Abstract: A plug connector for use with a receptacle. The plug connector and receptacle combination may prevent more than one use of the single use plug connector, thereby necessitating disposal of the plug connector and associated, disposable, specialized instrumentation to which the plug connector is connected. The plug connector may be keyed and otherwise identified to the receptacle by shape, tactile indicia and visual indicia so that it cannot be mistakenly used with a different receptacle, while providing proper orientation for rapid assembly. When designed for single use or limited multiple use, the insertion of the plug connector into the receptacle moves a jumper contact in the plug connector from a first position to a second position where it is captured.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a pair of implantable neurostimulator lead extension plugs to a connector port of a neurostimulator device includes a connector coupled to a first end of an elongate body and a flexible bifurcation member coupled to a second end of the elongate body, wherein the bifurcation member includes a first branch, to which a first housing, having first and second ports, is coupled, and a second branch, to which a second housing, having first and second ports, is coupled. Openings of the first and second ports of each housing provide for side-by-side insertion of first and second connector terminals of one of the lead extension plugs. Contacts within each port provide for electrical coupling with corresponding contacts of the connector terminals of the plug, and are coupled to corresponding contacts of the adapter connector via conductors extending within the elongate body between the corresponding housing and connector.

Abstract: A conductive member is adapted to be attached onto a living tissue to detect a bioelectrical signal. A retainer retains the conductive member on the living tissue. A lead member is partly brought into contact with the conductive member to lead out the bioelectrical signal to a connector. A waterproof sheet covers the lead member in a watertight manner, while exposing a portion of the lead member from which the biological signal is led out.

Abstract: An electrode clamp (10; 100) for making contact with a film electrode and a snap electrode has a first part (12; 112), a second part (14; 114), and a contact element (60; 160). For clamping a film electrode, the two parts (12, 14; 112, 114) can be pivoted toward one another. In an initial state of the electrode clamp (10; 100), the first part (12; 112) and the second part (14; 114) have an offset (36; 136) relative to one another. The offset can be reduced by movement of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) to such an extent that the snap electrode can be inserted into the electrode clamp. By a reset motion of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) in the direction of the initial state, the snap electrode can be clamped against the contact element (60; 160) and contact can be made with the snap electrode. The electrode clamp (10; 100) can be connected in a mechanically detachable manner to the snap electrode.

Abstract: A lamp base having an electrical device recharging receptacle configured to receive a plug from a recharging device for a portable rechargeable electronic device. The receptacle is configured as a standard automobile cigarette lighter receptacle. The receptacle includes standard cigarette lighter receptacle electrical contacts that are connected to a voltage and current conversion circuit for receiving standard household voltage and converting it into standard automotive voltage and current.

Abstract: An implantable connector electrically connects multi-conductor leads to an implantable medical device such as a neurostimulator. The connector is assembled directly into a hermetic feedthrough of the implantable device and utilizes the feedthrough housing as a sustaining structure for connector clamping. The receptacle contacts detachably connect proximal lead contacts to corresponding feedthrough pins, which provide pass-through connections to electronic circuitry contained in a hermetically sealed case. The receptacle contact has resilient contact tines designed to engage a corresponding lead contact in a sliding manner. The receptacle contact is integrated with a contact guard which protects the receptacle contact from inadvertent handling damage. The contact guard is substantially more rigid than the resilient contact to resist deformation. The contact guard protectively shields the receptacle contact tines and prevents unintended contact tine excursion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connector for conveying an electrical signal from a device, in particular a cardiac device, to an organ of a human or animal body, in particular a heart, comprising a first electrically conducting wire and a second electrically conducting wire, wherein the wires are joined together in an electrically insulating sleeve, a first electrode, which is electrically connected to the first wire, and a second electrode, which is electrically connected to the second wire; wherein the first and second electrodes are constructed to deliver an electrical signal at the organ, wherein the first electrode forms an electrically conducting sleeve around a conducting part of the first wire and around a non-conducting part of the second wire, wherein at least the edges of the electrically conducting sleeve formed by the first electrode are at least partially embedded in the electrically insulating sleeve.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device is disclosed and includes a hermetically sealed housing defining a sealed housing interior, a power source and electronics in electrical communication and disposed within the sealed housing interior, and a lead connector projecting into the sealed housing interior. The lead connector includes a closed end, an open end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a lead aperture. The lead connector includes one or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating rings. The one or more electrically conducting contact rings are in electrical communication with the electronics and the lead connector provides a hermetic seal between the lead connector outer surface and the lead connector inner surface.

