Patent ID: 7640064

Claim:
A system including an implantable medical electrical lead comprising: a) an elongate lead body having a length extending from a proximal region to a distal region, wherein at least the distal region has a longitudinal center axis; b) at least one electrical conductor disposed along the length of the lead body; c) at least one electrode disposed in the lead body distal region and in electrical continuity with the at least one conductor; and d) at least two fixation flaps not carrying an electrode and supported opposite each other substantially at a tangential location with respect to a periphery of a sidewall of the distal lead region, wherein the tangential location of the fixation flaps is spaced from the longitudinal center axis of the lead body directly opposite the electrode, and wherein when the at least two fixation flaps are in a first position they are constrained close to the lead body, the at least two fixation flaps in the constrained position, do not cover the at least one electrode, and wherein when the at least two fixation flaps are in a second position, they extend away from the lead body and away from each other for urging the electrode toward body tissue.