Abstract: An implantable electrode lead including: a distal portion having at least one electrode; a proximal portion having a connector for connection to an implantable stimulation generator includes a power source for the electrode and is disposed in a living body; and a conductor portion which is connected to the distal portion and the proximal portion and is composed of an electrical conductor for transmission of electrical signals and an insulator covering the outside of the electrical conductor, and a fixation portion having a tip end and a base end for disposing over a part of the conductor portion, wherein a lubricant coating layer is provided on a part of the surface of the conductor portion, and the lubricant coating layer is absent on the conductor portion surface ranging at least from the portion disposed at the base end of the fixation portion to the portion provided with the electrode, of the surface of the conductor portion.

Abstract: A lead for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead body has one or more electrodes associated therewith. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall. A method for implanting the lead into the coronary vasculature is also provided, the method comprising the steps of inserting a stylet into the lead, inserting the lead into the coronary sinus, advancing the lead from the coronary sinus toward the toward the left atrium and into a coronary vein, removing the stylet, and sensing and pacing the heart.

Abstract: A single electrode probe for a cardiac pacemaker system, in particular for a DDD cardiac pacemaker system, has an electrode line with a bifurcated section, at the beginning of which the electrode line divides into two electrode line portions which rejoin at the end of the section to again form one portion, wherein at least one of the portions has at least one electrode for the delivery of electrical energy to adjoining myocardium.

Abstract: An implantable single-pass cardiac stimulation lead provides for placement of electrodes into electrical contact with two chambers of a patient's heart. The lead includes an inner lead body having at least one electrode at its distal end and an outer lead body having at least one electrode at its distal end. The outer lead body has an internal lumen that slidingly receives the inner lead body. The inner lead body is extendable from the outer lead body at a point proximal to the distal end of the outer lead body. The sliding of the inner lead body relative to the outer lead body enables the inner lead body distal electrode to have a varying distance from the outer lead body distal electrode and enables the inner lead body to extend into the coronary sinus region of the heart to place the inner lead body electrode into electrical contact with the left ventricle.

Abstract: Elongated medical instruments adapted to be permanently or temporarily implanted in the mammalian body or used to access a site in the body to facilitate introduction of a further medical device, and methods and apparatus for deflecting the distal end and imparting curves in distal segments of such medical instruments within the body by manipulation of a proximal segment of the instrument outside the body are disclosed. Multiple portions of distal segments of a single one or distal segments of coaxially arranged distal segments of deflectable coiled wires are formed each having a line of spacers each functioning as a backbone along a side of the wire coil and formed in a variety of ways. One or more elongated movable wire extends through a coil lumen to one or more attachment point distal to each portion that can be pushed to widen and/or pulled to narrow the spacing of coil turns across the coil diameter from the line to induce a bend in all more proximal portions.

Abstract: A lead includes a lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having an intermediate portion. A shocking electrode is disposed proximate the distal end of the lead body, and a pacing electrode is disposed along the intermediate portion of the lead body. The distal end of the lead body includes a pre-formed biased shape.

Abstract: An implantable lead is provided for delivering electrical therapy. The lead, suitable for placement and passive anchoring in a vessel within the coronary sinus region of a patient's heart, comprises a lead body having a distal end carrying at least one electrode electrically connected to a terminal contact on a proximal end of the lead body, the lead body further including an insulative, tubular housing. A longitudinally extending coil member is contained within the housing, the housing and the coil member having distal ends provided with corresponding, substantially matching preformed bends, the distal end of the housing being thereby adapted to exert a sufficient bias against the inner wall of the vessel within which the lead is placed to stabilize the lead in said vessel.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making an aggressively curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond the originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled up with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.

Abstract: An elongated coronary vein lead having a variable stiffness lead body and most preferably adapted to be advanced into a selected coronary vein for delivering a pacing or defibrillation signal to a predetermined region of a patient's heart, such as the left ventricle is disclosed. A method of pacing and/or defibrillating a patient's heart using the lead is also described. The method of pacing or defibrillating the heart includes advancing the coronary vein lead through both the coronary sinus and into a selected coronary vein of a patient's heart, connecting the lead to an electrical pacing source and applying electrical stimulation to a particular chamber of the patient's heart via the implanted lead. The lead includes a variable stiffness lead body that enhances the ability of the lead to be retained in a coronary vein after the lead has been implanted therein.