Abstract: An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having an inner surface forming a connector bore, a circuit member including a one or more traces extending through the shell; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore and electrically coupled to the traces; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes a lead body, an inner assembly extending through the lead body, an outer insulative layer covering the inner assembly, and an electrode mounted outside the exterior surface of the outer insulative layer. The inner assembly includes an elongate inner structure forming a lumen, an elongate conductor extending along an outer surface of the inner structure, and a conductive fitting coupled to the elongate conductor.

Abstract: Methods, lead retention assemblies and systems may provide a secure connection of electrical leads to an implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator. The method may include: providing a lead retention assembly including a support member, a first side clamp and a second side clamp, a first port and a second port each defining a respective receptacle in conjunction with the support, and a fastener configured to urge both the first and second side clamps toward the support upon actuation of the fastener; providing at least two electrical lead bodies each including a respective proximal end portion; inserting the respective proximal end portions into the respective receptacles to be in electrical communication with a respective electrical contact in the respective receptacles; and actuating the fastener to thereby clamp the proximal end portions of the respective electrical lead bodies within the first and second ports.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device is disclosed and includes a hermetically sealed housing defining a sealed housing interior, a power source and electronics in electrical communication and disposed within the sealed housing interior, and a lead connector projecting into the sealed housing interior. The lead connector includes a closed end, an open end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a lead aperture. The lead connector includes one or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating rings. The one or more electrically conducting contact rings are in electrical communication with the electronics and the lead connector provides a hermetic seal between the lead connector outer surface and the lead connector inner surface.

Abstract: A hermetic lead connector assembly includes a hermetic lead connector having an open end, a lead connector outer surface and a lead connector inner surface defining a lead aperture and a rigid sleeve is disposed about the hermetic lead connector outer surface. The hermetic lead connector has one or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating rings. The hermetic lead connector provides a hermetic seal between the lead connector outer surface and the lead connector inner surface. The rigid sleeve has an aperture that exposes a portion of the one or more electrically conducting contact rings.

Abstract: An electrical connection apparatus includes at least one stackable block operably coupleable to another stackable block, at least one pin receiving portion defined by an inner wall within the stackable block, and at least one electrical connection contact having a C-shaped contact portion with elastic properties disposed within the pin receiving portion and a lead portion disposed at a location exterior to the stackable block. The electrical connection apparatus may further include an adjustment component and an adjustment component receiving portion defined by in inner wall within the stackable block. In addition, sliders may be arranged on the stackable block and may engage with tabs formed on the at least one electrical connection contact. The sliders may be moved to a raised or lowered position in order to move the at least one electrical connection contact between a contact and an insertion position.

Abstract: A feedthrough assembly for use with implantable medical devices having a shield structure, the feedthrough assembly engaging with the remainder of the associated implantable medical device to form a seal with the medical device to inhibit unwanted gas, liquid, or solid exchange into or from the device. One or more feedthrough wires extend through the feedthrough assembly to facilitate transceiving of the electrical signals with one or more implantable patient leads. The feedthrough assembly is connected to a mechanical support which houses one or more filtering capacitors that are configured to filter and remove undesired frequencies from the electrical signals received via the feedthrough wires before the signals reach the electrical circuitry inside the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A flexible elongate member such as a pressure guide wire (1000) includes an electrical device such as a pressure sensor (1002). The pressure sensor (1002) is electrically connected to conductive bands (304), (306) and (308) located on electrical connector (300). The electrical connector is attached to core wire (602) and shaft or hypotube (704). The use of electrical connector (300) helps minimize the assembly time of pressure guide wire (1000), as well as minimize some of the assembly problems associated with prior art designs such as pressure guide wire (100).

