Abstract: A lead connector arrangement includes a non-cylindrically shaped connector pin coupled to a lead conductor and a connector sleeve assembly for receiving the non-cylindrically shaped connector pin. The connector sleeve assembly includes an insert with an axial bore formed therein that complements the shape of the non-cylindrical connector pin. According to one embodiment, the non-cylindrical connector pin may be provided in the form of a triangular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal shape. The axial bore has a complimentary shape to receive the connector pin. When the connector pin is threaded through the connector sleeve assembly using a pull-wire device, the pull-wire device may be unscrewed from the connector pin without causing axial rotation of the lead conductor when the connector pin is fully inserted within the axial bore.

Abstract: An adaptor couples multiple high-voltage connector elements included on a plurality of medical electrical lead connectors to a single connector port of an implantable medical device thereby facilitating alternative high-voltage therapy vectors.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes an electrode, a connector terminal and an auxiliary connector port, which includes a connector contact adapted to electrically couple an electrode of a second lead. A first connector element of the connector terminal is coupled to the electrode via a first insulated conductor, and a second connector element of the connector terminal is coupled, via a second insulated conductor, to the connector contact included in the auxiliary port.

Abstract: A medical lead adapter assembly is provided for facilitating an electrical connection between an implantable medical lead connector and an external medical device. The adapter includes a housing, having a sidewall and a longitudinally extending connector receptacle, and at least one contact opening passing through the sidewall to the receptacle. The contact opening is positioned in a location corresponding with at least one ring contact of the lead connector, when the lead connector is engaged within the receptacle, and allows electrical connection between at least one contact element of the external medical device and the at least one ring contact of the lead connector.

Abstract: A lead connector arrangement includes a non-cylindrically shaped connector pin coupled to a lead conductor and a connector sleeve assembly for receiving the non-cylindrically shaped connector pin. The connector sleeve assembly includes an insert with an axial bore formed therein that complements the shape of the non-cylindrical connector pin. According to one embodiment, the non-cylindrical connector pin may be provided in the form of a triangular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal shape. The axial bore has a complimentary shape to receive the connector pin. When the connector pin is threaded through the connector sleeve assembly using a pull-wire device, the pull-wire device may be unscrewed from the connector pin without causing axial rotation of the lead conductor when the connector pin is fully inserted within the axial bore.

Abstract: An adaptor couples multiple high-voltage connector elements included on a plurality of medical electrical lead connectors to a single connector port of an implantable medical device thereby facilitating alternative high-voltage therapy vectors.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes an electrode, a connector terminal and an auxiliary connector port, which includes a connector contact adapted to electrically couple an electrode of a second lead. A first connector element of the connector terminal is coupled to the electrode via a first insulated conductor, and a second connector element of the connector terminal is coupled, via a second insulated conductor, to the connector contact included in the auxiliary port.

Abstract: A medical lead adapter assembly is provided for facilitating an electrical connection between an implantable medical lead connector and an external medical device. The adapter includes a housing, having a sidewall and a longitudinally extending connector receptacle, and at least one contact opening passing through the sidewall to the receptacle. The contact opening is positioned in a location corresponding with at least one ring contact of the lead connector, when the lead connector is engaged within the receptacle, and allows electrical connection between at least one contact element of the external medical device and the at least one ring contact of the lead connector.

Abstract: An adaptor facilitating electrical connection between an implantable medical lead connector and an external medical device includes a longitudinally extending connector receptacle formed by a first and second housing portion flexibly joined together. An inner surface of the connector receptacle is opened, to facilitate insertion of the connector therein, by means of a first lever arm extending laterally from the first housing portion and a second lever arm extending laterally from the second housing portion. An electrical contact formed within the inner surface of the connector receptacle is adapted to electrically engage at least one ring contact of the connector when the connector is fully inserted within the connector receptacle. An external contact surface, formed upon the first lever arm and electrically coupled to the electrical contact via a conductive pathway, is adapted for coupling with a contact element of the external medical device.

Abstract: A dual chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is configured for enabling quadrapolar dual lead systems, having differing lead connector configurations, to properly function in corresponding quadrapolar ports of the ICD. A header assembly, mounted on the ICD provides an electrical junction point between the cardiac leads and electrical circuitry in the ICD. The header assembly includes at least two ports therein, wherein each port includes a first and a second substantially longitudinal bore. Terminal blocks are located in the first bores, and spring clip contacts are located in the second bores. Electrical isolation is provided between electrical contacts located in the ports and corresponding lead connectors. A jumper connection includes electrical connection to certain spring clip contacts, one contact being located in a separate port. Subsequently, cardiac leads with differing lead connectors may be inserted into the ports to enable proper function.

