Wendy K Wolsleger

US Patent:

56287798, May 13, 1997

Filed:

Apr 3, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/629960

Inventors:

Gene A. Bornzin - Simi Valley CA
Kevin L. Morgan - Simi Valley CA
Joseph J. Florio - Sunland CA
Wendy K. Wolsleger - Cherry Valley CA

Assignee:

Pacesetter, Inc. - Sylmar CA

International Classification:

A61N 105

US Classification:

607123

Abstract:

A single-pass atrio-ventricular (A-V) pacing lead includes an elongated main lead body having an atrial electrode at the distal end thereof, and includes a ventricular branch which departs from the main lead body just proximal to the tip of the atrial electrode. The ventricular branch has a ventricular electrode at its distal tip. The main lead body includes a preformed "J"-shaped portion which, following proper implantation, projects the atrial electrode against a wall of the atrial appendage. The ventricular branch includes a preformed bend which curves in the opposite direction of the J-shaped portion so as to maintain the ventricular branch generally away from the wall of the atrial appendage. The lead includes a single lumen which extends through both the main lead body and the ventricular branch, allowing the lead to be implanted using a single stylet. When the styler is fully inserted within the lumen, an extension portion of the atrial electrode, including the electrode tip, rests alongside the straightened ventricular branch so as to present a low cross-sectional profile, facilitating transvenous implantation.