Abstract: Implantable medical devices include header structures with conductive paths from the feedthrough conductors that may be located on one side of the device to electrical connectors that may be located on an opposite side of the device. The conductive paths may include conductive interconnect pins and lead frame conductors. The conductive interconnect pins may be located in holes present in a header body where the conductive interconnect pins are attached to the feedthrough conductors on one end and are attached to the lead frame conductors on the opposite end. The lead frame conductors then extend to the corresponding electrical connectors. The header body may provide cavities on each side to allow for the insertion of stack assemblies that include the electrical connectors and lead frame conductors.

Abstract: A header for use in implantable pulse generator devices. The header is part of electrical connector assembly having one or more openings designed to receive the terminal pin of an electrical lead wire or electrode. The header is designed to provide and sustain long-term electrical and mechanical lead wire connections between the electrodes of a terminal pin and the implantable pulse generator device.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a device housing containing pulse generator circuitry and a header molded to the device housing. The header can be formed of an epoxy header material. A header component can have a first part molded in the header material to fix the header component to the header at a surface of the header and a second part extending out of the header material.

Abstract: A connector for an implantable medical device includes a lumen extending from a port defined along a length of a connector housing. Axially-spaced-apart connector couplers are disposed along the lumen and are configured to couple to a proximal end of an inserted lead or lead extension. Each of the connector couplers includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced-apart coupling members and at least one elastic member. The plurality of circumferentially-spaced-apart coupling members each have inner surfaces and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the coupling members are configured and arranged to couple to the proximal end of the lead or lead extension when the proximal end of the lead or lead extension is inserted into the lumen. The at least one elastic member couples the coupling members to one another such that a distance between the coupling members is expandable.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure may take the form of an implantable electronic device such as an implantable pulse generator for administering electrotherapy via an implantable medical lead configured to couple with the implantable pulse generator, or an implantable cardiac monitor. The implantable electronic device includes a housing, a header connector assembly and a sealing member. The header connector assembly includes a connector assembly and a header enclosing the connector assembly. The sealing member is sandwiched between the header connector assembly and the housing.

Abstract: An operating-room-cable assembly includes a lead connector with a lead-connector housing for receiving a lead. The lead-connector housing includes a first housing element and a second housing element that slide relative to one another to transition the lead-connector housing between an open position and a closed position. A connector port is defined in the lead-connector housing and includes a first surface formed by the first housing element and a second surface formed by the second housing element. A lead retainer is disposed along the second surface and receives the lead when the lead-connector housing is in the open position. Connector contacts are disposed along the first surface. The connector contacts couple to terminals disposed along the lead when the lead is received by the lead retainer and the lead-connector housing is in the closed position. Operating-room-cable conductors are coupled to the connector contacts and extend along the elongated body.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for labeling an implantable medical device (IMD). In one example, an IMD can include a housing including electronic circuitry. The IMD can include a header coupled to the housing and includes a core. The core can define a bore and include a first metal label positioned adjacent to the at least one bore. The IMD includes a lead assembly including at least one lead having a distal end and a proximal end, the at least one lead including a second metal label, the distal end including at least one electrode and the proximal end received within the bore.

Abstract: A positionally sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided for automatic adjustments of spinal cord stimulation. The system comprises an electrode assembly with an integrated optical fiber sensor for sensing spinal cord position. The integrated optical fiber sensor, comprising a pair of optical elements for emitting light from an IR emitter and for collecting reflected light into a photodetector, determines a set of measured photocurrents. As the spinal cord changes position, the angles of incidence for light from the IR emitter and the measured optical intensities change. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time, based on the set of measured optical intensities, to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion. The system includes automatic calibration of the optical fiber sensor when the patient is at rest, and a patient orientation detection.

Abstract: A system includes a medical device lead including a connector at a proximal end of the lead, a conductor electrically connected to the connector at a proximal end of the conductor, and at least one electrode coupled to a distal end of the conductor. The system further includes a device securable to the proximal end of the lead including an inductive element. The device includes a port configured to receive the connector and position the inductive element around at least a portion of the connector.