Abstract: A lead connector arrangement includes a non-cylindrically shaped connector pin coupled to a lead conductor and a connector sleeve assembly for receiving the non-cylindrically shaped connector pin. The connector sleeve assembly includes an insert with an axial bore formed therein that complements the shape of the non-cylindrical connector pin. According to one embodiment, the non-cylindrical connector pin may be provided in the form of a triangular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal shape. The axial bore has a complimentary shape to receive the connector pin. When the connector pin is threaded through the connector sleeve assembly using a pull-wire device, the pull-wire device may be unscrewed from the connector pin without causing axial rotation of the lead conductor when the connector pin is fully inserted within the axial bore.

Abstract: In an endocardial, active fixation, screw-in lead of the type having a fixation helix adapted to be rotated in a first, advancement direction out of an electrode head chamber and into cardiac tissue by rotation of a lead connector end and attached lead conductor with respect to an insulating sheath in the first direction and retracted into the chamber by rotation of the lead connector in the opposite, retraction direction, a retraction stop mechanism for preventing over rotation of the helix in the retraction direction. The rotational motion of the lead conductor is transmitted to the helix by a connecting assembly and is translated into axial advancement and retraction of the helix by a guide cooperating with the helix turns. A retraction stop mechanism stops rotation of the helix in the retraction direction upon full retraction of the helix into the chamber and allows rotation of helix in the advancement direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implantation of an electrode system. The apparatus includes a pacing lead and an extender, both of which are provided with internal stylet lumens. When coupled to one another, the stylet lumen of the extender is in communication with the stylet lumen of the lead, allowing passage of a stylet through both lead and extender, while coupled together.

Abstract: An implantable electrode of the type in which an elongated wire coil forms the electrode surface. The electrode coil is mounted around an insulative lead body and is stabilized on the lead body by means of a plastic filler between the individual turns of the electrode coil, extending radially outward to approximately one-third of the diameter of the electrode coil wire. The filler is produced by stretching a portion of the lead body which normally displays an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the electrode coil, sliding the electrode coil over the lead body and inserting a mandral into the lead body to urge the lead body into contact with the electrode coil. This assembly is heated to encourage flow of the lead body into the spaces between the electrode coil to stabilize the coil on electrode body and to prevent fibrotic ingrowth around the electrode coil wire.

Abstract: An implantable electrode of the type in which an elongated wire coil forms the electrode surface. The electrode coil is mounted around an insulative lead body and is stabilized on the lead body by means of a plastic filler between the individual turns of the electrode coil, extending radially outwardly to approximately one-third of the diameter of the electrode coil wire. The filler is produced by stretching a portion of the lead body which normally displays an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the electrode coil, sliding the electrode coil over the lead body and inserting a mandrel into the lead body to urge the lead body into contact with the electrode coil. This assembly is heated to encourage flow of the lead body into the spaces between the electrode coil to stabilize the coil on electrode body and to prevent fibrotic ingrowth around the electrode coil wire.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead incorporating an electrode assembly which dispenses a drug adjacent the stimulation site. The lead is provided with a fixation helix located at the distal end of the lead. An electrode may be extended distally within the helix. When extended, the electrode serves as a guard against perforation or other damage to tissue by the helix. In its retracted position, the electrode is located roughly adjacent the distal end of the lead body, and lies against the tissue to be stimulated. Advancing and retraction of the electrode is accomplished by means of a stylet which is removably engageable with the proximal end of the electrode. In one embodiment, the stylet functions to both advance and retract the electrode. In an alternative embodiment, the stylet is used only to advance the electrode, and retraction of the electrode is accomplished by a resilient conductor.

Abstract: An epicardial defibrillation electrode employing an elongated, coil electrode embedded in the surface of a flexible electrode pad. The coil electrode provides increased flexibility and superior electrode flex life. The arrangement of the coil electrode provides uniform current distribution.

Abstract: A connector for use in conjunction with implantable, medical electrical leads, such as cardiac pacing leads. The connector is of the type known in the pacing industry as "in-line", and includes an elongated connector pin and a cylindrical connector ring, spaced longitudinally from one another, and separated by an insulative segment. The connector pin is adapted to rotate within the connector, in order to transmit torque down the body of the electrical lead to activate a fixation device or other apparatus. Surrounding the connector pin is an elongated bearing sleeve which engages an elongated, reduced diameter segment of the connector pin. The connector pin is provided with circumferential shoulders at the proximal and distal ends of the reduced diameter portion of the pin, which in turn engage the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: An epicardial defibrillation electrode employing an elongated, coil electrode embedded in the surface of a flexible electrode pad. The coil electrode provides increased flexibility and superior electrode flex life. The arrangement of the coil electrode provides uniform current distribution. The electrode takes the form of a space wound coil following a tortuous path over the surface of the electrode pad to provide a large surface area to reduce current density. In some embodiments, an insulative core is located within the lumen of the coil.