Patent ID: 7369901

Claim:
An implantable epicardial stimulation lead comprising: a lead body having a distal end and a proximal end; an electrical connector carried by the proximal end of the lead body; and an electrode header carried by the distal end of the lead body, the electrode header having a header body with a substantially planar distal tip surface, the electrode header having an axis and including a helical fixation element extending along said axis and extending distally from the planar distal tip surface, the electrode header having a ring electrode disposed at the planar distal tip surface, the electrode header having an outer surface configured to receive a driver for rotating the electrode header to screw the helical fixation element into heart tissue, the lead body carrying along its length a strain relief member resisting excessive bending of the lead body; wherein a plurality of pins project radially outwardly from the outer surface of the electrode header, the plurality of pins engaging with the driver to rotate the electrode header to screw the helical fixation element into the heart tissue; and wherein said strain relief member comprises a longitudinally disposed strain relief coil extending proximally of the distal end of the lead body, and wherein the strain relief coil is disposed within the lead body and permanently fixated to the lead body.