Abstract: An elongate body of a medical electrical lead includes at least one conductor formed into a coil that includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends within an outer insulation sheath and the second portion extends outside the outer insulation sheath to be exposed to an environment external to the lead body as an energy dissipating shunt.

Abstract: A catheter used to deliver a medical electrical lead to a right atrium of a heart in close proximity to a His bundle. The catheter is adapted such that the distal tip confronts the His bundle generally perpendicularly. The catheter includes a proximal portion and a generally hook-shaped distal portion. The distal portion may include curves that direct the distal tip at an angle of over 180 degrees from the direction of the proximal portion.

Abstract: An elongate body of a medical electrical lead includes at least one conductor formed into a coil that includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends within an outer insulation sheath and the second portion extends outside the outer insulation sheath to be exposed to an environment external to the lead body as an energy dissipating shunt.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead comprises an elongated body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and a helical fixation member extending from the distal end of the elongated body. The helical fixation member is configured to fix the implantable medical lead at an implant site and includes a tip comprising a first surface generally facing a center axis of the helical fixation member.

Abstract: A catheter used to deliver a medical electrical lead to a right atrium of a heart in close proximity to a His bundle. The catheter is adapted such that the distal tip confronts the His bundle generally perpendicularly. The catheter includes a proximal portion and a generally hook-shaped distal portion. The distal portion may include curves that direct the distal tip at an angle of over 180 degrees from the direction of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A stimulation electrode array is described. The electrode array can include multiple electrode sets, and can be connected by a single lead to an implantable pulse generator. The implantable pulse generator can drive one set of electrodes to one potential, and another set to a different potential. When implanted in target tissue, the electrodes can stimulate the target tissue while avoiding stimulation of neighboring muscles, organs or nerves.

Abstract: A needle driver is described that can be used to drive a plurality of surgical needles into or proximate to tissue of a living body. The needle driver assists the surgeon in perforating the tissue, creating the tracts at a desired depth, and creating multiple tracts simultaneously. The needle driver is configured to hold the needles securely when creating the tracts, and is also configured to disengage from the needles after the tracts have been created.

Abstract: An electrode assembly is described that can be implanted in target tissue of a living body. The electrode assembly includes an introduction needle, a flexible leader coupled to the introduction needle, and an elongated electrode with fixation mechanisms on its proximal and distal ends. The introduction needle includes a visible marker that is a fixed distance from the pointed tip of the needle. This distance is approximately the same as the length of the electrode. During implantation, a surgeon penetrates the tissue with the introduction needle, thereby creating a tract in the tissue, and drives the needle in the tissue up to the marker, then perforates the tissue to cause the needle to emerge. This creates a tract that is approximately the same length as the electrode. The electrode can be pulled into the tract, where the fixation mechanisms resist migration from the tract.

Abstract: An electrical lead having an elongated flexible lead body having a flattened cross sectional configuration. One flattened surface is provided with at least one aperture open to a longitudinal lumen carrying an electrode lead. The electrode lead is provided with electrodes located within the aperture, and the electrode lead is slideable within the lead body to allow for adjustment of the position of the electrodes within the aperture. The lead body is also provided with at least one expansible balloon, located radially opposite the aperture. In use, the lead is advanced down the esophagus, with the surface of the lead bearing the aperture facing anteriorly. Inflation of the balloon urges the aperture and the electrodes located therein adjacent the anterior surface of the esophagus. After inflation of the balloon, the electrode lead may be moved within the lead body to allow for adjacent of electrode location.

Abstract: A medical electrode lead employing one or more elongated electrode coils embedded in the surface of a flexible base pad. The electrode coils take the form of space wound coils following tortuous paths over the surface of the base pad to provide a large surface area electrode. The electrode coils include a plurality of spaced, generally parallel electrode coil segments. Located intermediate adjacent the parallel electrode coil segments are grooves or pleats, molded into the base pad. These grooves or pleats provide increased elasticity of the electrode and increased ability to conform to the contours of the heart. Insulative cores taking the form of plastic tubes are located within the electrode coils to prevent tissue ingrowth between the individual electrode coils, without induly reducing flexibility of the electrode.