Electrode and method for endocardial atrial pacing

A pacing electrode for rapid endocardial insertion for pacing from the right atrium of a patient and for interconnection with a pacemaker includes a flexible conductor having an outer, electrically insulating sheath about the conductor with a flexible curve at one end of the conductor and an exposed terminal along the flexible curved end. The terminal is adapted for making electrical contact with an inner heart surface, preferably within the right atrium. The curved end of the electrode is straightened during insertion through the circulatory system, and thereafter permitted to resume its curved configuration after entering the heart. A wing extends laterally from the sheath at a position outside the patient's body after the curved end has been inserted into the heart. An established relationship between the lateral direction of the wing and the curved end allows the physician to control the orientation of the curved end after insertion to permit the positioning of the electrode in a stable manner within the right atrium, whereby physiological atrial pacing may be achieved.