Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, an implantable medical device including a setscrew that enables lead tip visibility as an indicator of full lead insertion without requiring a grommet. In an example, the implantable medical device header is provided with a lead bore and a setscrew bore with the setscrew bore having a longitudinal axis that extends in a transverse direction to, and in communication with, the lead bore. In one example, the setscrew bore intersects with the lead bore at a location that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the lead bore.

Abstract: A sensor is disposed within a pin portion of a feedthrough assembly. The feedthrough assembly provides a hermetically sealed enclosure that protects the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a temperature sensor and the feedthrough assembly thermally isolates the sensor from the surrounding housing or enclosure.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, a header assembly for coupling a medical electrical lead to a medical stimulating device including a header having a capture mechanism within a bore of a lead retention device. In an example, when the lead retention device is retracted from the bore, the capture mechanism prevents the device from falling out. In another example, the header assembly has a vent disposed within the bore of the lead retention device that permits unrestricted flow of air when the lead retention device is retracted from an engagement surface.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, an implantable medical device including a setscrew that enables lead tip visibility as an indicator of full lead insertion without requiring a grommet. An example setscrew has a metal core with an insulative coating disposed over the core to electrically isolate it from body fluids and surrounding tissue. In another example, the setscrew incorporates a sealing capability by including a sealing member that is coupled to the setscrew.

Abstract: The housing of an implantable medical device is made of a titanium alloy that provides improved electrical performance, mechanical strength, and reduced MRI heating. The titanium alloy housing includes portions formed by metal injection molding and welded together. Wall thickness of at least a portion of one major face of the housing is reduced by chemical etching a metal injected molded housing portion.

Abstract: A feedthrough terminal assembly for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) includes a conductive terminal pin or lead wire which extends through a conductive ground plane of the AIMD in non-conductive relation. A feedthrough capacitor associated with the terminal pin or lead wire has first and second sets of electrode plates coupled, respectively, to the conductive pin or lead wire and to the ground plane. A breathable electromechanical connection material conductively couples the capacitor's electrode plates to respective components of the AIMD, which allows helium gas to pass freely therethrough during a standard pressurized or vacuum pull helium leak detection test. A breathable washer may be disposed between an alumina insulator and a surface of the capacitor. An additional further breathable coating or conformal coating may be placed over a surface of the feedthrough capacitor disposed toward the interior of the AIMD.

Abstract: A connector assembly for detachably connecting an electrical lead to an implantable medical device for emitting electrical pulses is provided. One or more deflectable connector clips are positioned inside or partially inside a compact housing that is designed to deflect the connector clips in a partially loaded state so that insertion of the terminal pin of an electrical lead causes a minor deflection of the spring clip, but results in high retention force. The positioning of the connector clip in the housing in a partially loaded state results in a relatively flat force deflection curve. The one or more connector clips are preferably electrically conducting metal and may be formed into a U-shape. The connector clips are generally positioned to provide multiple contact points with an inserted terminal pin of a lead.

Abstract: Spring contact apparatus for an implantable medical device includes a plurality of nonconductive housing with each housing having a bore therethrough alignable with adjacent housing bores and assembled in spaced apart pairs with adjacent radial accesses to adjacent housing chambers. A plurality of electrically conductive garter springs are provided with the pairs of garter springs being disposed in corresponding adjacent housing chambers and each spring having a pigtail lead extending through a corresponding axis. The pairs of adjacent pigtail leads extending from adjacent axes are of sufficient length for a combined attachment to a corresponding pulse generator lead.

Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting at least one tab of the at least one conductive component through the carrier, the tab extending away from an electrode portion of the component such that, after the tab is inserted, the electrode portion is disposed on a first side of the carrier and the tab is disposed on a second side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the at least one component; and forming an insulative layer over the tab and the conductor on the second side of the carrier.

Abstract: A feedthrough terminal assembly for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) includes a plurality of leadwires extending from electronic circuitry of the AIMD, and a lossy ferrite inductor through which the leadwires extend in non-conductive relation for increasing the impedance of the leadwires at selected RF frequencies and reducing magnetic flux core saturation of the lossy ferrite inductor through phase cancellation of signals carried by the leadwires. A process is also provided for filtering electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an implanted leadwire extending from an AIMD into body fluids or tissue, wherein the leadwire is subjected to occasional high-power electromagnetic fields such as those produced by medical diagnostic equipment including magnetic resonance imaging.