Abstract: One aspect provides a method of securing a feedthrough to a metal housing for an implantable medical device. The feedthrough is provided comprising an insulating section and at least one conductive section extending through the insulating section. At least a portion of the insulating section is metalized and the metalized feedthrough is placed within an opening in the metal housing of the implantable medical device. The feedthrough and metal housing are positioning within an ultrasonic welding system and the ultrasonic welding system is energized such that sonic energy welds the feedthrough directly to the metal housing. The temperature of the metal housing is not raised above the ?-transus temperature of the metal housing during the ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing; at least one module enclosed within the housing and configured to at least one of generate an electrical stimulation therapy for delivery to a patient or monitor a physiological parameter of the patient; one or more feedthroughs extending through the housing; a header assembly including one or more electrical connectors electrically coupled to the module via the feedthroughs; and a preformed gasket compressed between the housing and the header assembly forming a seal to electrically isolate the feedthroughs from an external environment.

Abstract: This disclosure includes techniques for securing the proximal ends of a medical lead to the connector block of an IMD with a fastener device that incorporates a flexible clamp. A fastener device for a medical device comprising a flexible clamp forming a clamp aperture, wherein the flexible clamp includes a clamp protrusion configured to facilitate actuation of the flexible clamp, a rigid body, wherein the rigid body connects to and surrounds the flexible clamp, and an actuator configured to actuate on the clamp protrusion to change a perimeter of the clamp aperture, wherein the change of the perimeter of the clamp aperture by the actuator is configured to apply a compressive force about a perimeter of an electrical contact of a medical lead in the clamp aperture to electrically and mechanically connect the medical lead to the fastener device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes an electrode that forms a first snap-fit attachment area and an insulator that forms a through-hole, a second snap-fit attachment area and a third snap-fit attachment area. The second snap-fit attachment area mates with the first snap-fit attachment area of the electrode. The IMD further includes a body including an elongated conductive housing and a feedthrough wire extending therefrom. The body forms a fourth snap-fit attachment area on one end that mates with the third snap-fit attachment area of the insulator such that the feedthrough wire extends through the through-hole of the insulator. The housing encloses at least one of a battery, a sensor, and an electronic circuit. The insulator functions to electrically isolate the electrode from the housing of the body.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting and testing multi-conductor electrical leads are disclosed. An illustrative implant tool for use with an implantable lead includes a main body, a plurality of spring contact members, and a knob mechanism. The main body of the implant tool includes a distal clamping mechanism with an opening adapted to frictionally receive a terminal boot of the implantable lead. The spring contact members are configured to provide an interface for connecting electrical connectors from a Pacing System Analyzer (PSA) or other testing device to the terminal contacts on the implantable lead. A knob mechanism coupled to the main body can be actuated to engage a terminal pin of the implantable lead, allowing an implanting physician to engage a fixation helix into body tissue by rotating the mechanism.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device includes a hermetic housing defining an exterior surface and a hermetic cavity of an implantable active medical device. The hermetic housing has a first major surface, an opposing second major surface and a side surface extending between them. An elongate lead connector is recessed into the first major surface. The elongate lead connector has a top surface and a bottom surface and a side surface extending between them. The top surface forms only a portion of the first major surface.

Abstract: Molded headers, implantable signal generators having molded headers, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. An implantable signal generator in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a can having a shell and a battery positioned at least partially within the shell. An output terminal can be operably coupled to the battery and positioned to provide electrical power to a signal delivery device. A pre-molded header having a plurality of openings can be coupled to the can, and the output terminal can be positioned at least partially within an individual opening.

Abstract: An implantable monitoring device includes a flexible lead body that includes at least one sensing element. The device also includes a rigid main body connected to the flexible lead body at an attachment point. The rigid main body is generally centered about a longitudinal axis defined by the flexible lead body when the lead body is unflexed. The device further includes a measurement circuit, which is housed within the rigid main body and electrically coupled to the at least one sensing element of the flexible lead body and at least another sensing element on an outside surface of the rigid main body. The measurement circuit is configured to measure a potential difference between the at least one sensing element of the flexible lead body and the at least another sensing element of the main body.

