Patent ID: 7844348
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable medical lead assembly for fixing an electrode connected to the lead to tissue in a human body, the lead assembly comprising: a) an elongated lead body having a first length extending from a proximal lead portion to a distal lead portion with at least the distal lead portion having a first longitudinal axis; b) an electrical conductor disposed along at least part of the first length of the lead body; c) a lead head comprising an annular sidewall surrounding an aperture in the lead head, the lead head aperture extending along a second longitudinal axis from a proximal lead head end to a distal lead head end, wherein the distal lead portion is connected to the lead head sidewall with the first longitudinal axis of the distal lead portion being radially offset from the second longitudinal axis of the lead head aperture; d) an electrode coupled to the lead head to conduct electricity between the electrical conductor and the body tissue; and e) a drive shaft having a second length extending from a proximal drive shaft portion to a distal drive shaft portion, wherein the distal drive shaft portion is releasably attachable to the proximal end of the lead head to thereby provide the lead body and the drive shaft in a side-by-side relationship and wherein the proximal drive shaft portion is manipulatable to impart rotational movement to the lead head to thereby secure the electrode into the body tissue and wherein the drive shaft is further detachable from the lead head connected to the lead with the electrode remaining secured to the body tissue.