System and apparatus having low profile collapsible tines

A lead adapted for implantation in, on, or about the heart, said lead comprising:

• an electrode assembly including at least one electrode and at least one tine coupled therewith, the electrode assembly coupled with a lead body;
• the at least one tine being at least partially hollow;
• and
• the at least one tine extends from a coupling end to a free end, where the coupling end is attached to the lead body and the free end is cut at an angle, the free end having an elliptical opening.

A lead adapted for implantation in, on, or about the heart, said lead comprising:

• an electrode assembly including at least one electrode and at least one collapsible tine coupled therewith, the electrode assembly coupled with a lead body;
• and
• the at least one tine radially extending from a coupling end proximate to the lead body to a free end, the at least one tine having a coiled structure, and
• the at least one tine adapted to be disposed in a first uncollapsed position and a second collapsed position, where the free end is free from the lead body in the first and second positions.

A system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity comprising:

• a pulse sensor and signal generator adapted for receiving and producing pulses to apply to the heart;
• a lead extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the lead being operatively coupled with said sensor and generator;
• an electrode assembly disposed proximate to the distal end of the lead;
• the electrode assembly including at least one foam tine coupled therewith;
• and the at least one tine being at least partially hollow.

A lead adapted for implantation in, on, or about the heart, said lead comprising:

• an electrode assembly including at least one electrode and at least one tine coupled therewith, the electrode assembly coupled with a lead body, wherein the lead body further comprises a recess adapted to receive a portion of the at least one tine therein;
• the at least one tine being at least partially hollow and comprises a thin-walled circular structure, the at least one tine extends from a coupling end to a free end, where the coupling end is attached to the lead body and the free end is cut at an angle;
• wherein the at least one tine extends from a coupling end to a free end, and the free end has a larger cross-section than the coupling end;
• and
• a ring coupling the at least one tine with the lead body within the recess.