Abstract: A composite wire can include a core including a material chosen from the group consisting of Ag and Ir and combinations thereof, a shell around the core including a material chosen from the group consisting of Ta, MP35N, and Nb and combinations thereof, and an outer layer over the shell including a material chosen from the group consisting of Pt and Pt—Ir and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A header for an implantable pulse generator includes a header body having a passage and a header contact located within the passage to receive a corresponding contact of a lead. The header contact includes an MP35N alloy material having been heat-treated at about 1950° F. or less for about 5 minutes or less.

Abstract: A body implantable lead for placement in a selected coronary vein includes a resilient retention structure for inhibiting displacement of the lead because of heart beat action, breathing or other body movement. The retention structure includes a plurality of resilient projections that are attached to the lead body and which are adapted to project at a predetermined acute angle to the axis of the lead body when unconstrained. Prior to being routed through the vascular system, the projections can be bonded to the lead body to provide a low profile with a biodegradable adhesive. Following exposure to body fluids, the adhesive dissolves, releasing the projections so that they can engage the walls of the vein in which the lead is disposed.