Patent ID: 7856277

Claim:
An implantable lead comprising: a flexible carrier; a lumen passing longitudinally through or along side the flexible carrier; at least one electrode contact carried on the flexible carrier at or near a distal end of the lead; a first orifice near the at least one electrode contact that is in fluid communication with the lumen; a second orifice distal to the first orifice and providing fluid communication between the lumen and an exterior of the lead; and an inflatable balloon integral with the flexible carrier and opposite the first orifice, said inflatable balloon including a first portion, and a pressure relief portion, wherein the pressure relief portion has a different elasticity than the first portion, wherein the inflatable balloon is configured and arranged to receive a fluid material injectable through said lumen and first orifice that inflates said inflatable balloon until said at least one electrode contact is in contact with surrounding tissue; wherein the balloon further comprises two attachment portions that are attached to the flexible carrier with the pressure relief portion and the first portion disposed between the two attachment portions and configured and arranged to be spaced apart from the flexible carrier when the balloon is inflated.