Abstract: Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device header is provided with an epoxy material having properties that produce a high strength resistance to side load failure. Examples are shown that include a surface texturing at an interface between the header and a metallic container portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable medical device includes a loop antenna wound about an inner housing. The loop antenna may form a partial winding, a complete winding, or multiple windings about the inner housing. One or more additional antennae may be capacitively coupled to the loop antenna external to the inner housing to increase efficiency and decrease Return Loss Response of the implantable device. The additional antenna may be balanced or unbalanced antennae.

Abstract: A filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly for an implantable active medical device is disclosed. The filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly includes a capacitor having an aperture defined by an inner capacitor surface. The capacitor is electrically grounded to an electrically conductive feedthrough ferrule or housing of the implantable active medical device. A terminal pin extends into the aperture. An electrically conductive split ring sleeve is disposed within the aperture and between the terminal pin and the capacitor. The split ring sleeve includes a first end, a second end, a sleeve length therebetween. A longitudinal slit through the sleeve extends from the first end to the second end. The electrically conductive split ring sleeve mechanically securing and electrically coupling the terminal pin to the capacitor.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing interference between first and second medical devices of a therapy system may include providing an outer housing for at least one of the medical devices that comprises an electrically insulative layer formed over at least the electrically conductive portions (e.g., an electrically conductive layer) of the housing, or providing an electrically insulative pouch around an electrically conductive housing of at least the first medical device. The electrically insulative layer or electrically insulative pouch may reduce or even eliminate shunt-current that flows into the medical device via the housing. The shunt-current may be generated by the delivery of electrical stimulation by the second medical device. In some examples, the techniques may also include shunt-current mitigation circuitry that helps minimize or even eliminate shunt-current that feeds into the first medical device via one or more electrodes electrically connected to the first medical device.

Abstract: A hand-held device for acquiring electrocardiographic (ECG) signals from a patient comprises an electrode array with a gripping handle (15) and four electrodes (11-14). The electrodes typically form a quadrilateral array, the array being adapted for placement on the patients thoracic region without the need for upper clothing or underwear to be removed. The device can be used in a method to rapidly acquire ECG data relating to atrial fibrillation and/or flutter without the need for a conventional 12-lead ECG apparatus. The data can be transmitted to a computer for further manipulation and analysis. A kit for putting the method into effect includes the device, a means for communication with a computer and a computer program for running on the computer.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) having a hermetic housing formed from a case and a cover each having an exterior surface and an interior surface. An IMD component is mounted to the interior surface of the cover and has an electrical contact. A hybrid circuit is assembled in the case. The IMD component electrical contact is electrically coupled to the to the hybrid circuit assembled in the case.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header is coupled to the device container. The header includes a header core including a conductive member electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container. An antenna is coupled to the header core and electrically coupled to the electronic module. A first portion of the header is proximate the antenna. The first portion includes a first dielectric constant that is lower than a second dielectric constant of a second portion of the header.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header core includes an electronic connection feature electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container, the electronic connection feature configured to engage with a lead. In some examples, the header core includes a tag holder configured to locate an identification tag in a selected position with respect to the header core. In some examples, the header core includes an antenna attachment feature configured to locate an antenna in a selected position with respect to the header core. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A modular header core includes a first core module including a first bore hole portion of a first bore hole, the first bore hole portion configured to couple a first electrical component with the electronic module. A second core module includes a second bore hole portion of a second bore hole different than the first bore hole, the second bore hole portion configured to couple a second electrical component with the electronic module. The first core module is detachably engaged with the second core module. A header shell is disposed around the modular header core and attached to the device container.

Abstract: Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to uniquely constructed medical implants that incorporate an electronic or other medical device. Some illustrative pocket-like implants provide an interior space for receipt of an electronic medical device, and are implantable in a patient with the electronic medical device positioned in the interior space. In one form, an inventive construct includes a remodelable material component that is effective upon implantation to promote cellular invasion and ingrowth into the remodelable material so that it becomes replaced by new patient tissue and so that the electronic medical device becomes surrounded by a new pocket structure comprised of newly generated, functional patient tissue. The electronic medical device will be a pacing device or other cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device in select embodiments.

