Method and apparatus for endovenous pacing lead

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for inserting electrical leads within a heart. In one aspect of the present invention, a method for positioning a medical electrical lead in a cardiac vein is disclosed. The method comprises inserting a lead within a coronary sinus, dispersing at least one vasodilating agent to dilate at least one cardiac vein, and inserting the lead into a dilated cardiac vein.

1 . A medical electrical lead, comprising: 
 a distal end portion of the lead capable of insertion into the coronary sinus of a patient; and    a distribution device attached to the distal end portion of the lead adapted for dissipation of a material into the coronary sinus and into a cardiac vein.    
   
   
       2 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the material is a vasodilating agent.  
   
   
       3 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the lead is an over-the-wire lead.  
   
   
       4 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said lead comprises an elongated flexible body.  
   
   
       5 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the elongated flexible body comprises a flexible tube.  
   
   
       6 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the elongated flexible body comprises a tube constructed with material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and silicone.  
   
   
       7 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said lead is tapered along a longitudinal axis of the elongated flexible body.  
   
   
       8 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the lead comprises a core of electrically conductive material surrounded by a layer of insulative material.  
   
   
       9 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the lead comprises an electrode coupled to its distal end.  
   
   
       10 . A medical electrical lead, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the lead comprises an expandable helical coil coupled to its distal end.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a lead having a first electrode positioned adjacent a distal end portion thereof; and    means for dispersing at least one vasodilating agent adjacent the distal end portion.    
   
   
       12 . A medical catheter device, comprising: 
 a flexible tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end;    a first lumen disposed within the flexible tubular body capable of transporting an electrical lead through the first lumen and out the distal end of the flexible tubular body; and    means of dispersing a vasodilating agent adjacent the distal end of the flexible tubular body.    
   
   
       13 . The medical catheter device of  claim 12 , wherein the means of dissipating a vasodilating agent further comprises a distribution device attached near the distal end of the tubular body.  
   
   
       14 . The medical catheter device of  claim 13 , wherein the distribution device attached near the distal end of the tubular body comprises a chemically modified material.  
   
   
       15 . The medical catheter device of  claim 13 , wherein the distribution device attached near the distal end of the tubular body comprises a sponge-like saturated material.  
   
   
       16 . The medical catheter device of  claim 13 , wherein the catheter device further comprises a second lumen for transporting the vasodilating agent from the proximal end to the distal end of the tubular body.  
   
   
       17 . A medical catheter device, comprising: 
 a flexible tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end;    a first lumen disposed within the flexible tubular body capable of transporting an electrical lead through the first lumen and out the distal end of the flexible tubular body; and    a distribution device capable of emitting a vasodilating agent adjacent the distal end of the flexible tubular body.    
   
   
       18 . The medical catheter device of  claim 17 , wherein the catheter device further comprises a second lumen for transporting the vasodilating agent from the proximal end to the distal end of the tubular body.