Patent ID: 6985776
Filing Date: 2006-01-10
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of positioning an implantable medical device lead within a patient, comprising: introducing a distal tip of a first elongated member along a first location within the patient through a first vein; introducing a distal tip of a second elongated member within the first location through a second vein different from the first vein; fixedly engaging the distal tip of the first elongated member with the distal tip of the second elongated member; advancing the distal tip of the second elongated member to a second location, wherein the distal tip of the first elongated member is advanced to the second location with the distal tip of the second elongated member; advancing an introducer sheath over the second elongated member and to the second location; withdrawing the second elongated member from the first location; and introducing a cardiac lead to the second location via the introducer sheath, wherein the cardiac lead includes an electrical stimulation electrode, the method further comprising positioning the electrode in electrical contact with a third location via the second location, and wherein the first location corresponds to the right atrium, the second location corresponds to the coronary sinus, and the third location corresponds to the left ventricle.