Patent ID: 6119043
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An endocardial heart lead system, comprising:an elongated generally flexible tubular housing having a proximal end for connection to a device and distal end for placement, in a use position, through the right atrium to the right ventricle of a heart;a pair of ventricular electrodes respectively at and adjacent the distal end of the lead for contact in the ventricle and receiving ventricular signals of the heart;an SVC electrode positioned on the tubular housing at a position spaced from the distal end for placement in the superior vena cava when the lead system is in the heart;an atrial electrode positioned on the tubular housing at a position spaced from the distal end and from the SVC electrode for placement in the atrium when the lead system is in the heart;the tubular housing including conductors therein connected to the electrodes and for connection to a device at the proximal end; andthe tubular housing having a curved portion, taking the form of a lateral protrusion along said tubular housing, in region of the atrial electrode to mechanically bias the atrial electrode into contact with the wall of the atrium of the heart when the lead system is in the use position.