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 sensor is disposed within a pin portion of a feedthrough assembly. The feedthrough assembly provides a hermetically sealed enclosure that protects the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a temperature sensor and the feedthrough assembly thermally isolates the sensor from the surrounding housing or enclosure.

Abstract: A filtered feedthrough assembly having at least one terminal pin therethrough is provided. The feedthrough assembly comprises a ferrule having a cavity therethrough for receiving the terminal pin, and insulating structure having an upper surface. The insulating structure is disposed within the cavity and around the terminal pin for electrically isolating the pin from the ferrule. A capacitor is disposed around the pin and electrically coupled thereto. The capacitor has a lower surface that is disposed proximate the upper surface, and at least one washer is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. To attach the capacitor to the insulating structure, a body of epoxy is substantially confined between the upper surface and the lower surface by the ferrule, the insulating structure, the capacitor, and the at least one washer.

Abstract: An electrical feedthrough for an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided that employs a feedthrough conductor having a non-platinum based inner core and one or more layers of a conductive coating to control oxide growth on the surface of the conductor. The coating permits soldering the feedthrough conductor to IMD electronics. The resulting feedthrough provides a substantial cost savings over feedthroughs employing a solid platinum or platinum-iridium conductor.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.

Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.

Abstract: A pacemaker system 100 includes a pacemaker device 160, cardiac leads 120 and 150, guide catheter 110, an ultrasound transmitter 133 and an ultrasound receiver 130. Cardiac lead 150 is implanted in the right atrium (RA) 82 and includes an electrode 152 at its distal end that is actively fixed into location 102 of the right atrium 82. Electrode 152 is used for pacing of the RA. Cardiac lead 120 is implanted in the right ventricle (RV) 84 and includes two separate electrodes. A first electrode 140 is actively fixed into location 101 close to the apex 98 of the right ventricle 84 and is used for pacing, sensing and/or defibrillating of the RV. A second electrode 130 perforates the apex 98 of the right ventricle 84 and is actively fixed into the apex 99 of the left ventricle (LV) 86. Electrode 130 is used for pacing, sensing and/or defibrillating of the LV.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for isolating an elongated medical lead from internal device circuitry in the presence of a gradient magnetic or electrical field. The device includes an isolation circuit adapted to operatively connect an internal circuit to the medical lead in a first operative state and to electrically isolate the medical lead from the internal circuit in a second operative state.

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: 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 power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib and for providing cardioversion/defibrillation energy to the heart, the power supply comprising a capacitor subsystem for storing the cardioversion/defibrillation energy for delivery to the patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing electrical energy to the capacitor subsystem.

Abstract: A system for delivering signals between a pulse generator and tissue includes a lead having a lead body and one or more lead electrodes at a distal end of the lead body. The one or more electrodes are electrically connectable to the pulse generator at a proximal end of the lead body via one or more conductors extending through the lead body. A converter, which is removably securable to the distal end of the lead body, includes one or more converter electrodes. Each converter electrode is connected to an electrical contact that is arranged on the converter to electrically connect the converter electrode to at least one of the one or more lead electrodes.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject's body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.

Abstract: High reliability electrical connections between a helical strand and flat electrodes, such us strip electrodes found in implantable neurostimulator system, are described. The connection consists of a crimp joint in which an inside diameter mandrel is used to provided the coil with sufficient radial rigidity to ensure structural integrity of the crimp. The mandrel is made of a relatively soft biocompatible material that deforms rather than damages the fine wires of the helical strand during crimping. The crimping is accomplished by radial deformation of an annular or semi-annular crimping member that receives the helical strand/mandrel assembly.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject's body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.

