Patent ID: 8812134

Claim:
An implantable lead comprising: a flexible body extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a connector assembly secured to the proximal end for coupling the lead to an implantable medical device, the connector assembly including a terminal pin rotatable relative to the body; a conductor member disposed longitudinally within the body and coupled to the terminal pin, the conductor member rotatable relative to the body; and a distal assembly coupled to the distal end of the body and including: a housing having a distal region and a proximal region, the proximal region fixedly coupled to the distal end of the body; a coupler rotatably disposed within the housing, the coupler having a proximal region and a distal region, the proximal region connected to the conductor member; and a helical electrode secured to the coupler and extending distally therefrom, the helical electrode formed of a filar canted at an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the helical electrode, the filar having a non-circular cross-sectional profile with outer side surfaces that are at least substantially parallel to each other, the filar having a major dimension and a minor dimension less than the major dimension, the major dimension disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the terminal pin is rotatably engaged with the coupler via the conductor member such that rotation of the terminal pin causes the coupler and the helical electrode to rotate and therefore translate relative to the housing.