Abstract: An electrochemical cell of an implantable medical device is provided. The electrochemical cell comprises a conductive case and a cover welded to the case to form a hermetically-sealed housing. A cathode is disposed adjacent to a surface of the case within the hermetically-sealed housing and an anode is disposed within the hermetically-sealed housing. An immobilization system is disposed between the anode and the hermetically-sealed housing. The immobilization system is configured to minimize movement of the anode relative to the housing and is adapted to thermally insulate the anode during fabrication of the hermetically-sealed housing.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, comprising: an encasement including a case having a bottom and a sidewall terminating at an open top and a cover disposed over the case open top and hermetically sealed to the case, the encasement defining an interior space for containing cell components; and an access port defining at least one lumen extending through any of the case bottom, the case sidewall or the cover for receiving a liquid electrolyte, the access port being sealed closed after receiving the liquid electrolyte using a fusion welding method in the presence of the electrolyte.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for electrically coupling a conductor and a conductive element comprising a dissimilar material. A method for electrically coupling a first element comprising a first conductive material to a conductor formed of a dissimilar second material comprises cladding a second conductive element with the conductor. The second element comprises a facilitator material that facilitates the melting of the dissimilar material. A third element comprising a third conductive material that is metallurgically compatible with the facilitator material is cladded with a fourth element comprising a fourth conductive material that is metallurgically compatible with the first conductive material to form a connector. The fourth element is welded to the first element and the second element is welded to the third element.

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 preferably planar, major bottom portion, an open top to receive the cover opposing the bottom portion, 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. The cover and the shallow case being substantially hermetically sealed by a laser weld technique and an insulator member disposed within the case to provide a barrier to incident laser radiation so that during welding radiation does not impinge upon radiation sensitive component(s) disposed within the case.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an electrochemical cell including an electrode assembly having one or more of the electrodes being coupled to a feedthrough assembly. The one or more electrodes each include a connection tab. The connection tab extends a distance from separation material between the one or more electrodes (e.g., anode and cathode). The connection tab is provided to contact (e.g., electrically connected) a feedthrough pin of the feedthrough assembly by laser welding. The feedthrough pin with respect to the connection tab is oriented in at least one position lying within a 90 degree orientation on the connection tab. The feedthrough pin is coupled to the connection tab by laser welding.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for use in an implantable medical device is presented. The electrochemical cell includes a cover having a first surface and a second surface separated by an outer edge. The electrochemical cell also includes a case having a planar bottom, a side extending upwardly from the planar bottom, and an open top for receiving the cover.

Abstract: A complex connector and component within an implantable medical device in which the complex connector is positioned within the spacing footprint of the component to optimize packaging within the device.

Abstract: A capacitor structure comprises a shallow drawn encasement having first and second major sides and a peripheral wall coupled to the first and second sides. A cathode is disposed within the encasement proximate the first and second major sides, the cathode having a cathode lead. A central anode a having an anode lead is disposed within the encasement, and a bipolar, insulative feedthrough extends through the encasement through which electrical coupling may be made to the anode lead and the cathode lead.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.