CA1118841A - Body implantable stimulator - Google Patents
Body implantable stimulatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1118841A CA1118841A CA000325032A CA325032A CA1118841A CA 1118841 A CA1118841 A CA 1118841A CA 000325032 A CA000325032 A CA 000325032A CA 325032 A CA325032 A CA 325032A CA 1118841 A CA1118841 A CA 1118841A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- stimulator
- bore
- terminal
- output
- pin
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/375—Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
- A61N1/3752—Details of casing-lead connections
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A body implantable stimulator having a signal gen-erator and lead electrically and mechanically interconnected by a preformed connector, The connector carries terminals to establish electrical communication between the signal generator and the lead, passageways being provided in the connector body to accept and guide the signal generator output connections and lead into contact with the terminals.
In a preferred embodiment, the terminals are provided with intersecting bores such that an output connection and lead contact each other within a terminal. The preformed con-nector may be mechanically fastened to the signal generator.
A body implantable stimulator having a signal gen-erator and lead electrically and mechanically interconnected by a preformed connector, The connector carries terminals to establish electrical communication between the signal generator and the lead, passageways being provided in the connector body to accept and guide the signal generator output connections and lead into contact with the terminals.
In a preferred embodiment, the terminals are provided with intersecting bores such that an output connection and lead contact each other within a terminal. The preformed con-nector may be mechanically fastened to the signal generator.
Description
8~
BACK GROUND OF THE INVENTION
Body implantable stimulators are known to the prior art, the most common being the cardiac pacemaker. Typically, such stimulators are formed of a separable lead and signal generator with provision being made to electrically and mechanically interconnect the lead and generator to complete the stimulator unit.
Many prior art signal generators have been formed by molding ~he components, including mechanical and elec-trical connections for the lead, in a matrix of encapsulatingmaterial which supports the components and shields them from the body environment. Typically, the encapsulating material is an epoxy.
~ n the body environment, it is generally recognized that an enclosed and hermetically sealed signal generator is more reliable as a result of the known and controlled environ-ment provided by the hermetic seal. For this reason, many recent signal generator designs include a rigid enclosure formed of a plurality of preformed members wl.ich are typi-cally welded together to complete the enclosure. The inter-connec-tion between the generator and -the lead, when it is desired that these members be separable, occurs outside o~ such an enclosure. While it is common to mold an inter-connect assembly from epoxy, such a process dlminishes another bene~it o~ a pre~ormed enclosure -- elimination of the epoxy encapsulation process. Thus a pre~ormed inter connec~. assembly, which may be reliably secured to a preformed enclosure housing the generator components, would - ~
~L18~34~
greatly ~acilitate assembly of the stimulator. The amount of handling would be reduced ~ith the remaining handling being easier to perform than an epoxy molding process. A preformed interconnect assembly is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,154,248, issued May 15, 1979 in the name of Richard A. Jones, which pa-tent is commonly owned with the present application.
The a~ove referenced patent provides a preformed inter-connect assembly thereby eliminating the necessity of forming that assembly in place, as by an epoxy molding process, for example. However, that assembly still requires the use of epoxy, or some similar substance, to adhere it to the signal generator enclosure. Additionally, the electrical connection between the interconnect assembly terminal and the signal generator requires manipulation of a wire to position it and a weld, or other similar process, to secure it in position. Thus, while the interconnect assembly of the above referenced patent greatly reduces the handling necessary to form and position an inter-connect assembly on a signal generator unit, considerable handl-ing remains necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a preformed interconnect assembly which may be mechanically secured to a signal generator thereby eliminating the necessity of epoxy or other simi]ar substances to adhere the assembly to the generator. Addition-ally, the electrical interconnection to the signal generator is greatly facilitated. Accordingly the amount of handling necessary to assemble the stimulator and establish the proper electrical connections is greatly reduced. In a preferred embodiment, a preformed interconnect assembly or connector is provided with passageways which accept and guide the signal generator output connections and the lead into electrical ~88~L
communieation with a terminal. The terminals are provided with intersecting bores such that an output conneetion and lead eon-tact each other within a terminal. Means are provided for seeuring the signal generator output eonnections and the lead within the terminal. In a preferred embodiment, this securement is aeeomplished via a set screw which engages the lead contact to urge it against the signal generator output eonnection.
Thus, in accordance with one broad aspect of the invention, there is provided, in a body implantable stimulator of the type having signal generator means, including output means extending therefrom, adapted to receive lead means, having con-tact means carried thereby, and having connector means electri-cally and mechanieally intereonneeting said lead means and sig-nal generating means, the improvement wherein said eonneetor means comprises preformed means including terminal means for interconnecting said output means and said contact means, said terminal means having first and second bore means and said pre-formed connector means comprising aperture means assoeiated with each of said bore means, said aperture means accepting and guiding said contact means and output means into different ones of said first and seeond bore means, and further eomprising mechanical fastener means for seeuring said preformed eonneetor means to said signal generator means.
