Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having an inner surface forming a connector bore, a circuit member including a one or more traces extending through the shell; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore and electrically coupled to the traces; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members.

Abstract: A telemetry antenna for an implantable medical device includes one or more portions having a non-linear configuration. In some embodiments, the non-linear configuration provides an antenna having a greater antenna length than the linear lengthwise dimension of the antenna structure. In some embodiments, the non-linear configuration is a serpentine pattern.

Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling to an implantable medical device includes a core element formed of a first thermoplastic material shaped to receive a connector member for receiving a lead. The connector assembly further includes a circuit member positioned adjacent to the core element. The circuit member includes a portion extending along the core element to the connector member and an antenna structure extending over a portion of the core element outer surface.

Abstract: A lead connector arrangement includes a non-cylindrically shaped connector pin coupled to a lead conductor and a connector sleeve assembly for receiving the non-cylindrically shaped connector pin. The connector sleeve assembly includes an insert with an axial bore formed therein that complements the shape of the non-cylindrical connector pin. According to one embodiment, the non-cylindrical connector pin may be provided in the form of a triangular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal shape. The axial bore has a complimentary shape to receive the connector pin. When the connector pin is threaded through the connector sleeve assembly using a pull-wire device, the pull-wire device may be unscrewed from the connector pin without causing axial rotation of the lead conductor when the connector pin is fully inserted within the axial bore.

Abstract: IPG connector headers for implantable medical devices are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, an IPG connector header having a header bore for receiving and making electrical connection to a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device comprises a non-conductive header base and a plurality of electrically conductive header connector elements disposed within the header base. A plurality of electrically insulative fluid seals are interposed between the header connector elements. Each fluid seal has a fluid seal bore and is formed from an elastomeric material and an additive. The additive is formulated to reduce the frictional forces required to insert the lead connector assembly through the fluid seal bores of the fluid seals.

Abstract: An adaptor couples multiple high-voltage connector elements included on a plurality of medical electrical lead connectors to a single connector port of an implantable medical device thereby facilitating alternative high-voltage therapy vectors.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a connector header for making electrical and mechanical connections with a proximal connector assembly of an electrical medical lead and includes a retainer for retaining a penetrable grommet within a header grommet aperture. A connector block disposed within a header body of the connector header has a threaded bore aligned with a header grommet aperture and a connector block bore aligned with a header connector bore. The penetrable grommet is disposed within the header grommet aperture, and a setscrew is threaded into the threaded bore having a setscrew socket disposed to be engaged by a tool inserted through the penetrable grommet within the header grommet aperture to enable rotation of the setscrew within the threaded bore to tighten the setscrew against or to loosen the setscrew from a lead connector element received in the header connector bore.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes an electrode, a connector terminal and an auxiliary connector port, which includes a connector contact adapted to electrically couple an electrode of a second lead. A first connector element of the connector terminal is coupled to the electrode via a first insulated conductor, and a second connector element of the connector terminal is coupled, via a second insulated conductor, to the connector contact included in the auxiliary port.

Abstract: A connector circuit assembly for use in an implantable medical device, and a method of making the assembly that includes a core portion formed of a thermoplastic material using either an injection molding process or a machining process. This core portion is adapted to be fitted with at least one electrically-conductive circuit component such as a connector member, a set-screw block, or a conductive jumper member. In one embodiment of the invention, the core portion includes multiple receptacles or other spaces that are adapted to be loaded with the various circuit components. The core assembly is positioned into a second-shot mold assembly, and a second thermoplastic material is injected into the mold so that the second thermoplastic material extends over and adheres to the core portion and the circuit component.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for facilitating electrical connection between a medical lead and circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD). The electrical connector assembly integrates a conductive element with an elastomeric seal in order to achieve a simplified structure for electrically coupling of a lead to circuitry of the IMD and also providing a hermetic seal, and facilitates simplified and improved electrical coupling of a medical lead to circuitry of the IMD.

Abstract: Improvements in connector headers of implantable medical devices (IMDs) for making electrical and mechanical connections with a connector element of a proximal connector assembly of an electrical medical lead and components thereof are disclosed. A connector block disposed within a header body of the connector header has a threaded bore aligned with a header grommet aperture and a connector block bore aligned with a header connector bore. A penetrable grommet is disposed within the header grommet aperture, and a setscrew is threaded into the threaded bore having a setscrew socket disposed to be engaged by the tool inserted through the penetrable grommet within the header grommet aperture to enable rotation of the setscrew within the threaded bore to tighten the setscrew against or to loosen the setscrew from a lead connector element received in the header connector bore.

