IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD WITH DISTAL BIAS

An implantable medical electrical lead includes a lead body having a longitudinal axis, the lead body including proximal and distal portions, the proximal portion being generally straight, and the distal portion being formed with a helix having a central axis; and a plurality of electrodes arranged along the helix, each of the electrodes having a length parallel to a lead body portion on which each of the electrodes is disposed, where the longitudinal axis and the central axis are approximately coaxial. The helix is formed with a predetermined bias, and may include at least two coils with electrodes, and optionally a third coil to provide a stabilization function. A method for implanting the lead includes inserting the lead in a lumen, and positioning the lead to dispose the plurality of electrodes against an internal wall of the lumen, in order to stimulate an adjacent structure, such as the phrenic nerve.