Abstract: A connector is described herein that includes a plurality of layers patterned in two dimensions and joined in a stack with a bore there through. At least a subset of the plurality of layers are contact layers that include deflectable members (e.g., springs) that deflect in plane or out of plane upon insertion of a lead into the bore through the connector. The deflectable members form redundant electrical connections with the lead when the lead is inserted into the bore. For example, the connector can be incorporated into an implantable medical device (e.g., IPG). Moreover, methods of manufacturing a connector are set forth herein.

Abstract: A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The paddle body includes a plurality of electrodes disposed into at least four columns extending parallel with the longitudinal axis. The at least four columns include two lateral columns and at least two medial columns disposed therebetween. The electrodes of the at least two medial columns are arranged into rows aligned along the transverse axis. The electrodes of the two lateral columns are each longitudinally offset from the rows of electrodes of the at least two medial columns. An array of terminals are disposed on each of at least one lead body coupled to the paddle body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the electrodes to at least one terminal of the terminal arrays.

Abstract: A reinforced medical electrical lead for neurological applications has a reinforced construction for resisting the detachment of electrodes and lead connection terminals, thereby improving the robustness of the lead and extending the life of the lead by reducing the likelihood that a further surgical procedure will be required to remove the lead for repair or replacement thereof. The present reinforced lead construction maintains the integrity of the electrical connection between the conductor and the respective electrode and lead connection terminal by incorporating several reinforcing features in the lead construction in contrast to conventional lead constructions where it is possible to pull the electrodes and lead connection terminals away from their contact points with relatively little force.

Abstract: A micro electronic component structure includes an insulating body, at least one conductive through hole, at least one conductive material, and at least one micro terminal. The insulating body has a top surface and a bottom surface. The conductive through hole penetrates the top surface and the bottom surface. The conductive material is formed in the conductive through hole. The micro terminal is disposed above the conductive material.

Abstract: A contact block for electrically connecting a medical device to a conductive pin using improved electrical contact components. More specifically, an electrical contact block for achieving electrical contact with a conductive portion of an in-line IPG pin by utilizing a plurality of spherical conductive contact structures arranged in a ring around the conductive portion of the pin and biased toward the pin and held in place using a compliant o-ring.

Abstract: One aspect relates to an electrical bushing for use in a housing of an active implantable medical device. The electrical bushing includes an electrically insulating base body and an electrical conducting element. The conducting element is set up to establish, through the base body, an electrically conducting connection between an internal space of the housing and an external space. The conducting element is hermetically sealed with respect to the base body, and the conducting element includes a cermet.

Abstract: A connector assembly of an implantable medical electrical lead includes insulation and conductor segments, which may be formed together in a molded subassembly. The insulation segment includes at least one sealing surface, and the conductor segment includes at least one contact surface and a shank electrically common therewith. The shank has a smaller diameter than a uniform outer diameter of the assembly, which is defined by the sealing and contact surfaces, and the smaller diameter is sized to receive a coiled proximal end of a lead conductor mounted thereabout. The connector assembly may include another conductor segment that has a third contact surface, active or inactive, extending between third and fourth sealing surfaces of another insulation segment of the assembly; if active, a distal shank of the segment is electrically common with the third contact surface, and sized to receive a coiled proximal end of another lead conductor mounted thereabout.

Abstract: A header for use in implantable pulse generator devices. The header is part of electrical connector assembly having one or more openings designed to receive the terminal pin of an electrical lead wire or electrode. The header is designed to provide and sustain long-term electrical and mechanical lead wire connections between the electrodes of a terminal pin and the implantable pulse generator device.

