New Small-Vein Lead for Resynchronization

An over-the-wire (OTW) left-heart lead is designed for placement in small and tortuous cardiac veins to facilitate cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with failing hearts.

With a diameter of only 4 French, the OTW left-heart lead is about the size of the wire in a large paperclip. Its steroid-eluting capability is designed to stabilize electrical performance. The lead uses interventional guide wires or stiffer wires known as stylets to steer the lead into position. The tip of the lead contains a silicone seal to reduce bodily fluids from entering the center lumen. The lead is a member of the Attain family of left-heart leads from Medtronic, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN, USA). All have industry compatible IS-1 connectors that allow universal connection to cardiac resynchronization devices without the need for adapters.

The new lead was recently implanted for the first time at the Carlyle Fraser Heart Center at Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA). "The Attain OTW lead allowed me to access the vein with a difficult 90o angulation from the coronary sinus with ease,” said Dr. Angel Leon, co-investigator. "The lead tracked flawlessly over the wire and I have no doubt that the Attain OTW lead significantly reduced my implant time.”



Related Links:
Medtronic