out a variety of functions, including endocardial functions of mapping, ablation and/or pacing. The percutaneous lead maintains a substantially isodiametric profile for insertion through a body cavity such as a vein or artery. By manipulation of a proximal end portion of the device, elongated peripheral segments of the distal end portion of the device move generally radially outwardly in order to provide a plurality of radially adjustable electrodes for forming a mapping array. An elongated shaft structure is also provided for ablation purposes, while electrodes for pacing are also available on the device.

Abstract: A set of electrodes are provided, preferably in a symmetrical array, which electrodes are mounted within a pliable mounting cup that is capable of conforming to the shape and size of various surfaces of body organs, such as the heart. The pliable cup is capable of both epicardial and endocardial types of mapping procedures, each electrode being connected to a thin insulated wire that joins similar wires in a generally centrally located trunk portion of the cup, and a cable containing the thus bundled wires depends from the trunk portion for connection to a suitable data display and/or recording system.

Abstract: The cardiac mapping probe has a soft lead body with a distal end portion containing a pliable, moldable and formable core rod therein. The rod is received within a tubular sheath of the lead body which also includes four insulated wire conductors within the sheath. A head is formed at the distal end of the sheath and has a pad with a flat surface on the underside thereof. Four electrodes are mounted on the flat surface and connected to the wire conductors. Such probe will facilitate placement of the pad flat surface against a section of a heart wall to be mapped and will hold that shape until reconfigured to another shape. Part of the configured, molded shape can provide a handle formation for facilitating gripping and manipulation of the mapping probe.

Abstract: The electrode assembly is mounted at the distal end of a pacing lead comprising a lead body and at least one wire conductor in the lead body. The assembly comprises a tip electrode including a tip and a connection to the wire conductor and a skirt extending around the lead body and backwardly from the tip. The skirt has at least two slits extending axially therein from the rearward edge thereof to separate the skirt into at least two adjacent separated skirt sections. The skirt also can have one or more annularly and radially extending spurs which are adapted to engage trabeculae in a heart chamber for anchoring and maintaining the electrode assembly in place. The skirt sections allow and enhance removal of the electrode assembly when desired by the application of sufficient tension to the pacing lead to cause the skirt sections to fold back over themselves as the pacing lead is withdrawn from the body.

Abstract: The temporary pacing lead assembly (10) includes an electrically conductive flexible wire (14), a terminal member (16) electrically connected to one end of the conductive wire (14), an insulative coating or sheath (24) extending over substantially the entire length of the wire (14) and an electrode (12) electrically connected to the other end of the conductive wire (14). An arrow-shaped anchoring device (34) is carried by the electrode (12) for attaching the electrode (12) to the endocavitary wall of an organ to be stimulated. An anchor release mechanism (62, 60, 90) is coupled to the arrow-shaped anchoring device (34) for subsequent removal of the anchoring device (34) from the endocavitary wall.

Abstract: An epidural electrode lead having a resilient distal end forming a curved loop, lateral expandable loop elements, one of which is radiopaque, and an electrode contact on the lead surface opposite the loop. A withdrawable stylet maintains the distal end substantially straight during insertion of the lead into the spinal canal.

Abstract: The contact device disclosed herein is designed for applying stimulating pulses to cardiac muscle tissue to obtain artificial pacing of the heart. Fibrosis around the stimulating electrode itself is minimized by employing a non-binding, preferably quite flexible electrode to establish the contact and using relatively stiff, prong-like attaching members which are separate and substantially spaced from the stimulating electrode itself.

Abstract: The contact device disclosed herein is designed for applying stimulating pulses to cardiac muscle tissue to obtain artificial pacing of the heart. Fibrosis around the stimulating electrode itself is minimized by employing a non-binding, preferably quite flexible electrode to establish the contact and using relatively stiff, prong-like attaching members which are separate and substantially spaced from the stimulating electrode itself.