Abstract: A bi-furcated medical electrical lead that is adapted to be implanted in the cardiac venous system is disclosed. The lead includes a bifurcated distal portion having first and second elongated members, or fingers. In one embodiment, the first elongated member, or thumb portion, is adapted to be positioned within the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein. The second elongated member, or finger portion, of the bifurcated distal tip, may be positioned within a branch vessel of the coronary sinus such as the posterior vein or middle cardiac vein. The thumb portion may carry at least one electrode for pacing and/or sensing, and may carry additional electrodes for multi-polar pacing applications, whereas the finger portion may carry a defibrillation electrode. Portions of the pacing/sensing electrodes may be insulated so that electrical stimulation is only delivered to myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A device for delivering an implantable medical device to a target site in a heart along a predetermined pathway that includes a generally straight first portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a curved second portion extending from the distal end of the first portion to a distal end of the device.

Abstract: A catheter for introducing a lead into a heart that includes a hub and a shaft. The shaft forms a lumen that is adapted for positioning a lead therein, and extends from a proximal section coupled to the hub to a distal section including a distal end having a distal opening formed thereon. The shaft also includes an intermediate section positioned between the proximal section and the distal section. A proximal bend is formed along the shaft in a first plane, the proximal bend positioned between the proximal section and the intermediate section.

Abstract: A fixation arrangement on the outer surface of an electrode head at distal end of a pacing lead includes an attachment mechanism having at least one tine, the tine being connected to the electrode head by a tine base portion that includes an electrically controlled heat-responsive positioner. The electrically controlled heat responsive positioner allows the angular position of the tine relative to the electrode head to be selective adjusted by a temperature change in the positioner.

Abstract: A medical device is movable between first and second positions. The medical device has an actuator which is movable between a relaxed position and a stacked position. The stacked position of the actuator deforms the medical device toward the stacked position of the actuator. When the actuator is in the relaxed position, the shape of the medical device is primarily determined by the shape of a main element.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead is disclosed for placement in the coronary sinus region and its associated coronary vessels overlying the left side of a patient's heart. The lead comprises at least one proximal connector; at least one tissue stimulation electrode; at least one conductor coupled between the at least one proximal connector and the at least one stimulation electrode; and a lead body including a housing of insulating material enclosing the at least one conductor, the lead body having a relatively flexible distal portion of, for example, silicone rubber, having a length corresponding to the coronary sinus region of the heart, and a stiffer proximal portion of, for example, polyurethane. A robust transition joint comprising telescoped sections of the distal and proximal portions of the lead body couples the two portions of the lead body.

Abstract: A lead for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead body has one or more electrodes associated therewith. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall. A method for implanting the lead into the coronary vasculature is also provided, the method comprising the steps of inserting a stylet into the lead, inserting the lead into the coronary sinus, advancing the lead from the coronary sinus toward the toward the left atrium and into a coronary vein, removing the stylet, and sensing and pacing the heart.

Abstract: A lead for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead body has one or more electrodes associated therewith. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall. A method for implanting the lead into the coronary vasculature is also provided, the method comprising the steps of inserting a stylet into the lead, inserting the lead into the coronary sinus, advancing the lead from the coronary sinus toward the toward the left atrium and into a coronary vein, removing the stylet, and sensing and pacing the heart.

Abstract: A flexible, thin implantable electrode lead can maintain a desired portion of a lead body (14) in a desired shape conforming to a body portion. The lead body (14) includes a conductor coil (30) obtained by helically winding at least one insulation-coated electrical conduction conductor wire, an insulating sheath (32) made of an electrically insulating resin material and covering the outer surface of the conductor coil, and a flexible reinforcing tube (40) formed to deform into a desired shape in the cavity of the conductor coil.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac lead system suitable for placement in the coronary sinus region of the heart. The lead system comprises a lead having two or more non-helical bends in its distal portion. The two or more non-helical bends cooperate to prevent the lead from dislodgment or displacement inside the coronary sinus. The lead system may further comprise a stylet suitable for steering the lead into at least one of the coronary sinus vein, great cardiac vein, left marginal vein, left posterior ventricular vein, and small cardiac vein. The stylet is tapered in its distal portion to provide enhanced maneuverability and steerability inside the coronary sinus region. The lead system may also comprise an introducer which aids in introducing the lead into the heart.

Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter includes a distal electrode portion with optimally-spaced and sized ring electrodes and a proximal electrode portion with at least one optimally-spaced and sized larger surface electrode. The catheter has all or some of the following features. First, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first diameter less than a second diameter of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Second, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first width less than a second width of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Third, the distal electrode portion includes at least two ring electrodes and the proximal shock electrode includes at least two larger surface coil electrodes. Fourth, the catheter further includes a collapsible section, adjacent the proximal electrode portion, to facilitate positioning of the catheter within the right atrium.

Abstract: An improved guidewire for assisting in implantation of a cardiac lead includes three sections. The most distal zone is sufficiently floppy to prevent trauma to the vessel walls through which the guidewire and lead are inserted. An intermediate zone is generally stiffer and has a cross-section less than or equal to the cross-section of the distal zone. The third zone is stiffer yet and is joined to the intermediate zone by a shoulder. The shoulder cooperates with protrusions on the lead to transfer forces between the guidewire and lead. A removal wire having temporary locking means to lock the removal wire to the lead is employed to remove the guide catheter without moving the lead from its desired location. Lubricious coatings are also provided to reduce friction between the lead and guidewire.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing lead for pacing the atria and a method of its use. The lead is provided with a mechanism for maintaining an atrial pacing electrode adjacent stimulable tissue in a patient's superior vena cava and an additional electrode locatable in the right ventricle or elsewhere when the atrial electrode is so located One such mechanism for maintaing the atrial electrode's position may be a lead body displaying pre-formed laterally extending curves sized to span a patient's superior vena cava, with the atrial electrode located thereon.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing lead for use in the coronary sinus and coronary veins. The lead is provided with a lead body configured to exhibit a curved configuration along a distal portion thereof, induced to maintain a portion of the curved configuration solely by means of a portion of a polyurethane lead body formed to display the curved configuration and wherein the lead conductor is freely mounted within the segment. The curved configuration includes first and second arcuate segments together providing a single-plane curvature of approximately 180 degrees, separated by a generally straight segment, the first segment having a greater length and greater arc of curvature than the second segment.

Abstract: Expandable electrodes for intravascular leads permit the electrodes to be placed and retained in the vasculature of the left side of the heart. Such electrodes can be in the form of a balloon, an expandable wire coil, or other expandable shapes.

Abstract: A pacing lead for a cardiac stimulator that includes an elongated flexible insulating lead body. An electrode is attached to the lead body at its distal end. An elongated conductor extends through a lumen of the elongated lead body for connecting the electrode to the terminal pin. The conductor is in the form of a coiled wire until it reaches approximate the electrode. It is then crimped to a cable conductor which in turn is crimped or welded to the electrode. The electrode is supported at the distal end by a molded support body which includes a lumen for a guide wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a cardiac lead in place within the vasculature of the heart includes a coil having a normal helical shape and a stylet for holding the coil straight during insertion of the coil through a lumen of the lead. Upon retraction of the stylet, the coil returns to its helical shape along with the lead, forcing portions of the lead into contact with the vessel wall.

Abstract: A transvenous lead specifically designed for multi-chamber electrical stimulation or sensing. In a first embodiment the lead features one or more electrodes for communication with the right atrium as well as one or more electrodes for communication with either or both of the left chambers of the heart. The lead further features structures to simultaneously bring the first electrode into contact with a first chamber, such as the right atrial wall and the second electrode into contact with a particular portion of the coronary sinus wall, to electrically access the left atrium or ventricle. In the preferred embodiment the lead body has varying flex or stiffness characteristics along its length between each of the electrodes.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing lead for pacing the atria and a method of its use. The lead is provided with a mechanism for maintaining an atrial pacing electrode adjacent stimulable tissue in a patient's superior vena cava and an additional electrode locatable in the right ventricle or elsewhere when the atrial electrode is so located. One such mechanism for maintaining the atrial electrode's position may be a lead body displaying pre-formed laterally extending curves sized to span a patient's superior vena cava, with the atrial electrode located thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single pass medical electrical lead. In one embodiment, the lead features a pair of bipolar electrodes positioned along the lead body so that they are positioned in the ventricle and atrium respectively when the lead is implanted. The lead body features a 90 degree bent reinforced section. The bend has a radius of curvature approximately 13 mm and begins approximately 90 mm from the distal end. This curved section is approximately 40 mm in length when straightened. The ventricular electrodes are positioned approximately 28 mm apart. The bend has at least one tine extending therefrom, an electrode is mounted on the tine.

