Importance

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Abstract

An implantable lead for electrical stimulation of the body includes an elongated multi-lumen tube with a distal tip electrode having a longitudinally extending central bore. A cable conductor is received in one lumen of the multi-lumen tube for electrical connection to the tip electrode and an elongated polymeric tubular liner having a coefficient of friction in the range of 0.01 to 0.20 is received in another lumen of the multi-lumen tube generally aligned with the bore of the distal tip electrode for freely receiving a guidewire through the tubular liner and through the bore of the distal tip electrode. An electrically conductive proximal pin is attached to the multi-lumen tubing distant from the tip electrode and, in one embodiment, the cable conductor and the proximal end of the polymeric tubular liner are attached to the proximal pin. Initially, the guidewire is implanted into the body along a desired trajectory. With the polymeric tubular liner inserted, first the distal tip electrode, then the remainder of the multi-lumen tube, are slid onto the guidewire such that the guidewire slidably advances within the polymeric tubular liner. Thereupon, the multilumen tube is advanced along the guidewire until a desired site is achieved and the guidewire is removed from the body and the multi-lumen tube. In another embodiment, the distal tip electrode has no central bore but the elongated polymeric tubular liner is axially aligned with the distal tip electrode for freely receiving a stylet which is attached with the distal tip electrode.

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First Claim