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: 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 adaptor facilitating electrical connection between an implantable medical lead connector and an external medical device includes a longitudinally extending connector receptacle formed by a first and second housing portion flexibly joined together. An inner surface of the connector receptacle is opened, to facilitate insertion of the connector therein, by means of a first lever arm extending laterally from the first housing portion and a second lever arm extending laterally from the second housing portion. An electrical contact formed within the inner surface of the connector receptacle is adapted to electrically engage at least one ring contact of the connector when the connector is fully inserted within the connector receptacle. An external contact surface, formed upon the first lever arm and electrically coupled to the electrical contact via a conductive pathway, is adapted for coupling with a contact element of the external medical device.

Abstract: A novel low cost, temporary pacing lead that provides superior torque transfer characteristics and positive affixation to the endocardial wall. The lead system of the present invention provides up to ten times more torque transmission between its proximal and distal ends than may be attained using prior art temporary leads. Additionally, the lead body of the present invention has a ratio of ring electrode surface area to tip electrode surface area that exceeds about 2, and a tip electrode surface area less than or equal to 10 millimeters squared.

Abstract: The present invention includes within its scope a temporary lead for pacing, sensing, monitoring, or defibrillating at least a portion of a human or animal organ, and methods for implanting and making same. The lead has at least two electrodes and distal and proximal ends, and a novel weakened zone disposed between the blunt end of a needle and at least two electrical connectors attached to the proximal end of the lead body. The novel weakened zone permits the needle to be separated from the connectors by application of a sufficiently large bending moment or pulling force thereto. Following separation of the connectors from the needle, the connectors may be attached directly and quickly to an external electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A medical lead adaptor that provides a rapid, secure, insulated connection of the lead connector end assembly of one or more implantable cardiac lead with an external medical device is disclosed. The adaptor connector assembly is configured with an elongated bipolar receptacle to accept a bipolar, in-line, or a unipolar lead connector end having common dimensions and with connector pin and ring, bipolar receptacle contacts spaced apart from one another therein. An elongated slot that extends laterally to an adaptor connector assembly exterior surface allows the lateral insertion of a stylet wire into the elongated bipolar receptacle. A separate pair of positive and negative polarity unipolar receptacles are provided for receiving unipolar medical lead connector pins and making electrical and mechanical contact with unipolar receptacle contacts therein.

Abstract: A lead connector is disclosed for connecting cardiac pacing leads to a pulse generator through a cable. The lead connector is capable of receiving either in-line or bifurcated leads. The electrodes of the leads need not be of the same diameter due to the construction of a clamping assembly which clamps the lead electrodes to the connector electrodes. The clamping assembly includes a threaded shaft which receives a threaded nut that is retained in a clamping block. The clamping block is constructed so that it may rock relative to the shaft on a domed outer surface of the nut, thereby allowing clamping arms on the clamping block to press against the lead electrodes even if they are of different diameters. A second version of the connector has two clamping blocks and is capable of receiving either a bifurcated lead or an in-line lead, or alternately, both ventricular and atrial leads of either type at the same time.