Abstract: A stabilized electrophysiology catheter (4) includes a main body portion (16) and a flexible tip portion (18). A plurality of electrodes (24, 26) are positioned along the tip portion. The tip portion includes a main section (20) and a pre-curved, offset, reverse-angle anchor section (22) at its distal end. The anchor section is shaped to engage with and anchor to a coronary opening, typically the coronary sinus opening (48) in the right atrium or a pulmonary vein opening (82) in the left atrium, for stabilized mapping and ablation of the right atrium or the left atrium. A manipulator wire (36) is used to radially deflect the tip portion in a first direction (40). When introduced through the superior vena cava (46), the tip portion forms a generally J-shape. When introduced through the inferior vena cava (54), the tip portion is deflected more than 360.degree..

Abstract: A conformable catheter comprising a catheter handle, an elongated catheter tube, and a distal tip portion of the catheter tube, capable of assuming a desired pre-programmed shape. A wire member is disposed within the core of the catheter's tip portion and is formed of a material, such as, for example, a shape-memory binary nickel-titanium alloy, that will assume a pre-programmed shape after pre-shaping, heat treatment, cooling and subsequent heating. To pre-program the shape of the wire member, prior to assembly of the catheter, the wire member is wound around a shaped, heat resistant fixture, heated until the temperature of the wire member exceeds the temperature at which the shape of the wire member on the fixture becomes programmed into the wire member, and cooled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single pass medical electrical lead. In one embodiment, the lead feature a pair of bipolar electrodes positioned along the lead body so that they are positioned in the ventricle and atrium respectively when the lead is implanted. The lead body features a 90 degree bent reinforced section. The bend has a radius of curvature approximately 13 mm and begins approximately 90 mm from the distal end. This curved section is approximately 40 mm in length when straightened. The ventricular electrodes are positioned approximately 28 mm apart. The ventricular cathode electrode is positioned at the distal end of the lead. The atrial electrodes are positioned approximately between 5-35 mm apart, with 28 mm preferred. The atrial anode is located at a position immediately adjacent and proximal the 90 degree bent reinforced section.

Abstract: A transvenous lead specifically designed for coronary sinus implantation. In the preferred embodiment the lead features an electrode which is eccentricity placed along the lead body. Disposed on the opposite side of the lead body is a tine-like member to push or maintain the electrode into contact with the vessel wall. Because the electrode and tine-like member do not entirely block the cross sectional area of the vessel, blood flow through the vessel is not impeded. Through such a configuration electrical stimulation with the tissue comprising the left side of the heart may be accomplished. In alternative embodiments other mechanisms besides tine-like member are used to maintain the contact of the electrode with the vessel wall. In a still further alternative embodiment the eccentricity disposed electrode is positioned instead upon the tip of the tine.

Abstract: An implantable electrical lead having an elongated insulative lead body with a longitudinal lumen therein extending from the proximal end of the lead body to a distal portion of the lead body and having an elongated stranded electrical conductor located in the lumen, the conductor having a distal end which exits the lumen at the distal portion of the lead body and which is curved to form a loop exterior to the distal portion of the lead body and which then re-enters the lead body. In some embodiments, the strands of the conductor are twisted helically in a first direction and the conductor is twisted in a second, opposite direction in that portion of the conductor located exterior to the lead body to separate strands of the conductor. The stranded conductor may exit the lumen at the distal end of the lead body or at one or more locations proximal to the distal end of the lead body.

