System and assembly having conductive fixation features
A lead having a distal end electrode assembly adapted for implantation on or about the heart or within a vein and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The electrode assembly includes conductive fixation features, such as conductive tines or flexible members, in combination with non-conductive fixation features. The conductive fixation features also include tines coated with a conductive material. The fixation features further include conductive tines which are retractable. A defibrillation coil is optionally disposed at the distal end of the lead in combination with the conductive tines.
1. A method comprising:
disposing a defibrillation electrode tip on a distal end of a lead body, the lead body extending from a proximal end to the distal end and having an intermediate portion therebetween;
coupling at least one conductive tine with the intermediate portion of the lead body;
positioning the defibrillation electrode tip within an apex of a ventricle of a heart and positioning the at least one conductive tine also within the ventricle;
coupling the lead body to a pulse generator;
delivering defibrillation shocks from the pulse generator via the defibrillation electrode tip; and
pacing the heart with the at least one conductive tine.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising sensing the heart with the at least one conductive tine.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising disposing a conductive member on a distal tip of each conductive tine.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising coupling a conductive member to the at least one conductive tine.
5. A method comprising:
disposing a defibrillation electrode tip on a distal end of a lead body, the lead body extending from a proximal end to the distal end and having an intermediate portion therebetween;
coupling at least one conductive tine with the intermediate portion of the lead body;
positioning the defibrillation electrode tip within an apex of a ventricle of a heart and positioning the at least one conductive tine also within the ventricle;
coupling the lead body to a pulse generator;
delivering defibrillation shocks from the pulse generator via the defibrillation electrode tip; and
sensing the heart with the at least one conductive tine.
6. A method comprising:
disposing a defibrillation electrode tip on a distal end of a lead body, the lead body extending from a proximal end to the distal end and having an intermediate portion therebetween;
coupling at least one conductive tine with the intermediate portion of the lead body;
providing insulation between the defibrillation electrode tip and the at least one conductive tine;
positioning the defibrillation electrode tip within an apex of a ventricle of a heart and positioning the at least one conductive tine also within the ventricle;
coupling the lead body to a pulse generator; and
delivering defibrillation shocks from the pulse generator via the defibrillation electrode tip.
7. The method of claim 6 , further including sensing or pacing with the conductive tine.
8. A method comprising:
providing a lead having a defibrillation electrode on a distal end of the lead and a conductive tine proximate the distal end of the lead;
positioning the defibrillation electrode at an apex of a ventricle of a heart such that the conductive tine is also within the ventricle;
coupling the lead body to a pulse generator;
delivering defibrillation shocks from the pulse generator via the defibrillation electrode; and
pacing the heart with the conductive tine.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising sensing the heart with the conductive tine.
10. A method comprising:
providing a lead having a defibrillation electrode on a distal end of the lead and a conductive tine proximate the distal end of the lead;
positioning the defibrillation electrode at an apex of a ventricle of a heart such that the conductive tine is also within the ventricle;
coupling the lead body to a pulse generator;
delivering defibrillation shocks from the pulse generator via the defibrillation electrode; and
sensing the heart with the conductive tine.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising disposing a conductive member on a distal tip of each conductive tine.
12. The method of claim 10 , further comprising disposing
a defibrillation coil at the intermediate portion of the lead body.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein providing a lead includes the conductive tine having a first end coupled with the lead body and a second end which extends away from the lead body.
14. The method of claim 10 , wherein providing a lead includes the conductive tine being partially covered with non-conductive material.
15. The method of claim 10 , wherein providing a lead includes coupling a conductive bead with the second end of the conductive tine.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein coupling a conductive bead includes welding the conductive bead to the conductive tine.
17. A method comprising:
providing a lead having a defibrillation electrode on a distal end of the lead and a conductive tine proximate the distal end of the lead;
providing insulation between the defibrillation electrode and the conductive tine;
positioning the defibrillation electrode at an apex of a ventricle of a heart such that the conductive tine is also within the ventricle;
coupling the lead body to a pulse generator; and
delivering defibrillation shocks from the pulse generator via the defibrillation electrode.