Abstract: Components of an implantable medical device are arranged to facilitate a low-profile housing. A circuit board within the housing carries integrated circuits and discrete components. In some embodiments, the integrated circuits and discrete components are located on first and second opposing surfaces of the circuit board, respectively. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device is implanted on a cranium of a patient and the housing is concave such that it substantially conforms to the cranium. In such embodiments, the integrated circuits and/or discrete components can be arranged on the circuit board according to height to better conform to the concavity of the housing. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device includes a telemetry coil that is positioned within the housing such that it occupies space that cannot be practically occupied by the circuit board.

Abstract: An implantable catheter lead or electrode lead includes an elongated flexible lead body with the fixation means attached to the lead body, for the purpose of effecting fixation of the catheter lead or electrode lead in a predetermined position within a vessel or a bodily cavity of a patient. A releasable attachment is provided between the lead body and the fixation means such that an explantation of the catheter lead or electrode lead is possible after the attachment is released while the fixation means remains in place within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A small implantable stimulator(s) having at least two electrodes is implanted adjacent to a gastrointestinal nerve and/or muscle for the stimulation treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, including gastrointestinal motility, sphincteric disorders, and/or eating disorders. The stimulator provides a means of stimulating tissue at a stimulation site when desired, and may be implanted via a minimal surgical procedure.

Abstract: The invention is a component assembly and method of hermetically bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by welding and brazing a component assembly comprised of metal parts, a ceramic part, and an intermediate metal ferrule. The ceramic part is preferably a hollow tube of partially-stabilized zirconia that is brazed to an alignment ferrule that is preferably titanium or a titanium alloy, such as Ti-6Al-4V. On one end the component assembly is brazed to an end cap for closure. On the other end the alignment ferrule is preferably brazed to a ring that is preferably comprised of a noble metal, such as platinum, iridium, or alloys of platinum and iridium. The ring is then laser welded to an eyelet that is preferably comprised of a noble metal.

Abstract: An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy dissipating surface, and at least one switch disposed between the diversion circuit and the AIMD electronics for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. The switch may comprise a single or multi-pole double or single throw switch. The diversion circuit may be either a high pass filter or a low pass filter.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker that does not require a separate hermetic housing surrounding the battery and electronics compartments is provided. The cardiac pacemaker can include a battery disposed in a battery housing and a set of electronics disposed in an electronics housing. In some embodiments, the battery housing and the electronics housing can comprise an external surface of the pacemaker. The pacemaker can include a first set of welds separating the battery from the set of electronics, and a second set of welds separating the set of electronics and the battery from an exterior of the housing. Various embodiments for achieving dual-redundant welds are also provided.

Abstract: A connector for an electrostimulation lead includes a connector housing defining a fastener aperture, a septum disposed over the fastener aperture, and a fastener for mating with the fastener aperture to secure a received lead to the connector housing so that at least one terminal disposed on the received lead electrically couples with at least one conductor contact disposed in the connector housing. The septum includes a septum flap and an attachment cuff. The septum flap is configured and arranged for extending over the fastener aperture and for receiving a tool for folding the septum flap open to expose the fastener aperture. The attachment cuff is configured and arranged for coupling the septum flap to the connector housing. The fastener is configured and arranged to be disposed in the fastener aperture and to be tightened against the lead to hold the lead within the connector housing.

