Abstract: A medical article, such as a needle, includes an echogenic portion. The echogenic portion includes one or more patterns. The one or more patterns can include closely spaced surface features which provide enhanced echogenicity. The surface features can include grooves, recesses, channels, pits, pores, or the like. The grooves can be arranged in a zigzag shape in a needle body of the medical article. The zigzag shape can extend circumferentially around the needle body, that is, the grooves can extend perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the needle body. The zigzag shape provides enhanced echogenicity regardless of the section of the needle body underlying the ultrasound beam in use.

Abstract: A hermetic interconnect for medical devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interconnect includes platinum leads co-fired between alumina substrates to form a monolithic composite that is subsequently bonded into a titanium alloy flange. Both methodology for forming these interconnects as well as specific geometries and compositions are disclosed. Interconnects formed in this fashion enable significant reductions in overall size of the interconnect relative to the number of feedthrough leads as well as substantial improvements in robustness versus currently available technology.

Abstract: A hermetic interconnect for medical devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interconnect includes platinum leads co-fired between alumina substrates to form a monolithic composite that is subsequently bonded into a titanium alloy flange. Both methodology for forming these interconnects as well as specific geometries and compositions are disclosed. Interconnects formed in this fashion enable significant reductions in overall size of the interconnect relative to the number of feedthrough leads as well as substantial improvements in robustness versus currently available technology.

Abstract: A feedthrough device having a ground wire that is coupled to both a metallic ferrule and to an insulating material and methods of making the device are provided. The ground wire is coupled or brazed between, adjacent to, or otherwise in direct contact with the metallic ferrule and the insulating material, for example, in a gap between the insulating material and the ferrule, or directly to the side of the insulating material and abutting the surface of the ferrule. If the ground wire is coupled or brazed in a gap, the gap may be formed by a notch in either the insulating material, the ferrule or both.