In aeeordance with another broad aspeet o~ the in-vention, there is provided the method of meehanlcally and eleetrically intereonneeting a body implantable signal generator and a lead, the generator having output eonneetions and the lead having a pin eontaet, eomprising the steps of: providing a,termina:l for eaeh output eonneetion and pin eontaet to be i.ntereonneeted, said terminals having an output eonnection bore and a pin contaet bore; forming a eonneetor body around said terminals including a passageway through said eonneetor body to .~
said outpu-t connection and pin con-tact terminal bores; position-ing saicl connector body on said signal generator while guiding said output connections through said passageways and into said pin contact terminal bores.
According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided, in a body implantable stimulator of the type having a signal generator means, including output means carried thereby, and having connector means, including terminal means, carried by said signal generator means for electrically inter-connecting said output means and said connector means, the improvement wherein said terminal means comprises bore means, said connector means comprising preformed means including first means for accepting and guiding said output means into said terminal means bore means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a par-tial cutaway of the embodiment of Figure 1, as assembled.
Figure 3 is a cross section taken along the line 3 3 in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a cross section -taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 3~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
. ,_ .. .
Re~errlng now -to F:igure 1, -there is illustrated an exploded view oE a preferred embodiment of -the present invention including generally an implantable signal generator 10, lead 11, an interconnect assembly or connector 12. Signal generator 10 includes all the necessary signal generating components and power sources within an enclosure -4a-lL1~8~
formed of two body members 13 and 14 jointed together at a seam 15 in known manner, as by welding r for example.
Electrical feed throughs 16 and 17 provide electrical com-munication with the enclosed signal generatin~ components, in known manner, the feed throughs having electrical con-nections 18 and 19. The feed throughs 16 and 17 extend from a platform 20 which is adapted to receive the inter-connect assembly 12 in a manner to be described more fully below. Lead 11 is of the type having a pin connection 21 and insulating body 22 which surrounds and protects an electrical conductor (not shown).
The interconnec-t assembly or connector 12 includes a body portion 25 which may be formed in any known manner, as by molding, for example. Preferably, the body 25 is of a clear material so as to allow visual verification of the electrical connections~ The body 25 may be formed of many known m~terials including, ~Y~d~ t~ as sold under the trademark UDEL by Union Carbide, polyurethane as sold under the trademark PELLATHA~E by Upjohn, polymethylpentene as sold under the trademark TP~ by Mitsui and others.
The undersurface 26 of the body 25 is adapted to res-t on the platform 20 of the signal generator 10 while the outer surface 27 is configured so as to extend the general outer configuration of ~he signal generator 10 when the surfaces 20 and 26 are mated. Extending from the platform 20 is a threaded stud 23 and hook member 29. An aperture 30 extends from the under surface 26 of body 25 and joins a second aperture 31 extending from the surface 4~
27. The aperture 30 is large enough to accommodate the threaded stud 28 while the aperture 31 is large enough to accommodate a threaded nut 33. The junction of the aperturè
30 and 31 forms a shoulder 32 on which the nut 33 rests.
The nut 33 is provided with a slot 34 so that it may be tightened on the threaded stud 28 in known manner. Of course, other tools may be employed requiring a different configuration in the recess shown as slot 34. For example, a hexagonal recess may be employed in conjunction with a tool of hexa-gonal cross section.
A second aperture 36 extends into the body 25 fromits face 37. The aperture 36 is adapted to accept the hook portion of hook 29 while the recess 38 on the face 37 is adapted to accept the lower portion of the hook 29. On assembly, the hook portion of hook 29 is inserted into the ; recess 36 to engage it side wall and the threaded stud 28 ; is inserted into the aperture 30. The nut 33 then engages the threads on the stud 28 and is tightened against the shoulder 32 to secure the body 25 to the platform 20 and signal generator 10. This assembly is illustrated in Figure
BACK GROUND OF THE INVENTION
Body implantable stimulators are known to the prior art, the most common being the cardiac pacemaker. Typically, such stimulators are formed of a separable lead and signal generator with provision being made to electrically and mechanically interconnect the lead and generator to complete the stimulator unit.
Many prior art signal generators have been formed by molding ~he components, including mechanical and elec-trical connections for the lead, in a matrix of encapsulatingmaterial which supports the components and shields them from the body environment. Typically, the encapsulating material is an epoxy.