Abstract: An intravenous lead for use with a cardiac device for implantation in the coronary venous system of the heart includes a lead body that is adapted to be routed through the vascular system into the coronary sinus with the distal end portion of the lead placed in the great cardiac vein or branch vein. The lead body includes a preformed section disposed just proximal of its tip so that the lead body exhibits a two-dimensional wave having peaks and valleys for contacting the endothelial layer of the vein at discrete, longitudinally spaced points to stabilize the electrode against displacement.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing lead for pacing the atria and a method of its use. The lead is provided with a mechanism for maintaining an atrial pacing electrode adjacent stimulable tissue in a patient's superior vena cava and an additional electrode locatable in the right ventricle or elsewhere when the atrial electrode is so located. One such mechanism for maintaing the atrial electrode's position may be a lead body displaying pre-formed laterally extending curves sized to span a patient's superior vena cava, with the atrial electrode located thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for percutaneously forming a passageway between adjacent vessels, a vessel and an organ, or different regions of an organ are provided comprising first and second catheters carrying distally positioned electromagnets. The first and second catheters are percutaneously advanced to positions within a body so that the distal endfaces oppose one another and magnetically attract one another, causing the lumens of the catheters to become aligned. A cutting wire is then advanced out of the first lumen, through the thickness of the tissue captured between the catheters, and into the second lumen. The cutting wire may be advanced fully through the second catheter so that it exits the patient, and upon removal of the first and second catheters, serves as a guide wire. Methods of percutaneously performing surgery are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (2) includes a proximal end assembly (4), with four slidable movable manipulators (12, 14, 16, 18) and a bowing catheter (6) extending from the proximal end assembly. The bowing catheter includes an elongate, flexible catheter body (24), having a tip portion (30) carrying electrodes (32), first and second elongate push/pull manipulator wires (26, 28), and a sheath (22) housing the catheter body and manipulator wires. The sheath, catheter body and manipulator wires are each coupled to a manipulator. The manipulator wires are connected to positions (40, 42) on either side of a stiff tip segment (43). The manipulator wires have sufficient columnar strength/stiffness to maintain the tip segment at a range of relatively stable orientations to cause the bowed tip to be deflected in in-plane and out-of-plane deflections.

Abstract: An electrical joint is provided between first and second electrical leads having different inner diameters. It comprises an electrically conductive transition post including a disk-shaped a separation member, a first cylindrical mounting post having a first diameter integral with the separation member and extending away therefrom in a first direction, and a second cylindrical mounting post having a second diameter integral with the separation member and extending away therefrom in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. The separation member lies in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first and second mounting posts and has a diameter greater than that of either the first or the second mounting post. A first electrical lead is fittingly received on the first mounting post and a second electrical lead is fittingly received on the second mounting post. In each instance, the free ends of the electrical leads abut the separation member.

Abstract: A single pass medical electrical lead featuring an atrial wall wedging mechanism which will permit the atrial electrodes to be positioned directly against the right atrial wall. In the preferred embodiment the atrial wall wedging mechanism comprises an extendible finger which may be used to wedge the lead body in the region where the inferior vena cava enters the right atrium and the right atrium empties through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. Through such wedging, the atrial electrodes may be caused to be positioned directly against the right atrium wall without causing excessive pressure to be communicated to the distal tip of the lead.

Abstract: A continuous sheath of open-celled porous plastic, preferably ePTFE, is used on the outside of an implantable lead, extending along the lead body and the electrodes, in such a way that the lead is isodiametric along its length, and is very strong in tension as is required for lead removal. Because the plastic is open-celled, when the pores are filled with saline, the lead can deliver defibrillation energy through the pores in the plastic. Pore size is chosen to discourage tissue ingrowth while allowing for defibrillation energy delivery through it.

Abstract: A wavefront direction mapping catheter system is disclosed which includes a wire catheter that, when placed on the inner surface of the heart, identifies the direction of the electric field wavefront, and provides output signals for indicating the manner in which a position controller of the system is to be operated for moving the distal tip portion of the catheter toward the source of the wavefront. The distal tip portion of the catheter includes a bipolar electrode array, preferably including first and second pairs of orthogonally arranged bipolar electrodes which provide signals to an analyzer of the system, whereby vector analysis of the wavefront is performed. The signal analysis permits the catheter to be moved toward and positioned at the source of the wavefront or within the wavefront circuit, with the present system thereafter being configured to effect radio frequency energization of the bipolar electrode array for tissue ablation.

Abstract: Intravenous cardiac leads having at least one electrode intended to be implanted within the coronary veins are disclosed. Also disclosed are structures and techniques for advancing such leads through the atrium and coronary sinus into the coronary veins.

