Abstract: A joint and method of making a joint for providing a secure mechanical and electrical connection between a longitudinally extending coiled or wound element and a terminal on a mating component in a body implantable lead assembly. The wound element has an end portion threadedly received by a post on the terminal. A ring is disposed about the end portion of the wound element. The ring, the end portion of the wound element and the post are joined at at least one location along the circumference of the ring, preferably by thermally fusing these parts using a pulsed laser. The ring has a thin wall and is preferably made of the same biocompatible metallic alloy as the wound element.

Abstract: An in-line, multipolar proximal connector assembly for an implantable stimulation lead is provided which incorporates at least one sensor. Advantageously, the present invention uses straight conductive rods, or wires, to electrically connect the proximal terminals to a multilumen lead body. The straight conductive rods enable the diameter of the lead assembly to remain small. Additional terminals can easily be added by simply decreasing the spacing between terminals and adding additional conductive rods. In one embodiment, insulating spacers are premolded to include protruding portions which interlock with the ring terminals. Recesses within the insulating spacers are dimensioned to self-position the ring terminals a precise distance from the pin terminal according to precise dimensions defined by the VS-1 (or other) standards. In another embodiment, the terminals are injection molded.