~ n the body environment, it is generally recognized that an enclosed and hermetically sealed signal generator is more reliable as a result of the known and controlled environ-ment provided by the hermetic seal. For this reason, many recent signal generator designs include a rigid enclosure formed of a plurality of preformed members wl.ich are typi-cally welded together to complete the enclosure. The inter-connec-tion between the generator and -the lead, when it is desired that these members be separable, occurs outside o~ such an enclosure. While it is common to mold an inter-connect assembly from epoxy, such a process dlminishes another bene~it o~ a pre~ormed enclosure -- elimination of the epoxy encapsulation process. Thus a pre~ormed inter connec~. assembly, which may be reliably secured to a preformed enclosure housing the generator components, would - ~
~L18~34~
greatly ~acilitate assembly of the stimulator. The amount of handling would be reduced ~ith the remaining handling being easier to perform than an epoxy molding process. A preformed interconnect assembly is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,154,248, issued May 15, 1979 in the name of Richard A. Jones, which pa-tent is commonly owned with the present application.
The a~ove referenced patent provides a preformed inter-connect assembly thereby eliminating the necessity of forming that assembly in place, as by an epoxy molding process, for example. However, that assembly still requires the use of epoxy, or some similar substance, to adhere it to the signal generator enclosure. Additionally, the electrical connection between the interconnect assembly terminal and the signal generator requires manipulation of a wire to position it and a weld, or other similar process, to secure it in position. Thus, while the interconnect assembly of the above referenced patent greatly reduces the handling necessary to form and position an inter-connect assembly on a signal generator unit, considerable handl-ing remains necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a preformed interconnect assembly which may be mechanically secured to a signal generator thereby eliminating the necessity of epoxy or other simi]ar substances to adhere the assembly to the generator. Addition-ally, the electrical interconnection to the signal generator is greatly facilitated. Accordingly the amount of handling necessary to assemble the stimulator and establish the proper electrical connections is greatly reduced. In a preferred embodiment, a preformed interconnect assembly or connector is provided with passageways which accept and guide the signal generator output connections and the lead into electrical ~88~L
communieation with a terminal. The terminals are provided with intersecting bores such that an output conneetion and lead eon-tact each other within a terminal. Means are provided for seeuring the signal generator output eonnections and the lead within the terminal. In a preferred embodiment, this securement is aeeomplished via a set screw which engages the lead contact to urge it against the signal generator output eonnection.
Thus, in accordance with one broad aspect of the invention, there is provided, in a body implantable stimulator of the type having signal generator means, including output means extending therefrom, adapted to receive lead means, having con-tact means carried thereby, and having connector means electri-cally and mechanieally intereonneeting said lead means and sig-nal generating means, the improvement wherein said eonneetor means comprises preformed means including terminal means for interconnecting said output means and said contact means, said terminal means having first and second bore means and said pre-formed connector means comprising aperture means assoeiated with each of said bore means, said aperture means accepting and guiding said contact means and output means into different ones of said first and seeond bore means, and further eomprising mechanical fastener means for seeuring said preformed eonneetor means to said signal generator means.
In aeeordance with another broad aspeet o~ the in-vention, there is provided the method of meehanlcally and eleetrically intereonneeting a body implantable signal generator and a lead, the generator having output eonneetions and the lead having a pin eontaet, eomprising the steps of: providing a,termina:l for eaeh output eonneetion and pin eontaet to be i.ntereonneeted, said terminals having an output eonnection bore and a pin contaet bore; forming a eonneetor body around said terminals including a passageway through said eonneetor body to .~
said outpu-t connection and pin con-tact terminal bores; position-ing saicl connector body on said signal generator while guiding said output connections through said passageways and into said pin contact terminal bores.
According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided, in a body implantable stimulator of the type having a signal generator means, including output means carried thereby, and having connector means, including terminal means, carried by said signal generator means for electrically inter-connecting said output means and said connector means, the improvement wherein said terminal means comprises bore means, said connector means comprising preformed means including first means for accepting and guiding said output means into said terminal means bore means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a par-tial cutaway of the embodiment of Figure 1, as assembled.
Figure 3 is a cross section taken along the line 3 3 in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a cross section -taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 3~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
. ,_ .. .
Re~errlng now -to F:igure 1, -there is illustrated an exploded view oE a preferred embodiment of -the present invention including generally an implantable signal generator 10, lead 11, an interconnect assembly or connector 12. Signal generator 10 includes all the necessary signal generating components and power sources within an enclosure -4a-lL1~8~
formed of two body members 13 and 14 jointed together at a seam 15 in known manner, as by welding r for example.
Electrical feed throughs 16 and 17 provide electrical com-munication with the enclosed signal generatin~ components, in known manner, the feed throughs having electrical con-nections 18 and 19. The feed throughs 16 and 17 extend from a platform 20 which is adapted to receive the inter-connect assembly 12 in a manner to be described more fully below. Lead 11 is of the type having a pin connection 21 and insulating body 22 which surrounds and protects an electrical conductor (not shown).
