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Leads designed to conduct electrical pacing signals from the pulse generating unit of an implantable defibrillator or defibrillator/cardioverter (i.e., an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator [ICD]) to the heart and conduct the bioelectric cardiac signals back to the unit. These leads typically consist of flexible wires that are completely isolated except at the electrode tip that makes contact with the heart. The leads are directly attached to the surface of the heart during open surgery (i.e., epicardial leads) or threaded into the heart through the vascular system avoiding open chest surgery; the other end of the lead is attached through a connector to the pulse generator implanted in the abdomen or chest. A variety of lead systems, including single- and multiple-lead, is available. Lead size, connector type, and other characteristics of the leads must be compatible with the defibrillator or ICD pulse generator and the therapy prescribed.
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