Abstract: A connector system for use with a sealed implantable medical device having at least one lead receiving channel for slidably receiving a connecting end of an electrical lead comprises a support member fixed to the medical device having a threaded bore generally parallel to and spaced from the lead receiving channel, an annular seal member mounted on the support member at the open end of the lead receiving channel and coaxial and aligned therewith, and a plunger adapted for attachment to the medical device and having an inlet bore for reception of the electrical lead and an annular flange coaxial with the inlet bore. When positioned for attachment to the medical device, the annular flange is coaxial with the lead receiving channel and aligned and engageable with its associated annular seal member.

Abstract: A lead retention and sealing system for an implantable medical device comprises a lead receiving channel with an open end for slidably receiving a connecting end of an electrical lead and a closed end not open to an inner sealed portion of the medical device. The connecting end of the lead does not break the seal of the medical device. The receiving channel includes an electrical contact electrically connected with circuitry hermetically sealed within the medical device for mating contact with a respective portion of the lead when moved to a connecting position. A flexible seal mounted in the receiving channel sealingly engages the outer peripheral surface of the lead and retains the lead at the connecting position.

Abstract: An electronic package having vertically integrated components placed upon a substrate surface is configured to increase packing density of the components. Integrated circuits which are vertically-stacked and attached to the substrate surface communicate with surrounding components through connection to bond pads on the substrate surface. The bond pads can be placed entirely about a perimeter of the integrated circuits to achieve optimal packing density. Individual bond pads may be shared by two or more integrated circuits by connection therewith. In an alternative embodiment, a separate integrated circuit is attached to the substrate adjacent to the stacked integrated circuits with a row of shared bond pads positioned therebetween. Individual passive or active components may be placed between bond pads for incorporation into the circuit structure.

Abstract: A connector assembly mounted on an implantable cardiac stimulation device has an actuator mechanism for fixing and sealing electrical leads inserted into lead receptacles within the connector assembly without the use of setscrews. Fixing and sealing of the leads is accomplished by compressing resilient lead lock seals of O-ring shape, disposed in annular recesses, with lip portions of a plunger drawn toward the molded support by the actuator mechanism. In a first embodiment of the actuator mechanism, rotation of a cam actuator transversely journaled within the support, using a torque wrench or similar tool, moves a cam slide attached to the plunger through a fixed displacement between lock and unlock positions as an offset camming portion of the actuator engages the surfaces of a slot within the cam slide.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulation device having a reduced volumetric configuration contains a pair of high-voltage cylindrical discharge capacitors positioned at rounded edges within a device container. The capacitors have electrical contact tabs at one end which are inserted directly through apertures formed within an associated electronic module. The capacitor tabs are connected directly to the electronic module eliminating the need for secondary connectors or point to point wiring, thus reducing the number of connections. Direct connection of the capacitors to the electronic module allows for optimal positioning of the module within the container. Specifically, the generally planar module is oriented perpendicular to planar cover surfaces of the container. Irregularly shaped components attached to the surface of the module advantageously extend away from the surface into remaining voids within the container.

Abstract: A wireless feedthrough assembly, for coupling leads received in the receptacles of a connector assembly to the electronic circuit within a cardiac pacemaker, includes a weld ring mounted in hermetically sealed fashion within a housing wall of the pacemaker and itself hermetically sealed to an intermediate portion of an elongated, multilayered structure. The multilayered structure includes layers of electrically insulating ceramic material on opposite sides of a planar array of printed conductors extending between a first portion of the structure within the connector assembly and an opposite second portion of the structure within the pacemaker. Connector pads at the ends of the printed conductors within the first portion are coupled to the receptacles of the connector assembly, while contact pads at the exterior of the second portion and coupled by vias to connector pads at the ends of the printed conductors are coupled to the electronic circuits within the pacemaker.

Abstract: A wireless feedthrough assembly, for coupling leads received in the receptacles of a connector assembly to the electronic circuit within a cardiac pacemaker, includes a weld ring mounted in hermetically sealed fashion within a housing wall of the pacemaker and itself hermetically sealed to an intermediate portion of an elongated, multilayered structure. The multilayered structure includes layers of electrically insulating ceramic material on opposite sides of a planar array of printed conductors extending between a first portion of the structure within the connector assembly and an opposite second portion of the structure within the pacemaker. Connector pads at the ends of the printed conductors within the first portion are coupled to the receptacles of the connector assembly, while contact pads at the exterior of the second portion and coupled by vias to connector pads at the ends of the printed conductors are coupled to the electronic circuits within the pacemaker.

Abstract: A feedthrough connector for an implantable medical device, combines the connector function with the feedthrough function and eliminates the need for the cast epoxy connector previously used on such devices. The feedthrough connector includes a barrel assembly having open and closed ends. The open end of the assembly has an opening for receiving a slidably inserted electrical lead. The barrel assembly includes cylindrical metal conductive portions separated by cylindrical ceramic insulating portions. Spring contacts are mounted on the inside of the metal portions and are adapted to make electrical contact with the appropriate contacts of an electrical lead when the lead is inserted into the connector. The outer side of the metal portions are electrically connected to the appropriate electrical circuit within the housing, and the open end of the barrel assembly is bonded (welded) to the device housing so that the inside of the device can be hermetically sealed.