Abstract: An implantable lead includes a flexible lead body, a plurality of conductor wires and a plurality of electrodes. The implantable lead also includes a terminal connector assembly coupled with a proximal end of the lead body. The terminal connector assembly is sized to be inserted into and received by a connector port of a pulse generator header. The terminal connector assembly includes a plurality of axially spaced terminal ring elements each electrically coupled to at least one of the conductor wires. The terminal ring elements are separated from one another by an electrically insulating material. Each of the terminal ring elements includes an outer surface having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being electrically conductive and the second portion being electrically non-conductive.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a housing for an active implantable medical device, whereby the housing, at least parts thereof, includes an electrically insulating ceramic material, and has at least one electrically conductive conducting element, whereby the at least one conducting element is set up to establish at least one electrically conductive connection between an internal space of the housing and an external space. One aspect provides the at least one conducting element to include at least one cermet, whereby the housing and the at least one conducting element are connected in a firmly bonded manner.

Abstract: A system to increase the reliability of the electrical connections between the stimulating electrodes and the battery/controlling electronics of an electrical stimulating device as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulator), heart pacemakers and the like. We disclose a redundant male/female connector and/or a set of redundant wires to improve the reliability of the electrical connections. The redundant male/female connector serves as a backup for a potential loss of electrical continuity due to the adverse effect of body fluids, and the redundant wires serve as a backup for potential loss of electrical continuity due to repetitive muscle movement causing wire movement, stress and breaking. DBS connecting wires, that ran down the neck of the patient, are subjected to repetitive stresses due to neck twisting and therefore at high risk of breaking.

Abstract: A low-insertion force electrical connector for implantable medical devices includes a housing with a pair of opposing sidewalls each with center openings oriented generally concentrically around a center axis. An inner coil is located in a recess with a coil axis generally co-linear with the center axis of the center openings. The inner coil includes an outer diameter less than a recess diameter, and an inner diameter greater than a center opening diameter. An outer coil is threaded onto the inner coil. The outer coil has an outer diameter less than the recess diameter, and an inner diameter less than the center opening diameter. The outer coil is radially expanded within the recess in response to engagement with contact rings on the implantable medical device, such that the outer diameter of the outer coil is at least equal to the recess diameter.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured for connection to a pulse generator. One or more electrodes are at a distal end of the lead body, and a lead conductor extends through the lead body and is electrically coupled to at least one of the one or more electrodes. The conductor is configured to deliver electrical signals between the proximal end and the at least one of the one or more electrodes. A sacrificial conductor extends through the lead body adjacent to lead conductor and is configured to fail at a lower stress than the lead conductor.

Abstract: A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) includes an electrode assembly configured to be anchored within a first wall portion of a first chamber of a heart. The electrode assembly includes an electrode main body having a first securing helix, an electrode wire segment extending from the body, and a first segment-terminating contact positioned on the electrode wire segment. The device further includes a housing assembly configured to be anchored within a second wall portion of a second chamber of the heart. The housing assembly includes a body having a second securing helix, a housing wire segment extending from the body, and a second segment-terminating contact positioned on the housing wire segment. The device also includes a connector block that electrically connects the electrode wire segment to the housing wire segment by retaining the first and second segment-terminating contacts.

Abstract: A hermetic feedthrough for an implantable medical device includes an insulator body and a ferrule. The insulator body includes ceramic material and one or more electrically conductive conduits extending through the insulator body. The insulator is disposed in an opening of the ferrule. The insulator body includes a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that each include a plurality of edges. A rounded corner extends between adjacent edges of any two adjacent substantially flat surfaces. Each corner between any two adjacent substantially flat surfaces that face toward the ferrule has an average radius that is less than approximately 25% of a length of the corresponding edges.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises one or more electrical stimulation generators, and a housing that contains the one or more electrical stimulation generators. The implantable medical device also includes a first medical lead no greater than about 6 inches in length, and a second medical lead no greater than about 6 inches in length. The housing includes a first connector block that electrically connects the first medical lead to at least one of the one or more electrical stimulation generators, and a second connector block that electrically connects the second medical lead to at least one of the one or more electrical stimulation generators. The implantable medical device may be part of an electrical stimulation system implanted beneath the skin and inferior to the inion of a patient to deliver stimulation therapy to at least one of an occipital nerve and a branch of the occipital nerve.

