Electrode assembly with a detachable distal tip

An electrode assembly for a body implantable lead provided for the delivery of stimulation energy to a desired body site includes a tip electrode having a face adapted for positioning at least adjacent the desired body site and a longitudinally extending axially aligned weld electrode engageably receiving a distal end of an electrical conductor at a proximal end. The electrical conductor is a coiled wire strand with an inner peripheral surface for fitting reception on an outer peripheral surface of the weld electrode. A connector member includes a fastener having an enlarged head and a threaded shank, the weld electrode includes an integral weld sleeve with an annular locking tab engageable with the enlarged head to prevent longitudinal movement while permitting rotational movement. The weld electrode has an internal bore for receiving an elongated stylet selectively engageable therewith for implanting the electrode assembly at a desired body site and for explanting the electrode assembly from that body site. The tip electrode includes an integral attachment sleeve having an outer peripheral surface extending in a direction away from the face thereof and having a longitudinally extending tapped bore for threaded engagement with the threaded shank of the connector member. The weld sleeve and the attachment sleeve are mutually stepped to prevent their relative rotation when in the locked position. An insulative sheath is fittingly received on the outer peripheral surface of the attachment sleeve and includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly projecting integral tines.