Patent ID: 7191016

Claim:
A medical electrical lead, comprising: an elongated lead body including, a first elongated insulated conductor, a second elongated insulated conductor, and a connector formed at a proximal end, the connector including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; a first low voltage electrode, joined to the lead body and coupled to the first contact of the connector via the first conductor, the first electrode adapted for intimate contact with tissue at an implant site in order to provide pacing stimulation; a second low voltage electrode joined to the lead body in proximity to the first electrode and coupled to the second contact of the connector via the second conductor, the second electrode isolated from the first electrode and adapted to function in conjunction with the first electrode to provide bipolar sensing of near-field signals; and a porous layer formed over the second electrode, allowing conduction therethrough while preventing contact between the second electrode and tissue in proximity to the implant site, the porous layer comprising one of a porous silicone layer and a sheet of collagen fibers.