Abstract: A medical lead adapter assembly is provided for facilitating an electrical connection between an implantable medical lead connector and an external medical device. The adapter includes a housing, having a sidewall and a longitudinally extending connector receptacle, and at least one contact opening passing through the sidewall to the receptacle. The contact opening is positioned in a location corresponding with at least one ring contact of the lead connector, when the lead connector is engaged within the receptacle, and allows electrical connection between at least one contact element of the external medical device and the at least one ring contact of the lead connector.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises an enclosure, a first plurality of electrical contacts disposed within the enclosure, at least a first electrical component secured within the enclosure, a second plurality of electrical contacts on the first electrical component, and a terminal array for providing electrical coupling between the first and second plurality of electrical contacts. The terminal array comprises a housing having a plurality of apertures therethrough, the housing having a first side and a second opposite side. Each of a plurality of conductive terminals is positioned within one of the plurality of apertures and has a first contact region proximate the first side of the housing and a second contact region proximate the second side of the housing. The first contact region is electrically coupled to one of the first plurality of electrical contacts, and the second contact region is electrically coupled to one of the second plurality of contacts.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) comprising a monitor or implantable pulse generator (IPG) having an IPG header to which lead connector assemblies of electrical medical leads are coupled, particularly, an improved in-line IPG header providing enhanced durability, ease of manufacture, and ease of use. A stack of alternating, substantially tubular electrically insulating fluid seals and header connector elements is assembled in axial alignment to form a common, elongated axial stack bore sized in diameter and length to receive the lead connector assembly. Each adjacent electrical connector element and fluid seal are interlocked with one another during assembly of the stack to maintain the axial alignment and the length and diameter dimensions. Fluid seals are located at each end of the stack, and the stack can be inserted as a unit into a cavity of the IPG header.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of electrically connecting components of an implantable medical device are disclosed. One embodiment is an apparatus having at least one electrical connector comprising a tab section and a housing at least partially enclosing the electrical connectors, wherein the housing is molded into sealing engagement with the electrical connectors and the tab section is capable of removal from the electrical connector after the housing is molded.

Abstract: A battery having an electrode assembly located in a housing that efficiently utilizes the space available in many implantable medical devices is disclosed. The battery housing provides a cover and a shallow case a planar bottom, an open top to receive the cover, and a plurality of sides being radiused at intersections with each other and with the bottom to allow for the close abutting of other components located within the implantable device while also providing for efficient location of the battery within an arcuate edge of the device.

Abstract: A lead connector arrangement includes a non-cylindrically shaped connector pin coupled to a lead conductor and a connector sleeve assembly for receiving the non-cylindrically shaped connector pin. The connector sleeve assembly includes an insert with an axial bore formed therein that complements the shape of the non-cylindrical connector pin. According to one embodiment, the non-cylindrical connector pin may be provided in the form of a triangular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal shape. The axial bore has a complimentary shape to receive the connector pin. When the connector pin is threaded through the connector sleeve assembly using a pull-wire device, the pull-wire device may be unscrewed from the connector pin without causing axial rotation of the lead conductor when the connector pin is fully inserted within the axial bore.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes an electrode, a connector terminal and an auxiliary connector port, which includes a connector contact adapted to electrically couple an electrode of a second lead. A first connector element of the connector terminal is coupled to the electrode via a first insulated conductor, and a second connector element of the connector terminal is coupled, via a second insulated conductor, to the connector contact included in the auxiliary port.

Abstract: An adaptor couples multiple high-voltage connector elements included on a plurality of medical electrical lead connectors to a single connector port of an implantable medical device thereby facilitating alternative high-voltage therapy vectors.

Abstract: A medical lead adapter assembly is provided for facilitating an electrical connection between an implantable medical lead connector and an external medical device. The adapter includes a housing, having a sidewall and a longitudinally extending connector receptacle, and at least one contact opening passing through the sidewall to the receptacle. The contact opening is positioned in a location corresponding with at least one ring contact of the lead connector, when the lead connector is engaged within the receptacle, and allows electrical connection between at least one contact element of the external medical device and the at least one ring contact of the lead connector.