Patent 7220127 was granted and assigned to Medtronic on May, 2007 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
A heart model provides a simulative environment for lead implantation and affixation. In one embodiment, removable silicone plugs are provided at appropriate locations so that an inserted lead can be affixed to the plugs with a helical tip. A simulative venous structure is provided that has increased lubricity to facilitate the insertion and manipulation of the lead.