Patent ID: 7089065
Filing Date: 2006-08-08
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. An intravenous lead insertion assembly, comprising a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an intravenous lead at least partially located within the catheter and having at least one electrode and a lumen extending from a proximal end of the lead to a distal end of the lead, the lumen having a first opening through the proximal end of the lead, a second opening through the distal end of the lead, and a helical coil portion; a guidewire for facilitating advancement of the intravenous lead into the coronary sinus, said guidewire sized to extend through the first and second openings in said lumen and past the distal end of the lead during implantation of the lead, and being removable from the lead after placement of the lead in the coronary sinus; and a removal wire sized to extend through the first opening and into the lumen of the intravenous lead, the removal wire having a distal end portion including a spherical tip and a lead contacting portion for contacting the lead to facilitate securing the lead during a removal of the catheter from around the lead, the lead contacting portion including a braided mesh material that expands radially under compressive loads.