ICD Leads, close-up

This is a close-up view of three common defibrillating leads in use today. From left to right, Medtronic, Boston Scientific and St. Jude Medical. The Boston Scientific lead is covered in GORE expanded polytetrafluoroethylene to make it easier to be removed (or so they claim). After so long, leads become difficult to remove due to the formation of collagen tissue in and around the defibrillating coils.

The Boston Scientific lead is thicker but it still fits through a 9 FR (9 French*) introducer. The diameter of the St. Jude lead shown here is only 7 French, the thinnest on the market today.

* 1 French = 0.33 mm or 1/3 mm