Patent ID: 7840283

Claim:
An implantable active fixation lead engageable with body tissue comprising: a lead body extending between a proximal and a distal end; a protector member connected to the lead body and having a peripheral surface extending from a distal end surface to a proximal end surface with a helical groove formed in the peripheral surface, wherein the proximal end surface of the protector member is located distal to the distal end of the lead body; and a fixation helix integral with the distal end of the lead body, the fixation helix including a tip end engageable with the body tissue and movably engaged with the helical groove for translation and rotation relative thereto; wherein the protector member has outwardly projecting fins on the peripheral surface oriented to prevent rotation of the protector member with respect to the helix as it advances through a body vessel and to hold fixed the protector member with respect to the body tissue as the fixation helix approaches the extended position into engagement with the body tissue.