Abstract: An implantable control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a header coupled a sealed body. The header includes at least one connector assembly. The control module also includes a conductive shield disposed over at least a portion of the connector assembly or connector assemblies of the header. The conductive shield is provided to hinder generation of current in the header or in a portion of a lead received in the header in response to application of an external radiofrequency (RF) or magnetic field. A similar shield can also be used to shield a connector assembly disposed on the end of a lead extension or any other component of the electrical stimulation system.

Abstract: A lead assembly for an implantable medical device includes a lead body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis that extends between the proximal end and distal end. The lead assembly also includes a strain relief tube that surrounds a portion of the lead body. The strain relief tube includes a flexible material configured to include contours such that the portion of the lead body surrounded by the strain relief tube maintains a formed shape that varies from the longitudinal axis of the lead body. The contours vary in response to forces on the lead body to prevent strain at the distal end of the lead body.

Abstract: A lead-connection system includes a lead and a connector. The lead includes a distal end, a proximal end, a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductor wires electrically coupling each of the plurality of electrodes to a different one of the plurality of terminals. The connector defines a port for receiving the proximal end of the lead and a plurality of connector contacts. The number of connector contacts is greater than the number of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead. When the connector receives the proximal end of the lead, each of the terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead makes electrical contact with at least one of the connector contacts of the connector and no two terminals make electrical contact with a same one of the connector contacts.

Abstract: An implantable medical pulse generator is disclosed herein. The pulse generator is for administering electrotherapy via an implantable medical lead having a lead connector end on a proximal end of the lead. The pulse generator includes a can and a header coupled to the can. The header includes a first lead connector end receiving receptacle and a retainer configured to secure the lead connector end within the first receptacle. The retainer includes a member and a first collar, which is coaxially aligned with the first receptacle. The first collar includes an inner circumferential surface and a gap in the inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface extends generally continuous and unbroken between a first face of the gap and a second face of the gap. The member is configured such that acting on the member causes a gap distance between the first face of the gap and second face of the gap to decrease, thereby reducing an inner circumferential diameter of the first collar.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body with electrodes disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body and terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the lead body. Conductors electrically couple the terminals to the electrodes. A contact assembly is disposed at one of the proximal end portion or the distal end portion of the lead body. The contact assembly is formed from a shaped mesh and includes annular grooves defined along an outer surface of the shaped mesh; and a stylet tube disposed in a contact assembly lumen. Each of the conductors extends along at least a portion of the shaped mesh within the contact assembly lumen and external to the stylet tube. For each of the annular grooves, one of the electrodes or one of the terminals is disposed in the annular groove.

Abstract: A lead extension for an electrical stimulation system includes a connector disposed on a first end of a body. The connector includes a housing defining at least one port. Each of the at least one ports is configured to receive a proximal end of a lead. A plurality of connector contacts are disposed in each of the at least one ports. The connector contacts are configured to electrically couple to terminals of a lead when the lead is received by the housing. A first connector flange extends outwardly from a first side of the housing. A plurality of conductors extend along a length of the lead extension and electrically couple at least one of the connector contacts to at least one terminal disposed on a second end of the body.

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 low profile electrical adapter body releasably connects to the electrodes of a pacing lead connector, such as an IS-1. Spring steel lead connector holders and the twist-tolerant cable allow continuous ECG recording while manipulating the pacing lead. The adapter body includes two lead connector holders. A grip longitudinally aligns the lead connector within the adapter body. The grip is slidably attached to a twist-tolerant cable and releasably engages the adapter to form a single adapter assembly that enlarges the device for easier digital manipulation. A twist-tolerant cable connects the low profile adapter directly or indirectly to a medical test device such as a pacemaker analyzer.

