Cardiac pacing lead and delivery system

A cardiac pacing lead, comprising:

• a tapered body having a thin distal end relative to its proximal end;
• at least one electrode attached to said tapered body adjacent said distal end;
• a guidewire attached to said tapered body at said distal end;
• and
• a stylet lumen within the tapered body that is adapted to receive a stylet.

A cardiac pacing lead, comprising:

• (a) a tapered body having proximal and distal ends, proximal and distal ports, and a lumen extending between said ports, said distal end of said body being thin relative to said proximal end;
• (b) at least one electrode attached to said tapered body adjacent said distal end;
• and
• (c) a valve attached at said distal end of said body, said valve having a self-closing port coaxially aligned with said distal port.

A cardiac pacing device for left ventdcular pacing via the distal cardiac veins, comprising:

• a tapering body with a thin distal lead shaft of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm in diameter;
• at least one electrode attached to the tapering body, the electrode providing low rapture thresholds;
• means for tracking the tapering body over a quidewire into the distal cardiac veins;
• means for providing a substantial seal against fluid ingress into the tapering body within the distal cardiac veins;
• and
• wherein the device lacks attachment means for securing the distal end to the wall of the heart after placement.

A cardiac pacing device for left ventricular padng via the distal cardiac veins, comprising:

• a tapering body with a thin distal lead shaft of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm in diameter;
• at least one electrode attached to the taperng body, the electrode providing low capture thresholds;
• and
• a distal steerable guldewire fixed to the distal end of the device;
• wherein the device lacks attachment means for securing the distal end to the wall of the heart after placement.

A cardiac pacing lead, comprising:

• a tapered body having a thin distal end relative to its proximal end, proximal and distal ports, and a lumen extending between said proximal and distal ports;
• at least one electrode attached to said tapered body adjacent said distal end;
• and
• a valve attached at said distal end of said body and having a self-closing port coaxially aligned with said distal port.

A cardiac pacing device for left ventricular pacing via the distal cardiac veins, comprising:

• a tapering body with a thin distal lead shaft of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm in diameter;
• at least one electrode attached to the tapering body, the electrode providing low capture thresholds;
• a central channel through the tapering body;
• and
• a water-tight grommet valve closeable to seal the tip, said valve having a pore continuous with said central channel when said valve is open;
• wherein the device lacks attachment means for securing the distal end to the wall of the heart after placement.