Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a sealed casing enclosing electronic circuitry and a plurality of electrical terminals connected to the electronic circuitry and projecting out of a mounting surface. A header has an undersurface for mounting engagement on the mounting surface of the casing and first and second oppositely directed elongated receptacles, the first receptacle being positioned proximate the electrical terminals. The header also includes at least one conductive connector block having a bore aligned with each of the first and second receptacles for receiving a proximal end portion of a lead extending through the elongated receptacle and carrying at least one electrical terminal and a wire electrically connects each of the connector blocks with an associated electrical terminal, at least the wire from the connector block associated with the first receptacle being of minimal length because of its close proximity to the plurality of electrical terminals.

Abstract: Header assemblies for coupling one or more cardiac leads to a cardiac stimulator are described. The header assemblies can include a header housing with a lead receiving header bore. The header assemblies can further include a connector assembly injection molded within the header housing and including a connector housing, at least one biasing member and at least one biasing member cover. The connector housing can include a first connector bore aligned with the header bore and at least a second connector bore. The biasing member can be in the form of a coiled spring or bent wire and disposed within the second connector bore such that a portion of the biasing member projects into the first connector bore. In this way, a lead proximal end can be urged against a first connector bore wall. The biasing member cover can secure the biasing member and seal the second connector bore.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib within a patient, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator including a housing including a first electrode; a telescoping lead assembly including a second electrode, wherein the telescoping lead assembly is electrically and mechanically coupled to the housing; and an electrical circuit located within and electrically coupled to the housing.

Abstract: High reliability electrical connections between a helical strand and flat electrodes, such as strip electrodes found in implantable neurostimulator systems, 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 crimp is accomplished by radial deformation of an annular or semi-annular crimping member that receives the helical strand/mandrel assembly.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, e.g., a stimulator, having a sealed housing and method of making the same. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes a case frame defining a cavity, the cavity extending at least substantially through the case frame, which cavity may contain electronics or a power source, and at least one lid configured to be sealingly coupled to the case frame. A feedthru opening may also be included in the case frame.

Abstract: A medical device connector module includes a lead retention element extending through an opening in a sidewall of the connector module. The retention element includes a flow passage in fluid communication with a connector bore of the connector module and an outer surface of the sidewall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively interacting with electrically excitable tissue of a patient are provided. The apparatus includes an implantable pulse generator having a number of output sources that transmit pulse signals. An extension unit couples the implantable pulse generator to an implantable electrode array. The implantable electrode array has a number of electrodes, wherein the number of electrodes is greater than the number of output sources. The extension unit is configured to electrically connect the output sources to a portion of the electrodes.

Abstract: A medically implantable electrical connector includes a housing having a bore with an internal groove therein along with a pin sized for insertion into the housing bore. A film removing spring is disposed in the housing groove dynamic loading of the spring in the groove by the pin causing scraping of film from the groove and pin surfaces to provide lowered electrical resistance therebetween.

Abstract: A connector for connecting to an energy source such as a pulse generator for a cardiac stimulator system. The connector assembly includes a pin, at least one ring and a sleeve composed of an insulative hard polymer molded between the pin and ring such that the sleeve provides electrical insulation between the pin and ring and mechanically couples the pin and ring.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting lead adequacy and quality for leads used in devices that sense or deliver low levels of electromagnetic energy. The system includes leads attached to a package substrate having known electrical or optical characteristics. The package is adapted to interface with a testing device that allows an operator to ascertain whether the leads are appropriate for a desired task. The operator need not remove the leads from the package to perform the test. The lead testing system may be freestanding or integrated into a lead utilizing instrument.

Abstract: A connector terminal of a medical electrical lead or adapter includes a strut member supporting at least one electrical contact element and at least one seal zone element, which is positioned adjacent to the contact element.

