Patent ID: 6434431
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An elongated medical lead having distal and proximal ends, the lead being suitable for at least one of electrically stimulating and sensing electrical signals originating in at least a portion of human or animal muscle tissue, comprising:(a) a lead body having distal and proximal ends, the lead body comprising at least one electrical conductor; (b) at least one electrical conductor disposed at least partially within the lead body; (c) at least one electrode electrically connected to the electrical conductor, the electrode having proximal and distal ends; (d) at least one of a proximal fixation member and a distal fixation member, the proximal fixation member being located near or attachable to a first position located near the proximal end of the electrode, the distal fixation member being located near or attachable to a second position located near the distal end of the electrode; and (e) a distal line having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the distal line being connected to the lead body at a location distal from the distal end of the electrode; wherein the electrode forms a variable-stiffness member whose flexibility is adapted to be changed by a physician.