Patent ID: 7398126

Claim:
An electrically conductive lead suitable for implantation in a human or animal body, comprising: a proximal end portion adapted for attachment to an electrical medical therapy device; a distal end portion having an exterior; at least one electrode member disposed at said distal end portion for at least one of emitting and sensing electrical signals associated with said medical therapy; an elongated body extending between, and mechanically and electrically connecting, said proximal end portion and said distal end portion; a drug-dispensing member disposed at said distal end portion and comprising a drug adapted for release into tissue, said drug-dispensing member having a surface and a configuration so that at least a portion of said surface is exposed at the exterior of said distal end portion and said configuration automatically causing an amount of said drug released into said tissue after implantation to smoothly vary with time from a larger amount to a smaller amount in accordance with a predetermined relationship of the amount of drug released as a function of time; and said distal end portion having at least one cavity therein with an opening disposed at said exterior of said distal end portion, and said drug-dispensing member being disposed in said cavity, said cavity having a shape that configures said dispensing member for said automatic control of said release.