Abstract: A lead connection assembly of an implantable medical device (IMD) may include at least two different types of electrical connectors. In some examples, the lead connection assembly may include first and second electrical connectors that have at least one of a different electrical contact arrangement, a different lead connection receptacle geometry or a different size than the first electrical connector. The first electrical connector may be electrically connected to a first therapy module that generates cardiac rhythm therapy that is delivered to a heart of a patient, and the second electrical connector may be electrically connected to a second therapy module that generates electrical stimulation that is delivered to a tissue site within the patient. The second electrical connector may be configured to be incompatible with a lead that delivers the cardiac rhythm therapy to the patient.

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: 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: Systems and methods for checking the connection of a lead to an implantable medical device implanted within a patient's body are disclosed. An illustrative method includes measuring at least one characteristic associated with the lead connection to the implantable medical device prior to an MRI scan. The method further includes comparing the at least one measured characteristic with a threshold parameter programmed within the implantable medical device. The method further includes setting a flag in the implantable medical device upon the at least one measured characteristic satisfying at least one condition associated with the threshold parameter for a predetermined period of time. The flag indicates a disconnection of the lead from the implantable medical device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing heating within pacing/sensing leads of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator that occurs due to induced radio frequency (RF) currents during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, or in the presence of other sources of strong RF fields. For example, bipolar coaxial leads are described wherein the ring conductor of the lead is disconnected from the ring electrode via a switch in response to detection of MRI fields to convert the ring conductor into an RF shield for shielding the inner tip conductor of the lead so as to reduce the strength of RF currents induced therein and hence reduce tip heating. Other exemplary leads are described wherein a band stop filter is instead used to block RF signals to likewise convert the ring conductor into an RF shield. The switches and band stop filters also help to prevent MRI-induced stimulation.

Abstract: High reliability electrical connections between a helical strand and flat electrodes, such as strip electrodes found in implantable neurostimulator system, are described. The connection consists of a crimp joint in which an inside diameter mandrel is used to provide the coil with sufficient radial rigidity to ensure structural integrity of the crimp. The mandrel is made of a relatively soft biocompatible material that deforms rather than damages the fine wires of the helical strand during crimping. The crimp is accomplished by radial deformation of an annular or semi-annular crimping member that receives the helical strand/mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a conductive collet spring with an annular base and integral circumferentially spaced cantilevered generally parallel arms terminating at tip members diametrically spaced closer than the diameter of the base. A conductive housing overlying and electrically and mechanically engaged with the collet spring engageably receives the electrical terminal of a medical stimulating device and includes a distal mounting flange. A non-conductive barrel is fittingly attached to the distal mounting flange of the housing and has an inner bore for receiving a medical electrical lead. A non-conductive header encapsulates the connector assembly, is mounted on the casing, and has a header bore aligned with the inner bore for receiving the medical electrical lead which, when inserted and sufficiently advanced through the header bore, the inner bore, and the annular base, the tip members firmly engage the proximal terminal pin thereof.

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 medical electrical system includes a device including a connector port and an external electrically active surface and an auxiliary lead including a supplemental electrode and a connector end. The external electrically active surface of the device is adapted to receive the auxiliary lead connector end, thereby electrically coupling the supplemental electrode to the device via contact between the connector end and the external surface.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing and a circuit board provided within the housing. The circuit board includes a plurality of electronic components electrically coupled thereto. At least one non-functional component is provided on the circuit board and formed from a material that has an electromagnetic permeability configured to reduce the amount of image distortion caused by at least one of the plurality of electronic components when the device is subject to a magnetic field during an MRI scan.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation within a patient comprising a lead body including a conductor within the lead body and a transducer supported by the lead body. The conductor is electrically coupled to the transducer by a conductive fluid, paste or gel. The conductive fluid, paste or gel may be contained within a well in the lead body. The transducer may be a MEMS chip and/or an integrated circuit and may perform any of a variety of functions such as sensing physiological data.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises: a knitted electrode assembly comprising: at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row, and at least one biocompatible, electrically conductive filament having a first end intertwined with a first row of the at least one non-conductive filament, and a second end intertwined with a second row of the at least one non-conductive filament, wherein the first and second rows are spaced from one another.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises an electronics module; and a knitted electrode assembly comprising: at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row, and at least one biocompatible, electrically conductive filament intertwined with the at least one non-conductive filament, and configured to be electrically connected to the electronics module.