Abstract: An implantable electrical lead for electrical sensing and stimulation of the heart includes a lead body which includes a ventricular tip, a pair of distal atrial ring electrodes, a pair of proximal atrial ring electrodes, a pair of first stationary contacts in electrical continuity, respectively, with the distal atrial ring electrodes, and a pair of second stationary contacts in electrical continuity, respectively, with the proximal atrial ring electrodes. A bifurcation boot overlies the lead and is slidable lengthwise of the lead body. The bifurcation boot carries first and second mobile contacts movable between first and second longitudinally spaced positions on the lead body. In the first position, the first and second mobile contacts are engaged with the first pair of the stationary contacts, respectively. In the second position, the first and second mobile contacts are engaged with the second pair of the stationary contacts, respectively.

Abstract: A connector assembly of an electrophysiologial device. The connector assembly includes a substrate forming a tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end an electrical circuit formed on the substrate, such as etching or printing, where the substrate is optionally non-conductive. In another option, the connector assembly includes clad wires and/or flexible circuits within an insulated terminal structure.

Abstract: A connector for connecting to an energy source such as a pulse generator for a cardiac stimulator system. The connector assembly includes a pin, at least one ring and a sleeve composed of an insulative hard polymer molded between the pin and ring such that the sleeve provides electrical insulation between the pin and ring and mechanically couples the pin and ring.

Abstract: An electrical connector for multi-contact medical electrodes with plural-contact tails, including a tail-receiving member having a tail-receiving void defining an internal surface and an array of electrical conductors, preferably spring-loaded ball plungers, positioned along the internal surface. A locking mechanism is positioned within the tail-receiving member and can be moved from an open position in which a tail received within the void can be removed from the void, to a locked position in which the locking mechanism prevents removal of the tail. Some preferred embodiments include the locking mechanism being positioned adjacent the void opposite the conductors and extending into the void when in the locked position; the locking mechanism being a cam shaft and cam arrangement which allows for locking by rotation of the cam shaft; and the plural contacts being sleeves with necked-in ends to allow non-destructive withdrawal of the tail in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A connector for connecting to an energy source such as a pulse generator for a cardiac stimulator system. The connector assembly includes a pin, at least one ring and a sleeve composed of an insulative hard polymer molded between the pin and ring such that the sleeve provides electrical insulation between the pin and ring and mechanically couples the pin and ring.

Abstract: A construction and method are employed for connecting leads and extensions that minimizes the need for set screws, and the times and physical efforts required of surgeons for connecting leads and connector blocks is reduced. An improved electrical and mechanical connector for the conductor comprises at least two components. First a multi-piece body forms a receptor for the conductor. At least one of the body pieces is electrically conductive. Second, an elastic member retains together the body pieces of the multi-piece body. The elastic member biases the body pieces into mechanical, restraining contact with the conductor, and biases the electrically conductive body piece into electrical contact with the conductor, when the conductor is introduced into the receptor. The elastic member further elastically yields under mechanical force to permit introduction of the conductor into the receptor.

Abstract: An implantable connector electrically connects a multi-conductor lead (22) with a small-dimensioned implantable housing (102) of an implantable medical device, such as a cochlear stimulator. The implantable housing has electronic circuitry hermetically sealed therein. The implantable connector includes a header (10) formed along an edge of the implantable housing. The header has a cavity (11) formed therein with a first array of electrical contacts (12) embedded within a bottom surface of the cavity. The electrical contacts are electrically connected with the electronic circuitry through hermetic feedthrough terminals. The header further has a niche (15) and a channel (14) formed therein. A connector pad (20) is dimensioned to fit snugly within the cavity. A bottom surface of the connector pad has a second array of electrical contacts (21) formed therein. The second array of electrical contacts aligns with the first array of electrical contacts in the cavity when the pad is placed inside of the cavity.

