Patent ID: 7499758
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable lead, comprising: a lead body comprising a sheath, the sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a distal tip terminating the distal end, the distal tip having a body cross-sectional diameter; a delivery sheath having a lumen, a distal end, and a distal tip terminating the distal end, the lead body configured to translate longitudinally within the lumen; a cardiac electrode supported by the lead body, the cardiac electrode configured for subcutaneous non-intrathoracic placement within a patient; and a fixation element provided on the distal tip of the sheath of the lead body, the fixation element comprising a helical coil configured to be deployed distal of the distal tip of the sheath of the lead body, the helical coil including a tissue penetrating tip, a portion of the helical coil configured to extend radially beyond the body cross-sectional diameter of the distal tip of the sheath of the lead body and actively secure the lead in subcutaneous non-intrathoracic tissue in a deployed configuration, the helical coil compressed by, and substantially contained within, the lumen of the delivery sheath in a non-deployed configuration, the implantable lead configured such that retraction of the distal tip of the delivery sheath past the distal tip of the sheath of the lead body to a location proximal of the distal tip of the sheath of the lead body transitions the helical coil from the non-deployed configuration to the deployed configuration.