Abstract: A lead-in-lead system may include a first implantable lead having a first electrode and a second implantable lead having a second electrode guided by the first implantable lead to an implantation site. The second electrode may be implanted in a patient's heart distal to the first electrode at the same implantation site or at a second implantation site. Various methods may be used to deliver the lead-in-lead system to one or more implantation sites including at the triangle of Koch for ventricle-from-atrium (VfA) therapy, at the right ventricular septal wall for dual bundle-branch pacing, or in the coronary vasculature for left side sensing and pacing.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Abstract: A partially-masked electrode includes a conductive material and an insulated coating having an outer surface. The insulated coating defines a contoured opening that exposes or reveals an area of the conductive material, wherein the contoured opening has an upper perimeter at the outer surface of the insulated coating. When the upper perimeter of the insulated surface coating is placed in contact with a tissue of interest, wherein the tissue of interest is proximate a blood pool, the insulated coating creates a seal between the blood pool and the contoured opening so that no blood in the blood pool can contact the conductive material. This seal reduces or eliminates the reception of far field effects in the blood pool by the electrode, making it easier to locate and diagnose unhealthy tissue.

Abstract: A device, system and method for temperature-based lesion formation assessment and mapping functionality using an accessory usable with an over-the-wire balloon catheter. The device may include a first annular element, a plurality of wires coupled to the first annular element, and a second annular element, the plurality of wires passing from the first annular element through the second annular element and into an elongate wire conduit coupled to the second annular element. At least one of the plurality of wires may include at least one temperature sensor and/or at least one mapping electrode. The first annular element coupled to an outer surface of a sheath. As a balloon catheter is advanced out of the sheath lumen, the distal tip of the catheter engages the second annular element and pushes the wires out of the sheath lumen, everting them over the balloon of the catheter.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a method for a ring electrode, including: providing an outer element with an outer tube and providing a first inner element with a first inner tube having a first core made of a sacrificial material. A material of the outer element and a material of the first inner element have a similar microstructure. A second inner element is provided with a second core made of a sacrificial material; A connection tube is formed by arranging the first inner element and the second inner element within the outer element. The first inner element and the second inner element are arranged concentrically. The composite tube is drawn in a longitudinal direction of the composite tube. The material of the outer element and the material of the first inner element maintain a simialar microstructure. A connection tube disc is seperated from the connection tube.

Abstract: In various examples, a medical device is configured to be at least partially insertable within a patient. The medical device includes a first elongate member including a sidewall surrounding and defining a lumen extending through the first elongate member between a first proximal end and a first distal end. A second elongate member is sized and shaped to fit within the lumen of the first elongate member. A coil is disposed within the sidewall of the first elongate member, wherein the coil is configured to sense a position of the second elongate member with respect to the coil. In some examples, the first elongate member includes a catheter, and the second elongate member includes a guidewire.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting a lead. The system includes an active guidewire having proximal and distal ends. The distal end includes a guidewire anchor that is configured to be attached to a target SOI. The active guidewire is configured to be utilized to electrically map the target SOI by at least one of delivering stimulation energy through the active guide wire to the target SOI or sensing an evoked response at the target SOI from the guidewire. The system also includes a lead having a lead body with proximal and distal ends and with a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the lead body is configured to receive the proximal end of the active guidewire. The lumen is configured to permit the lead body to be advanced over the active guidewire.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implanting a medical device. An implantable lead comprises a lead body, with electrodes positioned at the distal end and a lead connector positioned at the proximal end. The lead body has a body outer envelope configured to fit within a lumen of an introducer sheath and the lead connector has a connector outer envelope configured to fit within the lumen of the introducer sheath. A lead adaptor is configured to interconnect the implantable lead and the pulse generator. The lead adaptor has an insertable connector that includes mating contacts and an adaptor cavity that includes cavity contacts. The cavity contacts are positioned to engage the lead contacts of the lead connector when the lead connector is inserted into the adaptor cavity. The insertable connector is configured to be inserted into the connector cavity of the pulse generator.