Abstract: A new pacemaker apparatus for treating the physiological electric conduction of the heart that includes a conduction abnormality in a ventricle. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and a pacing electrode located in the heart, the pulse generator providing pacing signals to the pacing electrode. The pacemaker further includes a signal generation circuit that generates electrical signals from heart-related feedback signals that indicate that the pacing electrode is delivering the pacing signals in a region at or near the His bundle of the heart. The combination of the pulse generator and the signal generation circuit indicates that the pacing electrode is delivering the pacing signals in the region, at or near the His bundle of the heart, to electrically bypass the conduction abnormality of the heart in the ventricle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator for electrically stimulating a patient comprises: a metallic housing enclosing pulse generating circuitry; a header mechanically coupled to the metallic housing, the header adapted to seal terminals of one or more stimulation leads within the header and to provide electrical connections for the terminals; the header comprising an inner compliant component for holding a plurality of electrical connectors, the plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupled to the pulse generating circuitry through feedthrough wires, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are held in place in recesses within the compliant inner component, the header further comprising an outer shield component adapted to resist punctures, the outer shield component fitting over at least a portion of the inner compliant component.

Abstract: A battery comprises a tubular housing. An external surface of the tubular housing comprises a biocompatible material. The battery further comprises a battery header secured to an open end of the tubular housing, and the tubular housing and the battery header combine to form a substantially sealed enclosure. The battery also comprises one or more voltaic cells within the substantially sealed enclosure, and a feedthrough electrically connected to the voltaic cells and extending through the battery header to form a battery terminal. The battery header includes a radial groove opposite the tubular housing, and the radial groove is configured to receive a mating snap-fit electronic component subassembly of an implantable medical device.

Abstract: A shielded three-terminal flat-through EMI/energy dissipating filter includes an active electrode plate through which a circuit current passes between a first terminal and a second terminal, a first shield plate on a first side of the active electrode plate, and a second shield plate on a second side of the active electrode plate opposite the first shield plate. The first and second shield plates are conductively coupled to a grounded third terminal. In preferred embodiments, the active electrode plate and the shield plates are at least partially disposed with a hybrid flat-through substrate that may include a flex cable section, a rigid cable section, or both.

Abstract: Treating the physiological electric conduction of the heart includes methods that involve guiding an electrode to a location, near the His bundle of the heart, that is determined by pacing the heart and sensing signals in response thereto, and electrically bypassing a conduction abnormality of the heart by presenting extrinsic pacing signals to the location near the His bundle of the heart. The pacing electrode may then be fixed at the location, near the His bundle, to provide subsequent pacing of the heart such that the subsequent pacing exhibits electrical bypassing of the conduction abnormality.

Abstract: An implantable system and method for deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments. The implantable system is sufficiently small and self-contained to enable implantation of the entire system within the brain, or optionally within the brain and the surrounding tissue. The system comprises an implantable inductor on which a voltage is induced when subjected to an electromagnetic field, and an implantable device comprising a housing, stimulating elements at an exterior surface of the housing, and electronics within the housing and electrically connected to the implantable inductor. The electronics produces a brain-stimulating current from the voltage induced on the implantable inductor and then delivers the brain-stimulating current to the stimulating elements. Deep brain stimulation is performed by subjecting the inductor to an electromagnetic field to induce a voltage on the inductor that powers the electronics to produce and deliver the brain-stimulating current to the stimulating elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for temporarily pacing a patient's heart are provided. One system includes a hemostasis valve with an adjustable electrical connection, the adjustable electrical connection having one or more adjustable contacts. The adjustable contacts have a first, radially expanded configuration and a second, radially constricted configuration. In the radially constricted configuration, the adjustable contacts are configured to pierce through a layer of an elongate medical device that is disposed in the hemostasis valve. The elongate medical device has a distal electrode and a conductor extending along a portion of the elongate medical device. The adjustable contacts pierce through and make contact with the conductor, providing an electrical pathway to the distal electrode. Also provided are vascular access systems including hemostasis valve and a guide catheter, guide wire torquers with adjustable contacts and methods of temporarily pacing a patient's heart.