Abstract: Process and kit for passivating in situ a tip of a probe for an active implantable medical device, particularly for a cardiac pacemaker probe. The probe (10) is of the type comprising a hollow insulating sheath (12) made of a supple material having an internal conductor (14) terminated at its distal extremity by an electrode (16), an axial canal (18) along its length, and a support element (22) at its distal extremity in the neighborhood of the electrode, particularly a metallic filament or blade for shaping or reinforcing the distal extremity (20) of the probe. The support element is of a rigidity that is greater than the combination of the sheath and the internal conductor.

Abstract: A transvenous bipolar lead specifically designed for coronary sinus implantation. The lead has essentially two main characteristics, the distal end has a 45-degree pre-shape to facilitate introduction of the lead through a catheter and provide optimal positioning of the lead within the coronary sinus. The lead further features a distal electrode tip which itself is canted at an angle of 45 degrees on the distal end of the lead to provide a very close contact with the coronary sinus upper wall and, thus, with the left atrium inferolateral wall. In addition, each of these sections is flexible to permit the lead to be introduced through a relatively small-sized guide catheter. Finally, the lead further features a center lumen to also permit the lead to be straightened for introduction with a stylet.

Abstract: A single-pass A-V lead for cardiac pacing comprises a lead body having an atrial electrode and a right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) electrode. Preformed bends in the lead body are configured such that the atrial and RVOT electrodes are biased against walls of the right atrium and the RVOT respectively. Biasing forces generated by the preformed bends help to maintain the atrial and RVOT electrodes in their respective positions following implantation. The lead advantageously permits ventricular stimulation in the RVOT, resulting in an improved sequence of ventricular activation and a corresponding increase in cardiac output. Branched and unbranched embodiments of the lead are disclosed.

Abstract: A single-pass atrio-ventricular (A-V) pacing lead includes an elongated main lead body having an atrial electrode at the distal end thereof, and includes a ventricular branch which departs from the main lead body just proximal to the tip of the atrial electrode. The ventricular branch has a ventricular electrode at its distal tip. The main lead body includes a preformed "J"-shaped portion which, following proper implantation, projects the atrial electrode against a wall of the atrial appendage. The ventricular branch includes a preformed bend which curves in the opposite direction of the J-shaped portion so as to maintain the ventricular branch generally away from the wall of the atrial appendage. The lead includes a single lumen which extends through both the main lead body and the ventricular branch, allowing the lead to be implanted using a single stylet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single pass medical electrical lead. In one embodiment, the lead features a pair of bipolar electrodes positioned along the lead body so that they are positioned in the ventricle and atrium respectively when the lead is implanted. The lead body features a 90 degree bent reinforced section. The bend has a radius of curvature approximately 13 mm and begins approximately 90 mm from the distal end. This curved section is approximately 40 mm in length when straightened. The ventricular electrodes are positioned approximately 28 mm apart. The ventricular cathode electrode is positioned at the distal end of the lead. The atrial electrodes are positioned approximately between 5-35 mm apart, with 28 mm preferred. The atrial anode is located at a position immediately adjacent and proximal the 90 degree bent reinforced section.

Abstract: A joint and method of making a joint for providing a secure mechanical and electrical connection between a longitudinally extending coiled or wound element and a terminal on a mating component in a body implantable lead assembly. The wound element has an end portion threadedly received by a post on the terminal. A ring is disposed about the end portion of the wound element. The ring, the end portion of the wound element and the post are joined at at least one location along the circumference of the ring, preferably by thermally fusing these parts using a pulsed laser. The ring has a thin wall and is preferably made of the same biocompatible metallic alloy as the wound element.

Abstract: A lead is provided which assists in the implantation of the lead within an artery or vein of a human heart. The lead includes a lead body having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one electrode carried by the lead body intermediate the distal end and the proximal end. The lead includes a guide tip carried by the lead body which extends distally from the lead body distal end. The guide tip includes a distal tip end and a tapered portion forming the distal tip end. The tapered portion is curved in a direction of curvature to offset the distal tip end in a direction from the longitudinal center axis of the lead body. The guide tip may further include tines or fibrotic tissue ingrowth sites for retaining the lead in place after implantation.