Abstract: A subcutaneous lead for an implantable cardiac device, in particular for a defibrillator or/and a pacemaker comprising a lead body, itself comprising at least one sensing electrode and an insulating sleeve into which the lead body is threaded so that the insulating sleeve and the lead body are movable relative to each other so as to at least partially cover the at least one sensing electrode with the insulating sleeve.

Abstract: Electrophysiology mapping and visualization systems are described herein where such devices may be used to visualize tissue regions as well as map the electrophysiological activity of the tissue. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. A position of the catheter and/or hood may be tracked and the hood may also be used to detect the electrophysiological activity of the visualized tissue for mapping.

Abstract: A pacemaker has a housing and a therapy delivery circuit enclosed by the housing for generating pacing pulses for delivery to a patient's heart. An electrically insulative distal member is coupled directly to the housing and at least one non-tissue piercing cathode electrode is coupled directly to the insulative distal member. A tissue piercing electrode extends away from the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a plasma treatment (under atmospheric conditions or under vacuum conditions) of a jacketed cable comprising a cable jacket and a heat shrink tubing. The plasma treatment improves retention properties of an optical fiber cable assembly by imparting a permanent change on a polymer surface of the cable jacket by cross-linking, leading to eventual graphitization, that can result in a diffusion barrier layer at an interface of the cable jacket and the heat shrink tubing, which prevents or minimizes plasticizer migration and results in an environmental seal (e.g., a long-term water tight seal).

Abstract: A shield located within an implantable medical lead may be terminated in various ways. The shield may be terminated by butt, scarf, lap, or other joints between insulation layers surrounding the lead and an insulation extension. For lap joints, a portion of an outer insulation layer may be removed and a replacement outer insulation layer is positioned in place of the removed outer insulation layer, where the replacement layer extends beyond an inner insulation layer and the shield. The replacement layer may also lap onto a portion of the insulation extension. The barbs may be located between the replacement layer and the inner insulation layer or the insulation extension. The shield wires have ends at the termination point that may be folded over individually or may be capped with a ring located within one of the insulation layers of the jacket.

Abstract: A medical lead includes a lead body, a proximal connector, a helix extending from a distal end of the lead body. The helix is configured to anchor to a patient tissue, and the helix forms a helical electrode. The medical lead further includes a distal ring electrode, and a cable within the lead body, the cable including a cable conductor, a cable electrode proximate a distal end of the cable conductor, and a blunt dissection tip at a distal end of the cable. The cable is slidable within the lead body to extend and retract the cable electrode along a trajectory extending from the distal end of the lead body. When the helix is anchored to the patient tissue, the blunt dissection tip is configured to blunt dissect the patient tissue along the trajectory extending from the distal end of the lead body through extension of the cable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for delivering an electrical current. Optical signals are sent through a group of optical fibers in a medium. Response optical signals occurring in response to the optical signals sent through the group of optical fibers are detected when the group of optical fibers is located in the medium. A group of parameters for the medium is determined using the response optical signals. A group of electrical currents is sent through a group of electrodes based on the group of parameters, wherein the group of electrodes emit the group of electrical currents.

Abstract: A navigation system or combination of navigation systems can be used to provide one or more navigation modalities to track a position and navigate a single instrument in a volume. For example, both an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) navigation system can be used to navigate an instrument within the volume. The two navigation systems may be used separately to selectively individually navigate the single instrument in the volume. Disclosed are also systems and processes to determine a shape of the single instrument either alone or in combination with the position of the instrument. The instrument may be navigated with the addition of tracking devices or with native or inherent portions of the instrument.

