Method and apparatus for cardiac defibrillation

A method for cardioversion or defibrillating a human heart, comprising:

• placing a transvenous lead having a first cardioversion or defibrillation electrode such that the first electrode is located extending around the apex of a patient's heart;
• placing a second cardioversion or defibrillation electrode in the superior vena cava of the patient's heart;
• and
• thereafter delivering a cardioversion or defibrillation pulse between the first and second electrodes.

A method for cardioverting or defibrillating a human heart, comprising:

• placing a transvenous lead having a first cardioversion or defibrillation electrode by advancing the lead through a first cardiac vein toward the apex of the patient's heart and thereafter advancing the lead upward through a second cardiac vein, towards the base of the patient's heart.
• placing a second cardioversion or defibrillation electrode in the superior vena cava of the patient's heart;
• and
• thereafter delivering a cardioversion or defibrillation pulse between the first and second electrodes.

A method for cardioverting or defibrillating a human heart, comprising:

• placing a transvenous lead having a first cardioversion or defibrillation electrode such that the first electrode is located at least Partially within the middle cardiac vein of a patient's heart, wherein placing the lead includes advancing the lead through the patient's great cardiac vein toward the apex of the patient's heart and thereafter advancing the lead upward through a cardiac vein, towards the base of the patient's heart;
• placing a second cardioversion or defibrillation electrode in a body of the patient;
• and
• thereafter delivering a cardioversion or defibrillation pulse between the first and second electrodes.