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting piece for connecting to an electrode line and to an electric implant, whereby the connecting piece has an electrically conducting plug module, multiple ring-shaped electrically conducting contacts with insulation sections having the same outside diameter arranged in the longitudinal direction therebetween, multiple electric connecting lines, and a supporting element which supports the insulation sections and secures them in the radial direction. A through-bore situated within the supporting element receives the plug module and/or a feeder line of an electrode body. The supporting element has grooves spaced along the longitudinal direction, and recesses extending from the proximal end to the distal end and running parallel to the longitudinal axis wherein the electric connecting lines are fit.

Abstract: A connector assembly is disclosed for coupling a signal wire bundle from a controller console to a hand-operated catheter assembly. The connector includes a female connector component having a cylindrical cavity, wire fingers disposed within the cylindrical cavity, a guide peg disposed on a surface of the cylindrical cavity at a point proximate an opening of the cylindrical cavity, and a central pin disposed on a base surface at a closed end of the cylindrical cavity. The connector also includes a male connector component having a substantially cylindrical shape having a non-uniform transverse cross-section radius. The male connector component comprises a set of signal leads disposed along arcs of a cylindrical surface of the male connector, a slot defined within the male connector's surface is arranged to accept the guide peg of the female connector component and constrain the relative positions of the male connector and female connector during engagement.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a user interface capable of resolving interactions between programmable parameters for operation of a personal medical device. Programming these devices is a difficult task when many parameters are involved. The medical device interface attempts to reduce and minimize constraint violations between interdependent parameters using an initial set of parameter values supplied by user (typically a physician) input, and constraint violations describing invalid parameter values. A user is given the option to select one or more parameters to remain constant. If possible, a set of parameter values with less egregious constraint violations is displayed to the user. A user is prompted to accept the set of parameter values and program the medical device.

Abstract: A terminal housing (14) for an electromedical implant (10) having female contacts (22.2, 22.2, 24) to receive and provide electric contact for electrode line plugs. The terminal housing has a base module (20) and a separately premanufactured cover module (40) that has a female contact (24) according to the IS-4 standard and is inserted into the base module (20) and connected thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting lead adequacy and quality is disclosed. The system includes leads attached to a package having known electrical or optical characteristics. The package is adapted to interface with a testing device that allows the operator to ascertain whether the leads are appropriate for the desired task. This allows the testing of the lead set without the need to remove it from the package. The system of the present invention generally includes packaging of known electrical or optical characteristics, a package testing interface, and a lead testing assembly including hardware and/or software to determine whether the leads in question fulfill the desired characteristics. The lead testing assembly may be freestanding or may be incorporated into an existing testing instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable surgical connector. The surgical connector includes a first and a second member. Each of the members have compatible guide structure to cause a force fit between the members when the members are slid into place. The first member also includes compatible guide structure for slideably connecting the surgical connector with an electronic or other device. The second member includes a cable connection member which connects the electrical or similar cable to the surgical connector and which secures the cable and its contacts within the surgical connector. The first member includes a cable connection indicator, which upon complete connection of the surgical connector with the device makes both an audible sound and a distinct tactile feel to give assurance as to the proper fit between both the connector and the device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed to female connectors which can be employed in a quick connect/disconnect system used in medical devices to provide a non-permanent electrical and mechanical engagement with a male connector. The female connectors include, inter alia, a connector body that has an outer periphery and an aperture extending therethrough. The connector body has a flexible, non-conductive portion and a conductive portion which is at least partially exposed in the aperture and on the outer periphery of the connector body. The connector body is constructed such that when a male connector is inserted into the aperture of the connector body, the flexible, non-conductive part and the conductive part of the connector body cooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture, creating contact pressure between the conductive part of the connector body and the male connector.

