Abstract: A feedthrough filter capacitor assembly and related installation method are provided for shielding a conductive terminal pin or lead of the type used, for example, in an implantable medical device such as a heart pacemaker or defibrillator, against passage of external interference signals. The feedthrough assembly includes a terminal pin subassembly having at least one terminal pin supported within a cylindrical conductive ferrule by a hermetically sealed insulator ring. The ferrule is adapted for mounting onto a conductive pacemaker housing, as by welding or brazing, to support the terminal pin for feedthrough passage to the housing interior. A co-axial filter capacitor is mounted at an inboard side of the pacemaker housing, with capacitor electrode plate sets coupled respectively to the pacemaker housing and to the terminal pin by a conductive adhesive or the like.

Abstract: A ceramic cased capacitor and related method of construction are provided, wherein the capacitor is substantially impervious to moisture penetration and is adapted for attachment to conductive leads with superior lead pull strength. The capacitor comprises at least two conductive plates encased at a selected gap within a substantially monolithic casing of selected dielectric material such as a ceramic material. The plates each include a tab projecting beyond an adjacent margin of the other plate. Recessed seats are formed in the casing as by drilling to bridge at least partially into the tabs. Conductive lead ends are attached to the capacitor by soldering within the recessed seats, thereby securely anchoring the leads in a manner substantially impervious to moisture penetration. The thus-formed capacitor may be used in a wide range of electronic circuit applications without requiring a conventional encapsulating outer jacket or coating of insulating material.