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Abstract

A pacing lead that is useful for transvenous pacing of the left ventricle, particularly in patients with congestive heart failure. The pacing lead includes a tapered body of reduced diameter at its distal end, and at least one electrode positioned in the area of the thin distal end of the tapering body. A floppy coil is attached as an integral part of the tapered body, or provided as a separate component, to serve as a guidewire for steering the pacing lead. Also provided with is a sheath delivery system for delivery of the pacing lead into the coronary sinus or a distal cardiac vein. The delivery system includes a J-tipped guidewire insertable into the right atrium or right ventricle from a cephalic or subclavian vein, a sheath with preformed curve, and a dilator, wherein the sheath, with the dilator positioned therein, is advancable over the guidewire placed into the right ventricle, the guidewire and dilator thereafter removable to cannulate the ostium of the coronary sinus or a distal cardiac vein, and provide guidance for a pacing lead advancable through the sheath into the coronary sinus.

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First Claim