Abstract: A contact connector assembly, which is adapted to be used in a sensor-dispensing instrument that contains electrochemical test sensors, comprises at least four electrical contacts, a housing connector, a base connector and a moveable mechanism. The housing connector forms a housing opening that is adapted to receive the at least four electrical contacts. The base connector is coupled to the housing connector and forms a sensor-receiving opening. The base or housing connector is adapted to move between first and second positions. The moveable mechanism is coupled to the housing or base connector. The moveable mechanism is adapted to move the base or housing connector between the first and second positions. The housing and base connectors are adapted to be coupled in a first position such that they are adapted to hold one of the test sensors. The housing and base connectors are adapted to be coupled in a second position such that they allow the test sensor to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A sensor interconnect assembly has a circuit substrate. An emitter portion of the substrate is adapted to mount emitters. A detector portion of the substrate is adapted to mount a detector. A cable portion of the substrate is adapted to connect a sensor cable. A first group of conductors are disposed on the substrate electrically interconnecting the emitter portion and the cable portion. A second group of conductors are disposed on the substrate electrically interconnecting the detector portion and the cable portion. A decoupling portion of the substrate disposed proximate the cable portion substantially mechanically isolating the cable portion from both the emitter portion and the detector portion so that sensor cable stiffness is not translated to the emitters or the detector.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an inexpensive and simple means for electrically and mechanically connecting a plurality of printed circuits together. The present invention also comprised embodiments where the printed circuits can be moved relative to each other without breaking the electrical contact between them. Yet another embodiment contemplates a means for joining two linear printed circuits to make a longer circuit. In yet another embodiment, the printed circuits and connections are used to make an inexpensive, reliable electrical harness for contacting a patient-worn sensor to a patient monitor such as an ECG monitor.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly of a medical device includes at least one conductive sidewall mounted in a fixed position to a module base; the sidewall may be electrically coupled to a feedthrough wire. The assembly further includes at least one resilient member to apply a spring force against a connector element of a lead connector when the connector element is positioned adjacent to the conductive sidewall. The spring force of the resilient member causes electrical coupling between the connector element and the conductive sidewall.

Abstract: A releaseable multi-channel electrical connector is designed for small size, and ease of use without generating manipulation forces that might be transmitted to an attached living subject. Two pivoting frame members on which electrical snap connectors are mounted are oriented such that the two snap connectors face a male connector element placed between the two frames. The male connector includes mating snap connectors on opposing sides that join with the snap connectors on the frames when the frames are squeezed together. Because two frames are squeezed together with opposing forces to make a connection, no net force is generated or transmitted to the male element nor to attached subject bodies. The use of two snap connectors on opposing sides on a single male element increases the conductor density over prior devices.

Abstract: A three-port receptacle connects both single-prong and three-prong electrical connectors of electrosurgical accessories to an electrosurgical generator. The receptacle includes two control ports for accepting the two control prongs of the three-prong connector and an energy-delivery port for accepting the energy-conducting prong of the three-prong connector. The energy-delivery port also receives an energy-conducting prong of a single-prong connector. A single contact assembly is located behind the energy-delivery port and delivers electrosurgical power to the energy-conducting prongs of both types of accessory connectors.

Abstract: A connector and adapter engage leads with each other or with an implantable medical device when a wedge is removed from the spring-loaded connector or adapter assembly, thereby permitting the connector or adapter to compress around the lead connector. The connector and adapter assembly may include a body with at least one lumen, at least one contact exposed within the at least one lumen of the body, at least one wire electrically connected to the at least one contact, at least one clamp ring capable of compressing around the body, and at least one wedge or similar tool capable of opening and closing the at least one clamp ring.

Abstract: An implantable electrical connector is disclosed for use with implanted medical devices. Each part of the connector has an array of contacts which can mate, one part being a cutting contact and the other half a receiving contact. When mated, this forms a reliable electrical connection.

Abstract: A lead body of an implantable medical electrical lead includes a first filler and a second filler, each extending within a proximal portion thereof. The first filler may have a stiffness that is less than that of the second filler, and may surround and isolate a plurality of conductors which are coupled to a connector terminal of the lead, which connector terminal extends proximally from a proximal end of the lead body. The second filler extends along a limited length, alongside the first filler, wherein the limited length extends distally from the connector terminal; the second filler may further extend into the connector terminal.

