Abstract: A pulse generator having a housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator defibrillation circuitry, particularly adapted to allow for ease of manufacture and use, is disclosed. At least one surface of the housing is electrically conductive and connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering defibrillating energy to the heart. The defibrillator is provided with a case activating lead connector cavity having two connector blocks. By plugging in a lead with a pin long enough to contact the only first connector block, the lead becomes active. Using a plug with a longer pin to contact both blocks activates the can. To use neither a lead in the case activating port, nor an active can, a plug with a short or nonconductive pin may be used to plug the cavity without activating the can. By using this system, various electrode configurations can be used as required to provide the optimum system for a given patient.

Abstract: A lead for use with an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator system is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the lead combines a right ventricular endocardial electrode, a superior vena cava electrode and one or more atrial sensing electrodes on a single catheter lead. The distal end of the lead is transvenously implanted, typically through an incision in the cephalic or subclavian vein. The proximal end of the lead is then tunneled below the fascia to the location of the pulse generator. Ventricular sensing and/or pacing electrode(s) may also be included at the distal end of the combined lead to provide ventricular intracardiac electrogram sensing and bradycardia pacing.