Abstract: A valve bypass tool, and a biostimulator transport system having such a valve bypass tool, is described. The valve bypass tool includes an annular seal to seal against a protective sheath of the biostimulator transport system. The valve bypass tool is slidably mounted on the protective sheath and includes a bypass sheath to insert into an access introducer. The valve bypass tool can lock onto the access introducer by mating a locking tab of the valve bypass tool with a locking groove of the access introducer. The locking tab can have a decent that securely fastens the components to resist decoupling when the biostimulator transport system is advanced through the access introducer into a patient anatomy. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A pacemaker lead for cerclage pacing includes a lead fixing part including a fixing tip whose diameter becomes gradually smaller toward an end of a distal part thereof, a plurality of bipolar electrodes that come into close contact with heart muscle, in an outer circumference of the lead fixing part, and a guide wire insertion through hole through which a guide wire can be inserted thereinto, a lead body part configured to be extended to the lead fixing part, having a stylet insertion through hole formed therein, and a body fixing part formed in a bent shape so as to be fixed to an inner wall of the coronary sinus, and a stylet inserted into the stylet insertion through hole, enabling the pacemaker lead for cerclage pacing to be easily moved within the body of the patient.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for pacing a HIS bundle of a patient. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may include applying stimulation energy through one or more of a plurality of electrodes to direct a stimulation locus and pace a HIS bundle of a patient.

Abstract: A method of cannulating a coronary sinus within a heart chamber includes deploying, from a catheter, an imaging hood to a deployed configuration by extending the imaging hood from a distal end of the catheter and radially expanding the imaging hood to define a constant deployed volume within an open area of the imaging hood. The method further includes positioning a contact edge of the imaging hood and the open area of the imaging hood in the deployed configuration over or upon an ostium of the coronary sinus, displacing an opaque fluid with a transparent fluid from the open area defined by the imaging hood and tissue surrounding the ostium, visualizing the ostium through the transparent fluid by viewing the ostium via an imaging element attached to an inner surface of the imaging hood, and introducing a guidewire through the imaging hood and into the ostium while under visual guidance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes delivering to a native valve annulus (e.g., a native mitral valve annulus) of a heart a prosthetic heart valve (200) having a body (242) expandable from a collapsed, delivery configuration to an expanded, deployed configuration. The method can further include, after the delivering, causing the prosthetic heart valve to move from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration. With the prosthetic heart valve in its deployed configuration, an anchoring tether (191) extending from the prosthetic heart valve can be secured to a wall (Vw) of the heart (H). An electrode (189) coupled to at least one of the prosthetic heart valve or the anchoring tether can then be used to at least one of pace the heart or sense a signal associated with the heart.

Abstract: An implantable direct-current electrode assembly (20, 120) has two implantable electrodes (30; 40) and a control circuit (50), to which the first and the second electrodes (30; 40) are electrically connected. The control circuit (50) is designed to establish a potential difference between the two electrodes (30; 40), so that a direct current (55) can flow between the two electrodes (30; 40). One of the electrodes (30) is a coil electrode with a maximum length that is pre-determined by the distance between the tricuspid valve and the end of the right ventricle lying opposite the tricuspid valve and the pulmonary valve. The counter-electrode (40) can be a coil electrode for the coronary sinus, or a plate electrode that can be attached to the exterior of the left ventricle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a neural electrode and a method of manufacturing the electrode, more particularly, a neural electrode includes a porous nanostructure; and an iridium oxide layer formed on the porous nanostructure and a method of manufacturing the neural electrode, improving an electrode efficiency by increasing a charge injection limit capacity and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for transeptal punctures provide audible feedback to an operator or clinician with information to identify an intended needle or instrument pathway. Despite improved safety and simplification of the TSP itself, the apparatus enables the operator to optimize a crossing angle for various procedures, including PV isolation, valve repair, and appendage closure.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to fabricate and operate an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device can include a housing portion defining an interior chamber. The implantable medical device can include a circuit in the interior chamber. The implantable medical device can include a first electronic component that is not in the interior chamber. The implantable medical device can include a substrate coupled to the housing, the substrate including a first via extending through the substrate, the first via electrically coupling the first electronic component to the circuit.