The interconnec-t assembly or connector 12 includes a body portion 25 which may be formed in any known manner, as by molding, for example. Preferably, the body 25 is of a clear material so as to allow visual verification of the electrical connections~ The body 25 may be formed of many known m~terials including, ~Y~d~ t~ as sold under the trademark UDEL by Union Carbide, polyurethane as sold under the trademark PELLATHA~E by Upjohn, polymethylpentene as sold under the trademark TP~ by Mitsui and others.
The undersurface 26 of the body 25 is adapted to res-t on the platform 20 of the signal generator 10 while the outer surface 27 is configured so as to extend the general outer configuration of ~he signal generator 10 when the surfaces 20 and 26 are mated. Extending from the platform 20 is a threaded stud 23 and hook member 29. An aperture 30 extends from the under surface 26 of body 25 and joins a second aperture 31 extending from the surface 4~
27. The aperture 30 is large enough to accommodate the threaded stud 28 while the aperture 31 is large enough to accommodate a threaded nut 33. The junction of the aperturè
30 and 31 forms a shoulder 32 on which the nut 33 rests.
The nut 33 is provided with a slot 34 so that it may be tightened on the threaded stud 28 in known manner. Of course, other tools may be employed requiring a different configuration in the recess shown as slot 34. For example, a hexagonal recess may be employed in conjunction with a tool of hexa-gonal cross section.
A second aperture 36 extends into the body 25 fromits face 37. The aperture 36 is adapted to accept the hook portion of hook 29 while the recess 38 on the face 37 is adapted to accept the lower portion of the hook 29. On assembly, the hook portion of hook 29 is inserted into the ; recess 36 to engage it side wall and the threaded stud 28 ; is inserted into the aperture 30. The nut 33 then engages the threads on the stud 28 and is tightened against the shoulder 32 to secure the body 25 to the platform 20 and signal generator 10. This assembly is illustrated in Figure
2.
Contained within the body 25 are conductive terminals 40, one terminal for each lead 11. The illustrated embodiment is intended for bi-polar stimulation. However, for the purposes of clarity, only one lead 11 and one terminal 40 are shown. An aperture 41 extends ~rom the ~ace 37 of body 25 to the terminal 40 wi-th an ~xtension 41 extending from the terminal 40. The aperture 41 accepts the lead 11 and l~S~
guides the pin 21 into electrical contact with the terminal 40. Similarly, an aperture 43 extends from the undersurface 26 of body 25 -to the ~erminal 40 for the purpose of accepting and guiding the connection 19 into electrical contact with `
the terminal 40. The aperture 43 includes an enlarged portion 44 which accommodates the feed through 17. Similar apertures and terminals are provided for feed through 16 and connection 18. For example, an aperture 45 extends from face 37 to a terminal to accommodate a second lead. Aper-ture 53 in the surface 27 allow access to set screws 47 carried by the terminals 40 to lock pin 21 of lead 11 in position.
Grommets 48 may be employed to seal the set screw apertures 53 while allowing access to the set screws, in known manner.
Resilient washers 50 are provided which include a central aperture which accepts the connections 18 and 19 to rest atop the feed throughs 16 and 17. When the undersurface 26 of body 25 and platform 20 of generator 10 are mated, the shoulder formed between apertures 43 and 44 compresses the washers 50 against the top of feed throughs 16 and 17 to seal the connections 18 and 19 from the body environment.
Referring now to Figure 3, there is illus~rated a cross section of body 25 taken along the lines 3-3 in Figure 2. As illustrated in Figure 3, the terminal 40 includes a bore 51 which is adapted to accept pin 21 of lead 11. The aperture 41 O;e body 25 accepts the lead 11 and guides the pin 21 to and through the bore 51. IE the body 25 is made of a transparent material, -the extension of the pin 21 ~7--through the bore 40 and into the apexture 41' provides a visual assurance of proper placement of the pin 21 relative to the terminal 40. A second bore 52 in terminal 40 (see Figure 4) receives the connection l9 of feed through 17, the aperture 43 accepting the connection 19 and guiding it to the bore 52. An extension 43' of aperture 43 may be provided ~o allow visual verification of proper positioning of the connection l9 relative to the terminal 40. In the illustration of Figure 3, the lead ll is not positioned within the aperture 41 or bore 51 so as to illustrate the intersection of the bores 5l and 52 within the terminal 40, the connection l9 being visible through the bore 51. As described above, an aperture 53 is provided for access to the set screw 47. Set screw may be provided on its end with a hexagonal recess for cooper-ation with a tool 54 (see Figure 4) having a similar cross section at its terminus, in known manner.
