Medical electrical lead with interchangeable fixation member

Abstract

A medical electrical lead, a system for providing electrical stimulation or sensing using such a lead, and methods of implanting, making and using same are described. The lead includes a rapidly connectable and/or interchangeable distal line that may be attached to a connector located distally from a distal end of a stimulating electrode. The rapidly connectable or interchangeable line may be sutured to a patient's muscle or other tissue. A physician may select a distal suture line of the present invention on the basis of the desired characteristics of the line, and then connect, secure or attach same to the lead body just prior to the surgical operation in which the stimulating or sensing medical electrical lead of the present invention is to be employed. The desired characteristics of the suture line may relate to thickness or diameter, length, the material from which the line is made, biodegradability, and the like.

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       22 . A method of selecting a location for and implanting a muscular lead, wherein the muscular lead comprises: a needle having a needle point; a test wire that is configured to supply current to needle; a lead that is connected to the needle comprising the steps of: 
 (a) placing the needle point in contact with at least one test location on the surface of a muscle;    (b) providing current to the needle point with the test wire;    (c) observing the response of the contacted muscle to the current from the needle point;    (d) selecting a location for implantation of the muscular lead;    (e) severing the test wire adjacent to its attachment point with the needle: and    (f) penetrating the selected muscle location with the needle to draw the lead into the muscle.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein steps (a)-(c) are carried out more than once.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the current that is provided in step (b) is varied and the variable response of the contacted muscle is observed.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein step (d) is based at least in part on the amount of current provided in order to observe a response, the magnitude of the muscle response, or some combination thereof.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the step (a) is accomplished by gripping a portion of the needle that is insulated.