Patent ID: 7756589

Claim:
A lead comprising: a proximal portion; a distal portion carrying one or more tissue-stimulating electrodes, each tissue-stimulating electrode having an outer surface and an inner surface a flexible tubular sheath carried by at least a first electrode over the outer surface thereof, the sheath comprising a polymer substrate including one or more of silicone rubber, polyurethane, fluoropolymer, polyamide, or polyester and covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the first electrode, the sheath being constructed and arranged to minimize adhesion and tissue ingrowth while passing sufficient electrical current to stimulate cardiac tissue when the lead is implanted in, on, or about a heart; and wherein the sheath is a non-porous/non-fluid dependent sheath and an inherent conductivity of the sheath provides an electrical interface to pass electrical current between the one or more electrodes and tissue.