Abstract: A multi-output connector for use with an implantable neurostimulator, or similar implantable stimulator, is described. The connector includes three main components: an output bracket (10), a receiver (20), and a clamp (30). The output bracket forms part of the stimulator and is typically made from a hard polymer, such as epoxy resin. It has a T-shaped cross section, and has an array of metal contacts placed on both sides of the base of the “T”. The receiver is made from a soft polymer, such as silicone rubber, and has a T-slot formed therein adapted to match the T-shaped cross-section of the output bracket. Contact pins are formed in the side walls of the receiver so as to make electrical contact with the metal contacts of the output bracket when the receiver is placed over the bracket. The clamp is made from metal in the form of a U-shape and fits over the top of the receiver 20 to apply compression to both side of the receiver.

Abstract: An implantable electrostimulation device and an electrode lead is devised ere for the electrical connection of the electrode lead, the top portion of the electrostimulation device has a securely installed connecting socket with radially inward pointing contact and holding devices on its inside wall, which are designed to engage with the electrode lead contact. The contact and holding means are formed by a plurality of cam and projection regions that are securely connected to the inside wall or formed out of this wall and are each at a predetermined angular distance in a circumferential direction of the socket. The electrode lead has a pin or annular contact for inserting into a connecting socket of the electro-stimulation device, which has radially outward pointing contact and holding units on its surface for engaging with the connecting socket.

Abstract: A defibrillator having a housing for enclosing and containing defibrillation pulse generator circuitry, particularly adapted to allow for ease of manufacture and use. At least one surface of the housing is electrically conductive and connected to the defibrillation pulse generator circuitry for delivering defibrillating energy to the heart. The defibrillator is provided with a case-activating lead connector cavity having two isolated conductive elements. By tightening a first setscrew onto a lead connector pin, an electrode of the lead becomes active. Tightening a second setscrew activates the can. Tightening both setscrews onto a plug pin activates the can alone. To use neither a lead in the case-activating port, nor an active can, only one setscrew may be tightened onto a conductive or nonconductive pin to plug the cavity without activating the can. By using this system, various electrode configurations can be used as required to provide the optimum system for a given patient.

Abstract: A programmable output connector of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or similar implantable medical device, allows each of a multiplicity of output terminals to be selectively connected to either a positive or a negative output bus of the ICD. The positive and negative output buses of the ICD, in turn, are switched to an output capacitor, or equivalent output circuit, of the ICD. An electrical charge stored on the output capacitor, or otherwise generated by the output circuit, is presented to the multiplicity of output terminals in accordance with a programmed polarity. The programmed polarity causes a selected one or group of the multiplicity of output terminals to be connected to the positive output bus, and a selected other or group of the multiplicity of output terminals to be connected to the negative output bus. Respective electrodes designed for contacting cardiac tissue may then be electrically connected to each one of the multiplicity of output terminals.

Abstract: A connector head for an electrophysiologic device is provided with an electrical connector which is symmetric and can be accessed by the leads either from the left or right side of the device without turning over the body of the device thereby keeping a preferred side face in a fixed relative orientation to the patient into whom the device is implanted. The purpose is to allow the smooth coiling of the excess length of the lead within the subcutaneous pocket created for the device. The connector head employs a symmetric electrical connector, which has left and right socket openings into which the plug may be inserted. Both straight through connectors in which the left and right socket openings lie along a common line, or angled left and right socket openings are provided. The angled connector head sockets form a V with respect to each other.

Abstract: A diagnostic connector port is premolded into a header of a pulse generator device. A diagnostic connector port is attached to each of the electrical contacts in the header and does not measurably affect the system resistance. The diagnostic connector port is sealed against body fluids or other external, conductive fluids. Excellent electrical contact is achieved via a special connector pin/socket design. The diagnostic connector port is keyed for one way only insertion of the external diagnostic equipment into the diagnostic connector port.

Abstract: An appliance for electrically stimulating tissue contractions of a living organism has circuitry for applying a stimulation potential to the tissue region to be stimulated and for applying a reference potential circuitry for detecting to the body of the living organism, stimulated tissue contractions. Following stimulation the stimulated tissue contraction is measured by a bipolar electrode between two adjacent tissue regions, the stimulation potential applied being to at least one of these tissue regions for the purpose of stimulating a tissue contraction.