Abstract: A lead assembly that includes a body with a proximal end and a distal end and at least one conductor disposed within the body. A distal electrode is at the distal end of the body and is electrically coupled with at least one of the conductors. A first electrode is also on the body and electrically coupled with at least one of the conductors. The lead assembly further includes a neck that is less stiff than the body. The neck is between the distal end of the body and the first electrode assembly. A fixation mechanism at the distal end of the body is capable of securing the lead assembly to a septum in a heart. A method is provided which includes advancing a lead assembly using a catheter until the lead assembly is near tissue, such as a septum in a heart. The lead assembly includes a body and a neck that is less stiff than the body. The method further includes affixing a distal end of the body to the septum, and removing the catheter to allow at least a portion of the neck to drop against the septum.

Abstract: A medical device for use with an implantable lead includes a force monitoring system coupled with the device. The force monitoring system monitors force placed on the medical device and/or the lead. Optionally the system compares the force with a preset limit, and notifies a user once the preset limit has been reached.

Abstract: A lead body includes an electrode coupled to an intermediate portion of the lead body. A distal end of the lead includes a pre-formed, biased shape adapted to passively fixate the distal end of the lead within a pulmonary artery with the electrode positioned in the right ventricle or ventricular outflow tract. The lead body can include a preformed J-shape, with the electrode coupled to the intermediate portion of the lead body and located distally from a bottom of the pre-formed J-shape. The lead body can include a section of the intermediate portion of the lead body being less stiff than adjacent sections of the lead body with the electrode coupled to the intermediate portion of the lead body and located distally from the less stiff section.

Abstract: A pacing lead having a lead body configured into a pre-formed J-shape. The lead includes a pacing electrode coupled to an intermediate portion of the lead body and located distally from a bottom of the pre-formed J-shape. The lead is adapted to be placed within a heart in a J-shaped configuration with the electrode positioned proximate a ventricular septum or a right ventricular outflow tract such that at least a portion of the distal end of the lead body is located within a pulmonary artery. In one embodiment, the distal end of the lead is configured to be passively fixated within the pulmonary artery. Another aspect includes a lead body wherein a section of the intermediate portion of the lead body is less stiff than adjacent sections of the lead body. The lead includes a pacing electrode coupled to the intermediate portion of the lead body and located distally from the less stiff section.

Abstract: A lead including a lead body configured into a pre-formed J-shape, and a shocking electrode coupled proximate the distal end of the lead body and located distally from a bottom of the pre-formed J-shape, wherein the lead is adapted to be placed within a heart in a J-shaped configuration with the lead extending through the right ventricle and the electrode positioned within a pulmonary artery. The lead can include a distal end adapted for being passively fixated within a pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A lead has a flexible lead body which extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The lead body has a conductor coupled with an electrode. At least a portion of the conductor includes a layer of echogenic material encapsulated by the lead body. Alternatively, the echogenic material includes a coating of material. Optionally, the layer of echogenic material is disposed on at least a portion of the conductor or on one or more portions of the conductor.

Abstract: A lead comprising both a main lead and a transverse lead. The main lead includes a main lead body with a longitudinal axis and at least one electrode. The Transverse lead includes a transverse lead body and at least one electrode, where the transverse lead body extends laterally from the main lead body and curves around the longitudinal axis of the main lead body to partially encircle at least a portion of the main lead. In one embodiment, the transverse lead is adapted to press the at least one electrode on the transverse lead against endocardial tissue. At least a portion of the main lead and at least a portion of the transverse lead are both adapted to be housed within and pass through an implant catheter. In an alternative embodiment, there is a lead system which comprises a first lead and a second lead, where the second lead includes a sleeve, where the first lead is adapted to move through the sleeve to attach the first lead to the second lead.

Abstract: An assembly includes an introducing assembly having an elongate tubular sheath which has an external diameter. The sheath, which extends from a distal end to a proximal end, has a bore including an internal diameter sized to receive a dilator therethrough. The sheath includes a movable suture sleeve thereon. A method includes inserting an introducing assembly into a living body, and sliding a protector over a portion of the instrument and into a costoclavicular space.

Abstract: A lead has a flexible lead body which extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The lead body has a conductor coupled with an electrode. At least a portion of the conductor includes a layer of echogenic material encapsulated by the lead body. Alternatively, the echogenic material includes a coating of material. Optionally, the layer of echogenic material is disposed on at least a portion of the conductor or on one or more portions of the conductor.

Abstract: A lead comprising both a main lead and a transverse lead. The main lead includes a main lead body with a longitudinal axis and at least one electrode. The Transverse lead includes a transverse lead body and at least one electrode, where the transverse lead body extends laterally from the main lead body and curves around the longitudinal axis of the main lead body to partially encircle at least a portion of the main lead. In one embodiment, the transverse lead is adapted to press the at least one electrode on the transverse lead against endocardial tissue. At least a portion of the main lead and at least a portion of the transverse lead are both adapted to be housed within and pass through an implant catheter. In an alternative embodiment, there is a lead system which comprises a first lead and a second lead, where the second lead includes a sleeve, where the first lead is adapted to move through the sleeve to attach the first lead to the second lead.

Abstract: A system which includes a catheter and at least a first and second lead, where the catheter includes an elongate catheter body having at least two lumens through which the first and second leads pass. In one embodiment, the leads are reduced diameter leads having a complete, partial or no stylet lumen. The elongate catheter body further includes a first section and a second section, where there is a transition (e.g., a tapered portion) between the first section and the second section. A first lumen extends through the first section and the second section between a first inlet at the proximal end to a first outlet at the distal end. A second lumen extends through the first section between a second inlet at the proximal end to a second outlet at a point in the first section. In one embodiment, the second outlet is located approximately at the transition between the first section and the second section.

Abstract: An assembly includes an introducing assembly having an elongate tubular sheath which has an external diameter. The sheath, which extends from a distal end to a proximal end, has a bore including an internal diameter sized to receive a dilator therethrough. The sheath includes a movable suture sleeve thereon. A method includes inserting an introducing assembly into a living body, and sliding a protector over a portion of the instrument and into a costoclavicular space.

Abstract: An extractable lead and method for lead explantation is provided. The lead includes a distal element having a cavity. The cavity shaped to receive the distal end of a removal stylet. The cavity and the distal end configured to cooperate such that the distal end is secured within the cavity by rotation of the stylet. The method provides for removal of an implanted lead by securing a distal end of a removal stylet with a cavity by rotation and applying an extracting force to the lead through the removal stylet.

Abstract: A pacing lead and method for implanting the lead are provided. The lead includes a reduced diameter lead body and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is provided with a stylet guide, a cavity or a flange to facilitate the leads implantation with the reduced diameter lead body. The method for implanting further includes providing a guide catheter and a stylet to locate the electrode assembly at a target position in the heart.