Abstract: An implantable lead is disclosed which includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions. At least one defibrillation assembly is operatively associated with the distal end portion of the lead body for delivering electrical energy to cardiac tissue. The defibrillation assembly includes a plurality of axially spaced apart conductive hull assemblies that at least partially surround the elongated lead body, and a helically wound shocking coil that extends over the axially spaced apart hull assemblies so that a series of annular void regions are defined by the shocking coil, the lead body, and adjacent hull assemblies, whereby the annular void regions allow the shocking coil to articulate, thereby inhibiting buckling of the shocking coil.

Abstract: An implantable medical and related cardiac rhythm management system include a device having a housing, means disposed within the housing for performing a function, and a header operatively associated with the housing, containing a first coil communicating with the means for facilitating a function, wherein the first coil is adapted and configured to facilitate bi-directional inductive telemetry with a second coil associated with an external programming device. Alternatively, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, the external programming device includes a second coil adapted and configured to form an inductive link with the first coil to facilitate uni-directional inductive telemetry between the external programming device and the pacemaker, with return communications being transmitted separately from the pacemaker to the external programming device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed to female connectors which can be employed in a quick connect/disconnect system used in medical devices to provide a non-permanent electrical and mechanical engagement with a male connector. The female connectors include, inter alia, a connector body that has an outer periphery and an aperture extending therethrough. The connector body has a flexible, non-conductive portion and a conductive portion which is at least partially exposed in the aperture and on the outer periphery of the connector body. The connector body is constructed such that when a male connector is inserted into the aperture of the connector body, the flexible, non-conductive part and the conductive part of the connecter body cooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture, creating contact pressure between the conductive part of the connector body and the male connector.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and a fluid delivery lumen extending therethrough. A connector assembly is operatively associated with the proximal end portion of the lead body. The connector assembly has a threaded engagement stem depending therefrom, and the lead includes a ported connector fitting having a body with a threaded engagement bore for threadably engaging the engagement stem. The body of the fitting has at least one passageway extending therethrough for communicating with the fluid delivery lumen of the lead body.

Abstract: A lead adapter is disclosed which includes a connector portion having a connector configured for reception by an electrical stimulation device and a receptacle portion electrically connected to the connector portion and having at least two receptacles for operatively accepting lead connectors, wherein at least one of the receptacles of the receptacle portion is configured to operatively accept a different type of lead connector than another receptacle of the receptacle portion.

Abstract: A vascular introducer assembly is disclosed that includes a dilator, a sheath having an axial lumen for accommodating the dilator, a locking collar for securing the dilator and the sheath to one another and an adjustable hemostatic seal for preventing fluid egress from the axial lumen and restricting insertion of instruments through the axial lumen.

Abstract: A cardiac lead is disclosed which includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal ends, a tip electrode operatively associated with the distal end of the elongated lead body, a connector operatively associated with the proximal end of the elongated lead body and electrically connected to the tip electrode, and a cylindrical eluting ring disposed proximate the tip electrode and formed from a compound including an elastomer and about 15% to 25% by weight medicament.

Abstract: A permanent implantable lead having an elongated lead body with a proximal end and a distal end. A multifilar conductor having electrically active elements for providing electrical communication between connectors at the proximal end and electrical components between the proximal and distal ends of the lead body, wherein hulls facilitate resilient, low profile, efficient connection between the multifilar conductor and electrical components and seals secure the position of the electrical components. The hulls are located radially outward of the conductor and radially inward of the electrical components and the seals are located radially outward of the electrical components.

Abstract: A cardiac lead delivery device is disclosed which includes an elongated carrier body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining an interior channel for accommodating implantable cardiac leads, and an adjustable collar for securing the implantable cardiac leads within the interior channel of the carrier body during delivery to an implantation site.

Abstract: A lead adapter is disclosed which includes a connector portion having a connector configured for reception by an electrical stimulation device and a receptacle portion electrically connected to the connector portion and having at least two receptacles for operatively accepting lead connectors, wherein at least one of the receptacles of the receptacle portion is configured to operatively accept a different type of lead connector than another receptacle of the receptacle portion.

Abstract: An epicardial screw-in lead is disclosed which includes an elongated lead body, an electrode housing at a distal end of the lead body for stimulating cardiac tissue, and a helical fixation screw within the electrode housing which can be extended to affix the electrode housing to the cardiac tissue. Preferably at least a portion of the helical fixation screw is electrically active. A lead implantation kit is also disclosed that can include the screw-in lead, a screwdriver tipped stylet for activating the screw, and a flexible guiding sheath for directing the tip of the stylet to the electrode housing.

Abstract: A permanent implantable lead having an elongated lead body with at least one multifilar conductor having electrically active elements for providing electrical communication between connectors at a proximal end and electrical components at a distal end of the lead body, and one or more electrically inactive elements for insulating the electrically active elements from one another.

Abstract: A percutaneous vascular introducer is disclosed which includes a dilator having an elongated tubular body defining opposed proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion of the dilator having, among other things, radiopaque characteristics to facilitate the safe placement of the distal tip of the dilator, and an elongated sheath having an interior lumen dimensioned and configured to accommodate the dilator.

Abstract: An epicardial screw-in lead is disclosed which includes an elongated lead body, an electrode housing at a distal end of the lead body for stimulating cardiac tissue, and a helical fixation screw within the electrode housing which can be extended to affix the electrode housing to the cardiac tissue. Preferably at least a portion of the helical fixation screw is electrically active. A lead implantation kit is also disclosed that can include the screw-in lead, a screwdriver tipped stylet for activating the screw, and a flexible guiding sheath for directing the tip of the stylet to the electrode housing.

Abstract: A cardiac lead is disclosed that includes a first lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and an interior lumen extending therethrough. The first lead body includes a sensor for measuring blood flow parameters to facilitate placement of the distal end portion thereof adjacent the coronary sinus. The first lead body has a distal electrode operatively associated with the distal end portion thereof and a proximal electrode operatively associated with the proximal end thereof. The second lead body has opposed proximal and distal end portions. A distal electrode is operatively associated with the distal end portion thereof and a proximal electrode operatively associated with the proximal end thereof. The second elongated lead body is dimensioned and configured for accommodation within the interior lumen of the first lead body.

Abstract: A cardiac lead is disclosed that includes a first lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and an interior lumen extending therethrough, the first lead body having a distal electrode operatively associated with the distal end portion thereof and a proximal electrode operatively associated with the proximal end thereof, and a second lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, the second lead body having a distal electrode operatively associated with the distal end portion thereof and a proximal electrode operatively associated with the proximal end thereof, wherein the second elongated lead body is dimensioned and configured for accommodation within the interior lumen of the first lead body.

Abstract: A cardiac lead delivery device is disclosed which includes an elongated carrier body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining an interior channel for accommodating implantable cardiac leads, and an adjustable collar for securing the implantable cardiac leads within the interior channel of the carrier body during delivery to an implantation site.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead is disclosed that includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and a fluid delivery lumen extending therethrough. A connector assembly is operatively associated with the proximal end portion of the lead body. The connector assembly has a threaded engagement stem depending therefrom, and the lead includes a ported connector fitting having a body with a threaded engagement bore for threadably engaging the engagement stem. The body of the fitting has at least one passageway extending therethrough for communicating with the fluid delivery lumen of the lead body.