Figure 4 is a cross section taken along line 4-4 in Figure .~ and further illustrates the intersection of the bores 51 and 52, the intersection preferably being in line with the set s~rew. That is, as the set screw 47 is tightened against the pin 21, pin 21 is urged against the connection 19 thereby securing both pin 21 and conèction 19 in place within terminal 40. Thi.s ~urther assures an electrical cornmunication between the connection l9 and pin ~l. Howcver, othex con~i.gurations may be employed so long as the pin 21 and connection 19 are in contact with each other or with the conductive terminal 40.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in ligllt of the above teach-ings. For example, the hook 29 may be replaced by a threadedstud such as that illustra~ed at 28 to function in a manner similar to stud 28 to secure the body 25 to the platform 20 and signal generator 10. Other mechanical securement systems may also be employed consistent with the present invention~ Additionally, an adhesive material may be employed between the undersurface 26 of body 25 and platform 20 of signal generator 10 to provide a redundant securement to the illustrated mechanical fasteners and a redundant seal to the seal provided by the resilient washers 50. Also, the aperture 43 need not guide the connection 19 through a bore in the terminal 40 but, instead, need only guide it i~to contact with that terminal 40. If the connection 19 is guided to a location adjacent to terminal 40, and the material for which the body 25 is made sufficiently transparent, the connection 19 and terminal 40 may be welded to each other through the body material by known techniques. Further, the connection 19 may be welded within the bore 52 of Figure 4 through the aperture engaged by the set screw 47 with the set screw 47 removed. Modification to accommodate unipolar stimulation is within the skill of one ordinarily skilled in the art. Accordingly, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other -than as spec-ifically described.
_9_ ~ ' . '
Contained within the body 25 are conductive terminals 40, one terminal for each lead 11. The illustrated embodiment is intended for bi-polar stimulation. However, for the purposes of clarity, only one lead 11 and one terminal 40 are shown. An aperture 41 extends ~rom the ~ace 37 of body 25 to the terminal 40 wi-th an ~xtension 41 extending from the terminal 40. The aperture 41 accepts the lead 11 and l~S~
guides the pin 21 into electrical contact with the terminal 40. Similarly, an aperture 43 extends from the undersurface 26 of body 25 -to the ~erminal 40 for the purpose of accepting and guiding the connection 19 into electrical contact with `
the terminal 40. The aperture 43 includes an enlarged portion 44 which accommodates the feed through 17. Similar apertures and terminals are provided for feed through 16 and connection 18. For example, an aperture 45 extends from face 37 to a terminal to accommodate a second lead. Aper-ture 53 in the surface 27 allow access to set screws 47 carried by the terminals 40 to lock pin 21 of lead 11 in position.
Grommets 48 may be employed to seal the set screw apertures 53 while allowing access to the set screws, in known manner.
Resilient washers 50 are provided which include a central aperture which accepts the connections 18 and 19 to rest atop the feed throughs 16 and 17. When the undersurface 26 of body 25 and platform 20 of generator 10 are mated, the shoulder formed between apertures 43 and 44 compresses the washers 50 against the top of feed throughs 16 and 17 to seal the connections 18 and 19 from the body environment.
Referring now to Figure 3, there is illus~rated a cross section of body 25 taken along the lines 3-3 in Figure 2. As illustrated in Figure 3, the terminal 40 includes a bore 51 which is adapted to accept pin 21 of lead 11. The aperture 41 O;e body 25 accepts the lead 11 and guides the pin 21 to and through the bore 51. IE the body 25 is made of a transparent material, -the extension of the pin 21 ~7--through the bore 40 and into the apexture 41' provides a visual assurance of proper placement of the pin 21 relative to the terminal 40. A second bore 52 in terminal 40 (see Figure 4) receives the connection l9 of feed through 17, the aperture 43 accepting the connection 19 and guiding it to the bore 52. An extension 43' of aperture 43 may be provided ~o allow visual verification of proper positioning of the connection l9 relative to the terminal 40. In the illustration of Figure 3, the lead ll is not positioned within the aperture 41 or bore 51 so as to illustrate the intersection of the bores 5l and 52 within the terminal 40, the connection l9 being visible through the bore 51. As described above, an aperture 53 is provided for access to the set screw 47. Set screw may be provided on its end with a hexagonal recess for cooper-ation with a tool 54 (see Figure 4) having a similar cross section at its terminus, in known manner.
