Patent ID: 6556873
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
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 connector being contiguous with the proximal section of the lead body; (d) a distal end connected to 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 adjoining segments, the first segment being relatively stiff, the second segment being relatively flexible, the first segment being disposed distally in respect of the second segment, the first and second segments being configured and dimensioned to assume a minimum stored mechanical energy implantation position when the lead is implanted within the coronary venous anatomy of the heart such that additional mechanical energy from an external source must be exerted upon the lead body along an axial direction to move the lead axially from the minimum stored mechanical energy implantation position, 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 and a coronary sinus, 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 one 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.