Importance

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Abstract

An implantable device including an elastically compressible member coupled to a distal end of a lead and further coupled to at least one electrode. The compressible member is in a contracted state when the electrode is being delivered to an implant site. At the implant site, the compressible member is expanded to urge the electrode into contact with tissue. Compressible member further includes a keyed structure to engage a stiffening member such as a stylet. The stiffening member is used both to deliver the electrode to the implant site, and to rotate the compressible member, if necessary, so that the electrode contacts predetermined body tissue. According to one aspect of the invention, an introducer having an inner lumen with a diameter that is smaller than that of the compressible member may be used to disengage the stiffening member from the compressible member. In one embodiment, compressible member includes a conductor wound to form multiple turns that are aligned during electrode delivery, but which expand into a non-aligned configuration after deployment. In another embodiment, compressible member includes a spring clip that has a compressed profile during delivery, and an expanded profile after deployment.

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First Claim