Abstract: An implantable electrical contact arrangement is described which has at least one electrode body arrangement composed otherwise entirely of biocompatible, electrically insulating material, with at least one freely accessible electrode surface enclosed directly or indirectly by the biocompatible electrically insulating material. The invention is characterized in that the electrode body arrangement has a stack-shaped layer composite which provides at least one gold layer connected to an iridium layer via a diffusion barrier layer. The stack-shaped layer composite by being completely encapsulated by an SiC layer, with the exception of at least one surface region of the iridium layer facing to be directed away from the layer composite. The SiC layer has an SiC layer surface which is facing to be directed away from the stack-shaped layer composite and which is adjoined directly or indirectly by the biocompatible, electrically insulating material.

Abstract: A trans-atrial septal catheter system for delivery of a steerable sheath into the left atrium contains three components. The first component is a three-segmented needle-guide wire composed of a distal needle designed to flex sharply in relation to the conjoined looped guide wire segment after fossa ovalis puncture and needle advancement. The distal guide wire loops are advanced into the left atrium maintaining the angled needle in a central location relevant to the loops for preserving an atraumatic position while stabilizing the loops in the left atrium. The elongated proximal extra stiff guide wire segment is conjoined to the looped segment which crosses the fossa ovalis and extends proximally to become externalized to the femoral vein. This segment is extra stiff and significantly elongated to permit catheter and device exchanges. The guide wire serves as a support rail over which the dilator and sheath can be advanced into the left atrium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector cap, in particular for an implantable lead, the electrical connector cap comprising an elongated body having at least one lumen and at least one through hole extending from an outer surface of the elongated body into the lumen, and at least one electrically conductive member arranged on an outer circumference of the elongated body over said at least one through hole of the elongated body. Furthermore, said at least one electrically conductive member comprises at least one through hole (extending from an outer surface of the electrically conductive member into the lumen through said at least one through hole of the elongated body. The disclosure further relates to implantable lead assemblies comprising said electrical connector cap, and to an implantable lead member usable with said electrical connector cap.

Abstract: An ablation catheter adapted for use with a guide wire has a 3-D shaped portion that carries ring electrodes for ablating a vessel or tubular region, including the renal artery. The 3-D shaped portion, for example, a helical portion, enables the ring electrodes to contact an inner surface of the vessel at a plurality of locations at different depths along the vessel to form a conduction block without forming a closed conduction loop which would otherwise increase the risk of stenosis of the vessel. In one embodiment, the catheter has a lumen with entry and exit ports to allow the guide wire to pass through the lumen but bypass the 3-D shaped portion. In another embodiment, the catheter has outer bands providing side tunnels through which the guide wire can pass through.

Abstract: Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may include one or more biased tines that shift from a first position to a second position to secure the wireless electrode assembly into the inner wall of the heart chamber.

Abstract: A method, including receiving from a sensor affixed to a probe, signals output by the sensor in response to a calibrated magnetic field, and estimating, using calibration data, location coordinates of the sensor. Using the calibration data and the estimated location, an estimated vector including orientation coordinates is computed, and updated orientation coordinates that best fit the received signals to the estimated vector are computed for the estimated location. Based on the updated orientation, updated location coordinates that best fit the received signals to the estimated vector are computed. The steps of computing the vector, computing the orientation, and computing the location and monitoring changes in the updated location are repeated until the changes are linear. Upon the changes being linear, a final location of the sensor is computed using a linear projection from the updated location, and a position of the probe is presented based on the final location.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing and assembling a catheter shaft may include depositing electrical traces on an interior surface of the shaft of the catheter, rather than using separate wires, forming a bore in a sensor, and electrically coupling the sensor to the trace through a bore in the sensor.