Abstract: A charge pump is provided in the same integrated circuit chip as a control means which permits selectively connecting any of one or more electrodes with conductors along a lead. The charge pump derives about two volts from a one-volt supply, and becomes stable within a few tens of microseconds. The charge pump may be composed of three doublers—the first generating timing signals for the second and third doublers, with the second and third doublers working out of phase with each other.

Abstract: A lead anchor comprises a housing, and a plunger. The housing comprises a rigid body and a flexible covering disposed over at least a portion of the rigid body. The housing defines a first opening and a second opening configured and arranged to receive a lead. The housing further defines a transverse lumen. The rigid body comprises one or more projecting locking ridges extending into the transverse lumen. A plunger comprising one or more locking detents disposed thereon is configured and arranged for insertion into the transverse lumen and engaging a lead and locking with the housing by engagement of at least one of the one or more locking ridges of the housing with at least one of the one or more locking detents of the plunger. At least one suture element is formed by the flexible covering for receiving a suture to suture the lead anchor to patient tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical device lead includes an insulative lead body, an outer conductive coil extending through the lead body, and an inner conductive coil extending coaxially with the outer conductive coil. The outer conductive coil is coupled to a proximal electrode at a distal end of the outer conductive coil, and the inner conductive coil is coupled to a distal electrode at a distal end of the inner conductive coil. A cooling assembly is thermally coupled to the distal electrode to dissipate heat generated at the distal electrode during exposure to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fields.

Abstract: One example includes a configurable power source system for an implantable device having a predetermined power requirement, the system comprising a housing for a battery and a capacitor, the housing including a distance D between a first internal face and a second internal face, the housing adapted to fit within dimensions of the implantable device, a plurality of batteries of different thicknesses, each battery adapted to fit within a perimeter of the housing, a plurality of capacitors of different thicknesses, each capacitor adapted to fit within the housing and adjacent the battery and a pick and place system adapted to assemble a selected battery from the plurality of batteries and a selected capacitor from the plurality of capacitors with the housing to form a configurable power source at least meeting the predetermined power requirement for the implantable device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing having frame with one or more openings. The openings of the frame are covered with a thin metallic foil that is welded to the frame to provide a hermetic seal. Non-conductive members may be placed in or about the openings to provide a backing or structural support for the metallic foil. By decreasing the mass of conductive material capable of forming eddy currents, improved recharge or telemetry performance may be realized.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an axial lead connector assembly for an implantable medical device (IMD). The lead connector assembly facilitates electrical connection between an implantable medical lead and circuitry contained within the housing of an IMD. A connector header defines an axial stack bore to receive an axial stack of in-line connector components. The connector components define a common lead bore to receive a proximal end of an implantable lead. The in-line stack of connector components may include seals, electrical connector elements, a strain relief, and a locking device, each of which defines a passage that forms part of the lead bore.

Abstract: A lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead, a plurality of contact terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead, a plurality of conductor wires extending along the lead to couple the electrodes electrically to the contact terminals, a central lumen defined by the lead and extending from the proximal end of the lead towards the distal end of the lead, and a tubular stiffener disposed in the proximal end of the central lumen. The tubular stiffener is configured and arranged to facilitate insertion of the proximal end of the lead into a connector.

Abstract: A holding member for an implantable cardiac device facilitates tether attachment and removal, at time of implant, and snaring, or otherwise capturing, for subsequent explant. Preferably located in proximity to a proximal end wall of a shell of the device, the holding member includes a strut portion, being spaced proximally apart from the proximal end wall, a waist portion, defining a recess, and an engagement section, extending between the strut portion and the waist portion and overhanging the recess. The waist portion may either extend between the strut portion and the proximal end wall, or be formed in the shell, distal to the proximal end wall. Alternately, the holding member includes a loop element and an engagement element coupled thereto, between first and second segments thereof. The segments are initially formed to give the loop element an opening, and have a flexibility to be compressed together.