Figure 4 is a cross section taken along line 4-4 in Figure .~ and further illustrates the intersection of the bores 51 and 52, the intersection preferably being in line with the set s~rew. That is, as the set screw 47 is tightened against the pin 21, pin 21 is urged against the connection 19 thereby securing both pin 21 and conèction 19 in place within terminal 40. Thi.s ~urther assures an electrical cornmunication between the connection l9 and pin ~l. Howcver, othex con~i.gurations may be employed so long as the pin 21 and connection 19 are in contact with each other or with the conductive terminal 40.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in ligllt of the above teach-ings. For example, the hook 29 may be replaced by a threadedstud such as that illustra~ed at 28 to function in a manner similar to stud 28 to secure the body 25 to the platform 20 and signal generator 10. Other mechanical securement systems may also be employed consistent with the present invention~ Additionally, an adhesive material may be employed between the undersurface 26 of body 25 and platform 20 of signal generator 10 to provide a redundant securement to the illustrated mechanical fasteners and a redundant seal to the seal provided by the resilient washers 50. Also, the aperture 43 need not guide the connection 19 through a bore in the terminal 40 but, instead, need only guide it i~to contact with that terminal 40. If the connection 19 is guided to a location adjacent to terminal 40, and the material for which the body 25 is made sufficiently transparent, the connection 19 and terminal 40 may be welded to each other through the body material by known techniques. Further, the connection 19 may be welded within the bore 52 of Figure 4 through the aperture engaged by the set screw 47 with the set screw 47 removed. Modification to accommodate unipolar stimulation is within the skill of one ordinarily skilled in the art. Accordingly, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other -than as spec-ifically described.
_9_ ~ ' . '
Claims (24)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a body implantable stimulator of the type having signal genera-tor means, including output means extending therefrom, adapted to receive lead means, having contact means carried thereby, and having connector means electrically and mechanically interconnecting said lead means and signal generating means, the improvement wherein said connector means comprises preformed means including terminal means for interconnecting said output means and said contact means, said terminal means having first and second bore means and said preformed connector means comprising aperture means as-sociated with each of said bore means, said aperture means accepting and guiding said contact means and output means into different ones of said first and second bore means, and further comprising mechanical fastener means for securing said preformed connector means to said signal generator means.
2. The stimulator of Claim 1 wherein said mechanical fastener means comprise first means carried by said signal generator means and second means engaging said first means.
3. The signal generator assembly of Claim 2 wherein said mechanical fastener means engage said preformed connector means at at least two spaced locations.
4. The signal generator assembly of Claim 1 wherein said mechanical fastener means engage said preformed connector means at at least two spaced locations.
5, The stimulator of Claim 4 wherein said mechanical fastener means comprise first means carried by said signal generator means and second means engaging said first means.
6. The stimulator of Claim 1 wherein said contact means comprises pin means.
7. The stimulator of Claim 6 wherein said first and second bore means intersect within said terminal means.
8. The stimulator of Claim 7 wherein said terminal means further com-prises means for locking said output means and pin means in said bore means.
9. The stimulator of claim 1 wherein said terminal means further com-prises means for locking said output means and contact means in said bore means.
10. The stimulator of Claim 9 wherein said first and second bore means intersect within said terminal means.
11. The stimulator of Claim 8 wherein said locking means engages said pin means to urge it against said output means.
12. The stimulator of Claim 11 wherein said locking means comprises set screw means.
13. The stimulator of Claim 10 wherein said locking means further com-prises weld means securing said output means within said first bore.
14. The method of mechanically and electrically interconnecting a body implantable signal generator and a lead, the generator having output connec-tions and the lead having a pin contact, comprising the steps of: providing a terminal for each output connection and pin contact to be interconnected, said terminals having an output connection bore and a pin contact bore;
forming a connector body around said terminals including a passageway through said connector body to said output connection and pin contact terminal bores;
positioning said connector body on said signal generator while guiding said output connections through said passageways and into said pin contact terminal bores.
forming a connector body around said terminals including a passageway through said connector body to said output connection and pin contact terminal bores;
positioning said connector body on said signal generator while guiding said output connections through said passageways and into said pin contact terminal bores.
15. In a body implantable stimulator of the type having a signal gener-ator means. including output means carried thereby, and having connector means, including terminal means, carried by said signal generator means for electri-cally interconnecting said output means and said connector means, the improve-ment wherein said terminal means comprises bore means, said connector means comprising preformed means including first means for accepting and guiding said output means into said terminal means bore means.
16. The stimulator of Claim 15 wherein said preformed means further comprises second means for accepting said lead means and guiding said contact means into contact with said terminal means.
17. The stimulator of Claim 16 wherein said contact means comprises pin means.
18. The stimulator of Claim 17 wherein said terminal means comprises second bore means, said second accepting and guiding means guiding said pin means into said second bore means.
19. The stimulator of Claim 18 wherein said terminal means further comprises means for locking said output means and pin means in said bore means.
20. The stimulator of Claim 18 wherein said first and second bore means intersect within said terminal means.
21. The stimulator of Claim 20 wherein said terminal means further comprises means for locking said output means and pin means in said bore means.