Abstract: A medical probe, including a flexible insertion tube having a proximal segment and a deflectable distal segment, and containing first and second lumens running longitudinally through the insertion tube, wherein the first and second lumens are twisted around each other in the proximal segment, and run parallel to each other in the deflectable distal segment. The medical probe also includes first and second wires running respectively through the first and second lumens and having respective first and second distal ends, which are anchored within the deflectable distal segment of the insertion tube.

Abstract: A medical device lead connection assembly includes an end connector element including a plurality of fixed connection element tabs extending from the end connector element to a tab distal end. A lead body includes a plurality of lead filars extending through the lead body and coupled to a corresponding fixed connection tab. A tubular guide hub extends from a hub proximal end to a hub distal end. The tubular guide hub includes a plurality of guide elements circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the guide hub. The hub distal end is disposed within the lead body and the hub proximal end received within connection element tabs, and selected guide elements contact selected lead filars.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for a patient comprises an external system and an implantable system. The external system is configured to transmit one or more transmission signals, each transmission signal comprising at least power or data. The implantable system is configured to receive the one or more transmission signals from the external system, and to deliver stimulation energy to the patient. Methods of delivering stimulation energy are also provided.

Abstract: An electrode lead for the coronary sinus, having a lead body, which has a distal portion for insertion into the coronary sinus, and at least one electrode for contacting bodily tissue, wherein the at least one electrode is arranged on the distal portion of the lead body. The electrode lead, in order to fix the electrode lead in a blood vessel, has a fixing device, which is connected to a distal end of the lead body, wherein the fixing device is designed to be shortened incrementally or lengthened incrementally.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides an implant conductor lead assembly which includes an electrode lead, and at least one field target conductor. The field target conductor(s) is located adjacent to the electrode lead to mutually couple the field target conductor to the electrode lead. The electrode lead acts to concentrate electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the implant conductor assembly towards the field target conductor or conductors.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for the generation and control of energy delivery in a dosage to elicit a therapeutic response in diseased tissue. A balloon catheter can have electrodes attached to a power generator and controller such that the balloon and electrodes contact tissue during energy treatment. Energy selectively may be applied to tissue based on measured impedance to achieve gentle heating. Calibration of the apparatus and identification of attached accessories by computing the circuit impedance prior to energy dosage facilitate regulation of power delivery about a set point. Energy delivery can be controlled to achieve substantially uniform bulk tissue temperature distribution. Energy delivery may beneficially affect nerve activity.

Abstract: A family of catheter electrode assemblies includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate; a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the electrode. A non-contact electrode mapping catheter includes an outer tubing having a longitudinal axis, a deployment member, and a plurality of splines, at least one of the plurality of splines comprising a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate, a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the ring electrode. A method of constructing the family of catheter electrode assemblies is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a neurostimulation stimulation lead comprises: providing a plurality of ring components and hypotubes in a mold; placing an annular frame with multiple lumens over distal ends of the plurality of hypotubes to position a portion of each hypotube within a respective lumen of the annular frame; molding the plurality of ring components and the hypotubes to form a stimulation tip component for the stimulation lead, wherein the molding fills interstitial spaces between the plurality of ring components and hypotubes with insulative material; and forming segmented electrodes from the ring components after performing the molding.

Abstract: A delivery device for installing a medical device in a patient comprising a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a chisel shaped tip, a receptacle disposed in the distal end of the body portion for receiving a medical device for implanting in the patient, a handle disposed at the proximal end of the body portion for facilitating advancement of the proximal end of the body portion into the patient.

Abstract: A device includes a handle, an expandable structure including a plurality of splines extending from a proximal hub to a distal hub, a first electrode on a first spline of the plurality of splines, an outer tube extending from the handle to the proximal hub, and a shaft extending through the outer tube from the handle to the distal hub. The expandable structure has a collapsed state and a self-expanded state. The handle is configured to retract the shaft. Retracting the shaft may expand the expandable structure outward of the self-expanded state.

