Patent ID: 7860580

Claim:
A medical electrical lead, comprising: a distal insulation segment including a distal end; a proximal insulation segment including a distal end disposed proximal to the distal insulation segment distal end; an insulated conductor extending within the proximal and distal insulation segments; an electrode coupled to the conductor and disposed in proximity to the distal insulation segment distal end; and a fixation element coupled to the distal end of the proximal insulation segment, the fixation element including a wire wound in a helix, the helix extending distally from the proximal insulation segment, over the distal insulation segment, and the wire including a distal end terminating the helix; the wire distal end disposed proximal to the distal insulation segment distal end, and the wire distal end including a piercing tip and a relatively flat surface tapering from an inner side of the helix to an outer side of the helix to form the piercing tip.