Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator, having a detachable power source, so that either the power source or the electronic circuitry can be replaced. The electronic circuitry is enclosed within a first container and the battery or power source is enclosed within a second container. The two containers are coupled by tracks slidingly connecting the containers along substantially planar sections thereof. In a first embodiment, the tracks comprise dovetail tongue and groove configurations. In a second embodiment, the tracks comprise a bayonet-type connection having male and female parts. The male part comprises two parallel arms. The female part comprises two parallel rails having a relatively inflexible section adjacent a distal end of the rail. Proximally on the rail, there is a relatively flexible section.

Abstract: A transvenous implantable defibrillation lead includes a conductor and inner and outer coaxial cylindrical electrodes. The inner electrode is connected to the conductor, and the outer electrode is connected to a sheath overlying the conductor in rotatable relationship thereto. The sheath is fixed to the outer cylindrical electrode so that rotation of the sheath relative to the conductor results in rotation of the inner and outer cylindrical electrodes relative to each other. The inner electrode has a plurality of hooks extending generally transversely and tangentially thereto, with the hooks being biased such that the terminal ends of the hooks tend to spring outwardly from the inner electrode. The hooks are constrained against the inner cylindrical electrode by the outer cylindrical electrode, except that a window in the outer electrode permits the hooks to spring outwardly therethrough upon rotation of the outer electrode relative to the inner electrode.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator, having a detachable power source, so that either the power source or the electronic circuitry can be replaced. The device comprises an electronics package having a header for connection to leads coupled to the patient's heart and a battery connector comprising a header-like coupler. The device further comprises a battery pack having a second header-like coupler. The couplers mate together mechanically and are joined electrically by a separate pin. The pin has a coupling on both ends thereof so that one end can extend into the coupler of the electronics package and another end can extend into the coupler of the battery package. Alternatively, such a connector or pin, having a male configuration, could be provided on either the electronics coupler or the battery coupler with a corresponding female configuration on the other coupler.