Abstract: A feedthrough array for use in an implantable medical device is provided including an insulator, a plurality of conductive feedthrough pins extending through the insulator, and a ferrule including a flange extending inwardly from a ferrule sidewall along at least a majority of a length of a first ferrule side. A capacitor is disposed over the insulator and conductively coupled to the ferrule flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter (6) comprising: a connector (65, 66) at a proximal side of the catheter for connecting the catheter to an external signal transmission/receiving unit (10) for transmitting and/or receiving signals, an electrode (63, 64) at a distal side of the catheter, and an electrical connection including an electrical wire (61, 62) for electrically connecting the electrode and the connector for the transmission of signals between the electrode and the connector, wherein the electrical connection has a high electrical resistance of at least 1 k?, in particular of at least 5 k?. Thus, the present invention provides a solution to prevent excessive heating during EP interventions under MR guidance by using by using highly resistive wires and or lumped resistors as connections within catheters.

Abstract: Displacement or migration of a left ventricular lead located within the coronary sinus or coronary veins of the heart is detected by comparing an electrogram (EGM) waveform pattern from the lead with a stored baseline EGM waveform pattern. Based upon the extent of lead migration, if any, a lead displacement may produce an annunciating response. The patient may be alerted, an electrical stimulus applied through the lead may be adjusted to compensate for lead migration, or an alternative electrode on the lead may be used for EGM sensing and pacing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable pulse generator feedthru configured to make generally planar electrical contact with an electrical component housed within a can of an implantable pulse generator. The feedthru may include a feedthru housing including a header side and a can side, a core within the feedthru housing, a generally planar electrically conductive interface adjacent the can side, and a feedthru wire extending through the core. The feedthru wire may include an interface end and a header end, wherein the header end extends from the header side and the interface end is at least one of generally flush with the generally planar interface and generally recessed relative to the generally planar interface.

Abstract: A medical electrical system includes a device including a connector port and an external electrically active surface and an auxiliary lead including a supplemental electrode and a connector end. The external electrically active surface of the device is adapted to receive the auxiliary lead connector end, thereby electrically coupling the supplemental electrode to the device via contact between the connector end and the external surface.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor is constructed as a stacked structure of alternating anode and cathode plates. A clip is fitted over a peripheral portion of each cathode plate, the clips being welded together to electrically connect the cathode plates in common. The dimensions of the clips are such that the clips take up approximately the same space away from the edges of the cathode plates as the thickness of the anode plate on each side of a cathode plate when the anode and cathode plates are stacked upon one another.

Abstract: A connector assembly for detachably coupling a proximal end of a lead and an implantable medical device. The connector assembly includes a deflectable connector clip having a first arm, a second arm and a top portion extending between the first arm and the second arm. The first arm and the second arm detachably position the proximal end of the lead within the implantable medical device. A housing portion has a first deflection portion that deflects the connector clip from a first position corresponding to a first distance between the first arm and the second arm, to a second position corresponding to a second distance between the first arm and the second arm. Subsequent advancement of the lead through the first and second arms further deflects the connector clip from the second position to a third position, which transfers all of the spring force of the connector clip to the lead.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject's body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject's body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.

Abstract: Methods for ultrasonically joining portions of a medical lead are provided. One method includes providing a conductor, a fitting and a coil electrode. The conductor has a distal portion that includes an inner conductive portion and an outer insulative portion. The fitting has a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being sized and configured to receive the distal portion of the conductor and the second cavity being sized and configured to receive a portion of the coil electrode. The conductor is ultrasonically welded within the first opening, providing a mechanical and electrical attachment. The coil electrode is also electrically coupled to the fitting, providing an electrical pathway from the conductor to the coil electrode. Also provided are medical leads including ultrasonic bonds and other methods of ultrasonically joining portions of a medical lead.

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 at least one feedthrough wire 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 comprising a distal end connected to the terminal and a proximal end connected to a connector. Methods for making the header assembly and for connecting the header assembly to the implantable medical device are also disclosed.