Importance

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Abstract

A lead for delivering electrical stimulation pulses to pace the cardiac muscle and for sensing electrical signals occurring in the cardiac muscle is disclosed which as a rigid helix disposed at the extreme distal end thereof which rigid helix may be operated by the implanting physical to extend the tip of the rigid helix from a stored position within the distal end of the lead to a deployed position projecting from the distal end of the lead. The rigid helix pierces and engages the heart tissue to anchor the lead in place within the heart. The tip of the rigid helix has an axial bore therein which is filled with a therapeutic medication such as a steroid or steroid-based drug for inhibiting inflammation and promoting tissue growth. After the tip of the helical screw is disposed in the heart tissue, the therapeutic medication will be slowly eluted into the surrounding tissue, thereby minimizing the trauma of implantation and assisting in the anchoring of the lead.

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First Claim