Abstract: An implantable lead for a medical device with an isolated contact connection for connecting a conductor to a contact reduces the opportunity for conductor material to migrate to a contact or into a patient. The implantable lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one conductor, at least one contact carried on the proximal end, at least one contact carried on the distal end, at least one coupling. The lead has an exterior surface. The conductor is contained in the lead body and extends from the lead proximal end to the distal end. The conductor is electrically insulated. The contact carried on the proximal end is electrically connected to the conductor. The coupling has a conductor coupling and a contact coupling. The conductor coupling is placed over the conductor and attached to the conductor. The contact coupling exits the lead body and has a weld to connect the contact coupling to the contact.

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 housing for an implantable medical device includes a first portion formed from a first material and a second portion formed from a second material. The first material and the second material comprise titanium and the first material has a higher resistivity than the second material.

Abstract: Electrochemical power cells having an open-cell architecture for electrically powering an implantable medical device system include a first and a second electrode assembly, wherein at least one is a biocompatible hermetically sealed anode assembly (e.g., that of a lithium anode assembly). The power cell can be a biological lithium semi-fuel cell in which a bodily constituent partakes in the cell discharge reaction at the cathode as an active reagent. The active cathode reagent can be oxygen supplied from the body. In a particularly suitable application, the biological lithium semi-fuel cell provides electrical power to a cardiac pacemaker device, such as for a novel cardiac pacemaker system.

Abstract: A splitter for an electrical stimulation system includes a junction having a proximal end and a distal end. An elongated proximal member extends from the proximal end of the junction. The proximal member includes a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end of the proximal member. A plurality of elongated distal members extend from the distal end of the junction. Each distal member includes a connector disposed on a distal end of the distal member. The connector is configured and arranged for receiving a lead or lead extension. One of the distal members is longitudinally aligned with the proximal member and at least another one of the distal members is longitudinally offset from the proximal member. A plurality of conductors couple the terminals of the proximal member to the connectors of the distal members.

Abstract: An implantable medical device with a medical module, an antenna, a transceiver and an impedance match circuit. The transceiver is operatively coupled to the antenna and the medical module and facilitates wireless transmission of data between the medical module and an external device. The impedance match circuit is operatively coupled between the transceiver and the antenna and has a plurality of predetermined selectable configurations, each providing a particular impedance matching characteristic.

Abstract: A system for enabling telemetry in implantable medical devices is provided. An implantable medical device has radio-frequency telemetry capabilities. The device includes a housing and electronic circuitry contained within the housing. The device also includes an array of antennas connected to the electronic circuitry. According to various embodiments, the array and circuitry are adapted to facilitate far-field transmission and reception of modulated radio-frequency energy at one or more specified carrier frequencies. Individual antenna elements in the array are connected simultaneously or in a mutually exclusive manner to electronic circuitry, according to various embodiments. Individual antenna element geometries are sized to optimize individual antennas each for a different range of operating frequencies, according to various embodiments. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: An external defibrillator having a battery; a capacitor electrically communicable with the battery; at least two electrodes electrically communicable with the capacitor and with the skin of a patient; a controller configured to charge the capacitor from the battery and to discharge the capacitor through the electrodes; and a support supporting the battery, capacitor, electrodes and controller in a deployment configuration, the defibrillator having a maximum weight per unit area in the deployment configuration of 0.1 lb/in2 and/or a maximum thickness of 1 inch. The support may be a waterproof housing.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improving the fixation of implantable pulse generators. In one aspect, a device includes an implantable pulse generator that comprises electrical circuitry configured to generate an electrical pulse and a biocompatible casing that houses the electrical circuitry and on which a collection of electrodes and a collection of fixation elements are mounted. The electrodes are in electrical contact with the electrical circuitry and the fixation elements increase the surface area of the biocompatible casing to reduce the likelihood that the biocompatible casing shifts after implantation.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an energy storage device with an internal component and an outer case that encloses the internal component. The outer case is electrically connected to the internal component. The energy storage device includes a first electrode that is electrically connected to the internal component. Furthermore, the device includes a control assembly with a control component and a control case that encloses the control component. The control case is coupled to and electrically connected to the outer case. The control component is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the outer case to be powered by the internal component of the energy storage device. The control component controls transmission of an electrical signal between the implantable medical device and biological tissue. Also, an outer surface of the outer case and the outer surface of the control case are exposed to the biological material.

