Patent ID: 6549812
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An elongated implantable medical electrical lead for electrically stimulating a human heart or sensing electrical signals originating therefrom, comprising:(a) a lead body having proximal and distal sections; (b) at least one electrode for sensing or electrically stimulating the heart; (c) a proximal end comprising an electrical connector, the electrical connector being contiguous with the proximal section of the lead body; (d) a distal end contiguous with the distal section of the lead body; (e) at least one electrical conductor having proximal and distal ends, the distal end of the conductor being operatively connected to the at least one electrode, the proximal end of the conductor being operatively connected to the electrical connector; wherein the distal section of the lead body comprises at least first and second segments, the first segment having a bending stiffness Sbs which exceeds the bending stiffness Sbf of the second segment, the first and second segments being configured and dimensioned to impart a distally directed force to the distal end of the lead when the first and second segments are subjected to a bending moment resulting in a sufficient curvature of the distal section of the lead body, the first segment being located distally in respect of the second segment, the distal section of the lead body having an outer diameter ranging between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm, the lead being adapted, sized and configured for placement in one or more of a coronary vein, a coronary sinus and a right atrial appendage, and, wherein the lead body is configured and dimensioned such that when the lead is implanted within the heart the second segment is disposed in a distal portion of onc of a great cardiac vein, a middle cardiac vein, a small cardiac vein, a posterior cardiac vein, an oblique left atrial vein, and an anterior cardiac vein.