22. The stimulator of Claim 21 wherein said locking means engages said pin means to urge it against said output means.
23. The stimulator of Claim 22 wherein said locking means comprises set screw means.
24. The stimulator of Claim 23 wherein said locking means further com-prises weld means securing said output means within said first bore.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/894,358 US4142532A (en) | 1978-04-07 | 1978-04-07 | Body implantable stimulator with novel connector and method |
| US894,358 | 1978-04-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1118841A true CA1118841A (en) | 1982-02-23 |
Family
ID=25402967
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000325032A Expired CA1118841A (en) | 1978-04-07 | 1979-04-06 | Body implantable stimulator |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4142532A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS54148095U (en) |
| AU (1) | AU526950B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1118841A (en) |
Families Citing this family (60)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4226244A (en) * | 1978-07-31 | 1980-10-07 | Medtronic, Inc. | Electrical connector for implantable electrical generators |
| US4301805A (en) * | 1980-07-30 | 1981-11-24 | Cordis Corporation | Cardiac pacer connector system |
| US4411277A (en) * | 1981-04-28 | 1983-10-25 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable connector |
| US4411276A (en) * | 1981-04-28 | 1983-10-25 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable multiple connector |
| US4445511A (en) * | 1982-06-24 | 1984-05-01 | Telectronics Pty. Ltd. | Pacer electrode connector assembly |
| US4540236A (en) * | 1983-07-18 | 1985-09-10 | Cordis Corporation | Quick lock/quick release connector |
| DE3521874A1 (en) * | 1985-06-19 | 1987-01-02 | Osypka Peter | HEART PACEMAKER |
| US4995389A (en) * | 1985-12-16 | 1991-02-26 | Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc. | Multielectrode quick connect cardiac pacing lead connector assembly |
| US4715380A (en) * | 1986-04-03 | 1987-12-29 | Telectronics N.V. | Capped pacer neck containing a connector assembly |
| US4712557A (en) * | 1986-04-28 | 1987-12-15 | Cordis Leads, Inc. | A pacer including a multiple connector assembly with removable wedge and method of use |
| NL8602043A (en) * | 1986-08-08 | 1988-03-01 | Forelec N V | METHOD FOR PACKING AN IMPLANT, FOR example AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT, PACKAGING AND IMPLANT. |
| DE3718913A1 (en) * | 1987-06-05 | 1988-12-22 | Siemens Ag | CONNECTING ARRANGEMENT |
| US4934366A (en) * | 1988-09-01 | 1990-06-19 | Siemens-Pacesetter, Inc. | Feedthrough connector for implantable medical device |
| US5235742A (en) * | 1989-11-20 | 1993-08-17 | Siemens Pacesetter, Inc. | Method of making an implantable device |
| JPH0745221Y2 (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1995-10-18 | 日本ゼオン株式会社 | Pacing device |
| SE9001747D0 (en) * | 1990-05-15 | 1990-05-15 | Siemens Elema Ab | IMPLEMENTATION OF AN IMPLANTABLE APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING LIVING WEAVEN AND METHOD FOR PREPARING IMPLEMENTATION |
| US5275620A (en) * | 1990-05-21 | 1994-01-04 | Telectronics, N.V. | Implantable lead connectors and remote lead assembly |
| US5261395A (en) * | 1992-03-02 | 1993-11-16 | Cardiac Pacemaker, Inc. | Tooless pulse generator to lead connection |
| US5336246A (en) * | 1993-06-23 | 1994-08-09 | Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc. | Lead connector assembly for medical device and method of assembly |
| US5514172A (en) * | 1994-08-31 | 1996-05-07 | Pacesetter, Inc. | Multi-conductor lead including a connector with an interlocking insulator |
| US5545189A (en) * | 1995-11-02 | 1996-08-13 | Ventritex, Inc. | Case-activating switch assembly for an implantable cardiac stimulation device |
| US5851221A (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 1998-12-22 | Medtronic Inc. | Attachment apparatus and method for an implantable medical device |
| US5871514A (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 1999-02-16 | Medtronic, Inc. | Attachment apparatus for an implantable medical device employing ultrasonic energy |
| US7231253B2 (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 2007-06-12 | Medtronic, Inc. | IMD connector header with grommet retainer |
| US6205358B1 (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2001-03-20 | Medtronic, Inc. | Method of making ultrasonically welded, staked of swaged components in an implantable medical device |
| US7187974B2 (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 2007-03-06 | Medtronic, Inc. | Ultrasonically welded, staked or swaged components in an implantable medical device |
| US6198969B1 (en) | 1998-02-12 | 2001-03-06 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Implantable connector for multi-output neurostimulators |
| US6321126B1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2001-11-20 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Implantable connector |
| US6516227B1 (en) | 1999-07-27 | 2003-02-04 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Rechargeable spinal cord stimulator system |
| US6741892B1 (en) | 2000-03-10 | 2004-05-25 | Advanced Bionics Corporation | Movable contact locking mechanism for spinal cord stimulator lead connector |
| DE10100975C1 (en) * | 2001-01-11 | 2002-07-25 | Horst Pajunk | Clamping adapter for a catheter comprises an electrically conductive contact sleeve which proximally adjoins the clamping element and is provided with an electrical connection |
| US7274963B2 (en) | 2002-12-16 | 2007-09-25 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Interconnect for implantable medical device header |