Abstract: A connector to receive blood test chips for use with a blood-substance measuring device includes a receptacle, a plug and a wire lead. The receptacle has two ends and a slot. The slot is formed on one end of the receptacle and receives a test chip. The wire lead connects to the other end of the receptacle and the plug. The plug is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding socket in the blood-substance measuring device to electrically connect the test chip to the device.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting electrical energy to a part of the body (e.g. the heart) and/or for providing sensor data from the body to a device suitably includes an input lead configured to electrically interface with a medical device. A switch electrically coupled to the input lead includes first and second output terminals and a switching input that is responsive to a control signal. The switch toggles electrical energy between first and second output leads in response to the control signal to provide energy to a particular location on the part of the body. The various electromechanical switches described herein may be useful in a wide variety of applications, including many applications in the medical device field. Such switches may be useful in producing Y-adapter-type lead multiplexers for implantable devices, for example, as well as in producing switchable electrode arrays, sensor leads and the like.

Abstract: An electrical contact for use in the header assembly of an implantable tissue stimulator includes a metal housing having a base and a sidewall where the opening in the base is adapted to receive the terminal of a medical lead therethrough. An electrical contact support member is welded to the edge of the sidewall and affixed to the support member are a plurality of spring members that are tangent to an imaginary circle whose diameter is slightly less than the outside diameter of the lead terminal contact rings. When the contacts are axially aligned in the device header, the terminal of an electrical lead may be longitudinally inserted into the header to establish electrical contact with device feedthrough wires that are joined to the electrical contacts in the header.

Abstract: A cap facility for a medical cable having a terminal defining a rimmed chamber containing electrical contacts. The facility has a frame that connects to the terminal. An arm is connected to the frame, and is movable between a first closed position and a second open position. The arm is biased to the closed position, and has a cap adapted to enclose the rimmed chamber when the arm is in the closed position. The cap has an arcuate motion path between the open position and an intermediate position proximate to the closed position, and an initial motion path deviating from the arcuate path, such that the cap moves away from the rim initially upon departing from the closed position. The facility may have a camming mechanism that provides the path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrically connecting a medical glucose monitor to a glucose sensor set, as well as for testing the operation of the glucose monitor, monitor cable and glucose sensor set are provided. In one embodiment, an electric cable comprises a cable member, a first connector and a second connector. The cable member in turn comprises at least one insulated conductor, a conductive shielding layer disposed around the at least one insulated conductor; and an insulating layer disposed around the conductive shielding layer. A glucose monitoring system test plug provides for a releasable electrical connection with the electric cable. In one embodiment, the test plug comprises a housing and a fitting affixed thereto which is adapted to electrically couple the test plug with the electric cable.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode connector for coupling with a biomedical electrode of the type including an electrode base and a male terminal projecting from the electrode base is provided. The electrode connector includes a jacketed housing having an internal cavity with an electrical contact material adapted for electrical coupling relation with an electrical lead wire. The jacketed housing includes a lower member positionable adjacent the electrode and having internal surface portions defining a keyhole slot therein.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector for connecting a multi-contact medical electrode device with a plural-contact tail. Having a tail-receiving first elongate member with a tail-receiving void and a second elongate member. The second elongate member has a nesting surface and an array of electrical conductors which are spring-loaded pin plunger devices. The spring-loaded pin plunger devices having movable pins that project into and at least partially, preferably halfway, across and into the tail-receiving void. The device is configured such that the spring-loaded pin plunger devices extend at an angle substantially parallel to the movement of the tail-receiving void at the point the pin tips enter therein. The distal end of the second elongate member has an opening through which a multi-wire electrical cable extends. The second elongate member also has a channel in alignment with the opening that has therein the multiple wires of the electrical cable.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed to female connectors which can be employed in a quick connect/disconnect system used in medical devices to provide a non-permanent electrical and mechanical engagement with a male connector. The female connectors include, inter alia, a connector body that has an outer periphery and an aperture extending therethrough. The connector body has a flexible, non-conductive portion and a conductive portion which is at least partially exposed in the aperture and on the outer periphery of the connector body. The connector body is constructed such that when a male connector is inserted into the aperture of the connector body, the flexible, non-conductive part and the conductive part of the connecter body cooperate to allow for expansion of the aperture, creating contact pressure between the conductive part of the connector body and the male connector.