Abstract: An implantable integrated circuit structure comprising a conformal thin-film sealing layer for hermetically sealing circuitry layers is provided. Also disclosed are electrode structures, leads that include the same, implantable pulse generators that include the leads, as well as systems and kits having components thereof, other implantable devices utilizing the structures, and methods of making and using the subject structures.

Abstract: A system for enabling telemetry in implantable medical devices is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device having radio-frequency telemetry capabilities. The device includes a housing and electronic circuitry contained within the housing. The device also includes an antenna connected to the electronic circuitry, the antenna having a helical portion and a whip portion, the whip portion separate from a feed conductor and adapted to enhance a radiation pattern of the antenna. According to various embodiments, the antenna and circuitry are adapted to facilitate transmission and reception of modulated radio-frequency energy at a specified carrier frequency. At least a portion of the antenna is embedded in a dielectric compartment, according to various embodiments. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. The connector assembly is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator.

Abstract: A component of an implantable medical device comprises a body comprising at least one external surface, the body comprising at least one of titanium, titanium-based alloys, and composites thereof, and a corrosion-resistant surface region at the at least one external surface, the corrosion-resistant surface region comprising at least one of titanium nitride, dititanium nitride, and a solid solution of nitrogen dissolved in the body, wherein the corrosion-resistant surface region is formed by thermal nitridation of the body.

Abstract: A header assembly for connecting an implantable medical device to at least one conductor lead terminating within a patient intended to be assisted by the medical device is provided. The implantable medical device is comprised of numerous feedthrough wires in a dense, non-linear, scattered format extending from the control circuitry and through a wall of the housing. The header assembly is comprised of an insulative body that is mountable on the housing of the medical device. The insulative body supports at least one conductor subassembly comprising a terminal that is directly connectable to the conductor lead, an intermediate conductor wire comprising a distal end connected to the terminal and a proximal end connected to a connector sleeve. Methods for making the header assembly and for connecting the header assembly to the implantable medical device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pacemaker is disclosed which reestablishes or keeps the physiological electric conduction of the heart and a method of application. The pacemaker is a pulse generator, it has a ventricular output including at least two superimposed monopolar pulsewaves of reversed polarity between each other, with programmable configuration, with respect to a neutral which can be the pacemaker's metallic box or a third electrode in the case of a tripolar catheter. The catheter can have a deflectable sheath, with an electrode on its distal tip. The invention consists of a new pacemaker, and a method of application in the right ventricular septum, being able to use in order to facilitate the implantation and to avoid the connection and the disconnection, a sheath to check a proper place and then screw the catheter in said place.

Abstract: A housing for an electrostimulation device comprising a charger plug and a stimulation plug, designed to receive respectively a connector linked to a charger and a connector linked to a stimulation electrode, characterized in that it comprises a mobile locking element designed to alternately lock the charger plug or the stimulation plug.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide lid structures for medical implant (MI) housing. In one embodiment, the invention provides a lid structure for a MI housing comprising a substrate comprising a dielectric material, a conductive portion fabricated on a substrate surface or interior, a frame at least partially surrounding the substrate perimeter, a plurality of vias projecting at least partially through the substrate, a plurality of conductive pins with at least one pin projecting through a via. The frame is hermetically joined to the substrate and can be hermetically joined to the housing. The conductive portion allows electrical components, including capacitors, inductors, resistor and antennas to be fabricated on or coupled to the substrate surface or interior. The antenna comprises a conductive trace positioned on a substrate top surface and is configured to send and receive signals between an implant within a patient's body and a communication device external to the body.