Abstract: Ablation systems and methods of the present disclosure are directed toward delivering pulsed radiofrequency (RF) energy to target tissue. The pulsations of the RF energy, combined with cooling at a surface of the target tissue, can advantageously promote local heat transfer in the target tissue to form lesions having dimensions larger than those that can be safely formed in tissue using non-pulsed RF energy under similar conditions.

Abstract: Methods of treating acute heart failure in a patient in need thereof. Methods include inserting a therapy delivery device into a pulmonary artery of the patient and applying a therapy signal to autonomic cardiopulmonary fibers surrounding the pulmonary artery. The therapy signal affects heart contractility more than heart rate. Specifically, the application of the therapy signal increases heart contractility and treats the acute heart failure in the patient. The therapy signal can include electrical or chemical modulation.

Abstract: A spine of an electrode assembly is constructed by simultaneously deploying a plurality of individual bobbins of lead wire radially around the longitudinal axis of a polymeric tube. A free end of lead wire from each bobbin is electrically connected to a respective electrode and the electrodes are sequentially installed from a distal first location on the polymeric tube to a proximal location. Each lead wire may be helically wound around the polymeric tube between the electrode to which the lead wire is electrically connected and a proximally adjacent electrode, such that each lead wire between adjacent pairs of electrodes has an alternating direction of winding.

Abstract: Guidewires and methods for transmitting electrical stimuli to a heart and for guiding and supporting the delivery of elongate treatment devices within the heart are disclosed. A guidewire can comprise an elongate body, including first and second elongate conductors, and at least first and second electrodes. A distal end portion of the elongate body can include a preformed bias shape, such as a pigtail-shaped region, on which the first and second electrodes can be located. The preformed bias shape can optionally be non-coplanar relative to an intermediate portion of the elongate body. The first and second elongate conductors can be formed of a single structure or two or more electrically connected structures. The conductors can extend from proximal end portions to distal end portions that electrically connect to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism between a medical device and an implantation accessory is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a delivery system for a leadless active implantable medical device includes a delivery catheter and a torque shaft disposed within the delivery catheter. The delivery system also includes a docking cap having a distal end for engaging an attachment mechanism of the leadless active implantable medical device. The delivery system also includes a torque limiting component coupled to a distal end of the torque shaft and a proximal end of the docking cap.

Abstract: A distal-end assembly of a medical device, the distal-end assembly includes a flexible substrate and electrical conductors. The flexible substrate is configured to be coupled to a distal end of an insertion tube. The electrical conductors are disposed on the flexible substrate and are shaped to form: (i) one or more electrodes, configured to exchange electrical signals with a proximal end of the medical device, and (ii) one or more printed filters, which are disposed adjacently to at least one of the electrodes and are configured to filter signals in a predefined frequency range from the electrical signals exchanged between the at least one of the electrodes and the proximal end.

Abstract: Provided are an implanted medical device (1) and preparation method thereof, and an implanted medical device preform for preparing the implanted medical device (1). The implanted medical device (1) comprises a metal basal body (21) and a polymer film layer (22) covering the surface of the metal basal body (21) and preventing endothelium growth and covering, wherein at least a part of the surface of the metal basal body (21) is provided with a surface-modified layer (211) which contains doped ions, and the metal basal body (21) is connected to the polymer film layer (22) by the doped ions. Since the metal basal body (21) may be bonded to the polymer film layer (22) by the doped ions, the polymer film layer (22) is unlikely to separate during delivery, therefore effectively preventing endothelium growth and covering in vivo.

Abstract: A guiding catheter and method of its use are presented wherein the catheter includes an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal region and a distal region and a length. The shaft defines a distal region and includes a distal tip. The distal region defines an arc of approximately 180 degrees and having a radius of 0.3 inches to 0.6 inches. The distal tip forms a half turn of a left-hand helix having a pitch of 0 inches to 0.4 inches. The unique shape of the distal region allows the distal tip be perpendicularly aligned with the septal wall of the right atrium at the His bundle location when the catheter is advanced therein.