| US7539542B1 (en) | 2003-01-09 | 2009-05-26 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Lead connector, lead adapter, and lead insertion apparatus |
| US7242987B2 (en) * | 2003-06-19 | 2007-07-10 | Medtronic, Inc. | Medical lead adaptor |
| US8065008B2 (en) * | 2003-08-21 | 2011-11-22 | Medtronic, Inc. | Multi-polar electrical medical lead connector system |
| US8019420B2 (en) * | 2003-08-21 | 2011-09-13 | Medtronic, Inc. | Medical lead connector systems with adapters |
| US20050131483A1 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2005-06-16 | Jennifer Zhao | Connector header setscrew for an implantable medical device |
| US7155283B2 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2006-12-26 | Medtronic, Inc. | Connector header grommet for an implantable medical device |
| US20050245982A1 (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2005-11-03 | Medtronic, Inc. | Connector block for an implantable medical device |
| US7191009B2 (en) * | 2004-08-09 | 2007-03-13 | Medtronic, Inc. | Means for increasing implantable medical device electrode surface area |
| US20060167522A1 (en) * | 2005-01-25 | 2006-07-27 | Malinowski Zdzislaw B | Connector for use in an implantable stimulator device |
| US7983754B2 (en) | 2005-08-31 | 2011-07-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Lead insertion visibility |
| US20090054955A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Kopell Brian H | Systems and Methods for Treating Neurological Disorders by Light Stimulation |
| JP5806313B2 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2015-11-10 | カーディアック ペースメイカーズ， インコーポレイテッド | Apparatus and method for attaching header to housing of embedded device |
| EP2760539A1 (en) | 2011-09-28 | 2014-08-06 | Advanced Bionics AG | Modular biomedical implants |
| US9956394B2 (en) | 2015-09-10 | 2018-05-01 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Connectors for electrical stimulation systems and methods of making and using |
| US10342983B2 (en) | 2016-01-14 | 2019-07-09 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Systems and methods for making and using connector contact arrays for electrical stimulation systems |
| US10201713B2 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2019-02-12 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Threaded connector assembly and methods of making and using the same |
| US10307602B2 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2019-06-04 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Threaded connector assembly and methods of making and using the same |
| US10543374B2 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2020-01-28 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Connector assemblies with bending limiters for electrical stimulation systems and methods of making and using same |
| US10905871B2 (en) | 2017-01-27 | 2021-02-02 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Lead assemblies with arrangements to confirm alignment between terminals and contacts |
| WO2018160495A1 (en) | 2017-02-28 | 2018-09-07 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Toolless connector for latching stimulation leads and methods of making and using |
| US10603499B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2020-03-31 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Tapered implantable lead and connector interface and methods of making and using |
| EP3658228A1 (en) | 2017-07-25 | 2020-06-03 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Systems and methods for making and using an enhanced connector of an electrical stimulation system |
| AU2018331512B2 (en) | 2017-09-15 | 2021-06-24 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Actuatable lead connector for an operating room cable assembly and methods of making and using |
| AU2018331521B2 (en) | 2017-09-15 | 2021-07-22 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Biased lead connector for operating room cable assembly and methods of making and using |
| US11139603B2 (en) | 2017-10-03 | 2021-10-05 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Connectors with spring contacts for electrical stimulation systems and methods of making and using same |
| US11103712B2 (en) | 2018-01-16 | 2021-08-31 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Connector assemblies with novel spacers for electrical stimulation systems and methods of making and using same |
| WO2019217415A1 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2019-11-14 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Connector assembly for an electrical stimulation system |
| US11357992B2 (en) | 2019-05-03 | 2022-06-14 | Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation | Connector assembly for an electrical stimulation system and methods of making and using |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3683932A (en) * | 1970-06-01 | 1972-08-15 | Adcole Corp | Implantable tissue stimulator |
| US3822707A (en) * | 1972-04-17 | 1974-07-09 | Cardiac Pacemakers Inc | Metal-enclosed cardiac pacer with solid-state power source |
-
1978
- 1978-04-07 US US05/894,358 patent/US4142532A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1979
- 1979-03-19 AU AU45231/79A patent/AU526950B2/en not_active Expired
- 1979-04-06 JP JP1979045746U patent/JPS54148095U/ja active Pending
- 1979-04-06 CA CA000325032A patent/CA1118841A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS54148095U (en) | 1979-10-15 |
| US4142532A (en) | 1979-03-06 |
| AU526950B2 (en) | 1983-02-10 |
| AU4523179A (en) | 1979-10-18 |
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| MKEX | Expiry |