Abstract: A control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a casing having an electrically-conductive portion; an electronic subassembly disposed in the casing; and a header portion coupled to the casing and including a connector for a lead or lead extension. The control module also includes a feedthrough assembly coupling the casing to the header portion. The feedthrough assembly includes a non-conductive ceramic block; conductive feedthrough pins passing through the ceramic block and electrically coupling the connector to the electronic subassembly disposed in the casing; a metal flange disposed around, and attached to, the ceramic block, and a non-conductive spacer attached to the metal flange and to the casing to raise the ceramic block above, and away from, the casing. Other control modules include a ceramic block that has a rim portion that raises the plate portion, through which the feedthrough pins pass, of the block away from the casing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to header assemblies for implantable medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment the invention includes a medical device including a header assembly housing. The header assembly housing can include a dielectric material, the header assembly housing can define a port aperture for receiving a connector pin of a stimulation lead. The port aperture can have a first end and a second end and a reflective insert disposed within the header assembly housing proximate to the second end. The reflective insert can be configured to enhance the view of the second end from outside of the header assembly housing. Other embodiments are also included herein.

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 conductors, 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 low-insertion force electrical connector for implantable medical devices includes a housing with a pair of opposing sidewalls each with center openings oriented generally concentrically around a center axis. An inner coil is located in a recess with a coil axis generally co-linear with the center axis of the center openings. The inner coil includes an outer diameter less than a recess diameter, and an inner diameter greater than a center opening diameter. An outer coil is threaded onto the inner coil. The outer coil has an outer diameter less than the recess diameter, and an inner diameter less than the center opening diameter. The outer coil is radially expanded within the recess in response to engagement with contact rings on the implantable medical device, such that the outer diameter of the outer coil is at least equal to the recess diameter.

Abstract: One aspect relates to an electrical bushing for an implantable medical device, having an annulus-like holding element for holding the electrical bushing in the implantable medical device, whereby the holding element includes a through-opening, at least one elongated conducting wire extends through the through-opening, and an insulation element for forming a hermetic seal between the holding element and the conducting wire is arranged in the through-opening. One aspect provides for a cermet-containing bearing element to be arranged between the insulation element and the conducting wire.

Abstract: An adaptation probe for insertion into implanted electrode devices of active medical implants to enable them for use in high-frequency magnetic alternating fields of MRI systems comprises an elongated, flexible probe body, and at least one electrical assembly, which has one or more electrical components connected to an interface, in the probe body, and which can be electrically connected to a supply lead of the electrode device such that the electrically properties of the electrode device can be adapted, in particular the frequency-dependent resistance, impedance, capacitance, or inductance thereof.

Abstract: One example includes an implantable lead including an elongate lead body which includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. In the example, the lead includes a coupler configured to couple to an implantable medical device. The lead includes a first conductor, coupled to the coupler, and extending away from the coupler at least partially through the lead. The lead includes a first electrode, located on the lead away from the coupler and a first switch, located on the lead away from the coupler, the first switch configured to control conductivity between the conductor and the electrode. The lead also includes a first controller circuit, coupled to the conductor and including a first multiplexer circuit configured to multiplex over the conductor a first signal and a second signal, the first controller circuit configured to control the first switch based at least on the first signal.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide devices and methods to treat AV-conducted ventricular tachyarrhythmia (AVCVT). According to various embodiments of the method, an AVCVT is sensed, an IVC-LA fat pad is stimulated when the AVCVT is sensed to block AV conduction, and bradycardia support pacing is provided while the IVC-LA fat pad is stimulated. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A connector for an implantable medical device includes an elongated connector housing having a first end, a second end, a length, and an outer surface. The connector housing defines a port at the second end of the connector housing that extends along the length toward the first end. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of lead or lead extension. Connector contacts disposed in the connector housing are configured and arranged for coupling to terminals disposed on the lead or lead extension when the lead or lead extension is received by the port. At least one window is defined along the outer surface of the connector housing. The at least one window is configured and arranged for viewing at least a portion of the lead or lead extension when the lead or lead extension is received by the port.