endocardial lead
A transvenous cardiac lead positioned inside the heart chambers, in contact with the endocardium.
Full Definition
An endocardial lead is implanted through the venous system and positioned within the cardiac chambers, making direct contact with the inner surface of the heart (endocardium). These leads are inserted via the subclavian, cephalic, or axillary veins and advanced through the venous circulation to reach the right atrium, right ventricle, or coronary sinus. Endocardial leads are the most common type used in modern cardiac device implantation due to their minimally invasive placement technique compared to epicardial leads. They typically feature active or passive fixation mechanisms to secure them to the cardiac tissue.
Usage
Usage note: Contrast with 'epicardial lead' which is surgically placed on the heart's outer surface.
In Context
- "The endocardial lead showed stable position and appropriate electrical parameters at follow-up." — Device interrogation report
- "Endocardial lead placement via the axillary vein reduced the risk of pneumothorax." — Surgical case report