Abstract: A contact connector assembly, which is adapted to be used in a sensor-dispensing instrument that contains electrochemical test sensors, comprises at least four electrical contacts, a housing connector, a base connector and a moveable mechanism. The housing connector forms a housing opening that is adapted to receive the at least four electrical contacts. The base connector is coupled to the housing connector and forms a sensor-receiving opening. The base or housing connector is adapted to move between first and second positions. The moveable mechanism is coupled to the housing or base connector. The moveable mechanism is adapted to move the base or housing connector between the first and second positions. The housing and base connectors are adapted to be coupled in a first position such that they are adapted to hold one of the test sensors. The housing and base connectors are adapted to be coupled in a second position such that they allow the test sensor to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly of a medical device includes at least one conductive sidewall mounted in a fixed position to a module base; the sidewall may be electrically coupled to a feedthrough wire. The assembly further includes at least one resilient member to apply a spring force against a connector element of a lead connector when the connector element is positioned adjacent to the conductive sidewall. The spring force of the resilient member causes electrical coupling between the connector element and the conductive sidewall.

Abstract: A plug and a communication module communicate wirelessly. The plug includes prongs that couple to sockets of a power outlet to receive power for a device associated with the plug. The plug carries circuitry that communicates wirelessly with circuitry of the communication module. The communication module is located near the power outlet in some embodiments.

Abstract: A sensor interconnect assembly has a circuit substrate. An emitter portion of the substrate is adapted to mount emitters. A detector portion of the substrate is adapted to mount a detector. A cable portion of the substrate is adapted to connect a sensor cable. A first group of conductors are disposed on the substrate electrically interconnecting the emitter portion and the cable portion. A second group of conductors are disposed on the substrate electrically interconnecting the detector portion and the cable portion. A decoupling portion of the substrate disposed proximate the cable portion substantially mechanically isolating the cable portion from both the emitter portion and the detector portion so that sensor cable stiffness is not translated to the emitters or the detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a crimp connector for connecting to at least one cable conductor of an implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead. The crimp connector includes a thin-walled body, which has an outer surface, an inner surface, proximal and distal edges, a cavity, and a tab. The inner surface defines the cavity. The proximal and distal edges respectively define proximal and distal openings leading to the cavity. The tab projects outwardly from and extends along the outer surface in a direction generally transverse to an axis extending between the proximal and distal openings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable surgical connector. The surgical connector includes a first and a second member. Each of the members have compatible guide structure to cause a force fit between the members when the members are slid into place. The first member also includes compatible guide structure for slideably connecting the surgical connector with an electronic or other device. The second member includes a cable connection member which connects the electrical or similar cable to the surgical connector and which secures the cable and its contacts within the surgical connector. The first member includes a cable connection indicator, which upon complete connection of the surgical connector with the device makes both an audible sound and a distinct tactile feel to give assurance as to the proper fit between both the connector and the device.

Abstract: Cardiac lead implantation systems and methods including an electronics arrangement provided with a user interface and a coupler assembly. A coupler body is configured to detachably grasp a cardiac lead and couple with electrical contacts of the cardiac lead. A user interface includes an output indicative of sensed cardiac parameters, such as one or both of cardiac signal amplitude and lead electrode impedance, and may include an audio output device and/or a visual output device. Methods of lead implantation involve advancing a cardiac lead into proximity with a patient's heart, and contacting cardiac tissue with an electrode arrangement to locate a suitable implant location. Sensing of one or more cardiac parameters is accomplished and an audible representation of the sensed parameters is produced, the audible representation varying as the electrode arrangement is moved relative to the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus connect electrically conductive wire to a miniature, implantable sensor or stimulator device for detecting electrical signals or stimulating living tissue. The implantable device has an electrically conductive end on its case which is intimately connected to a doorknob electrode for communicating electrical signals between the living tissue and the device by a biocompatible wire. A spring clip removably attaches to the doorknob electrode so that the wire may be easily attached to the doorknob electrode during surgery. An insulating rubber boot, which may be silicone, surrounds the case end, doorknob electrode, and spring clip to isolate the living tissue from the conductive components. The components are biocompatible materials.