METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SECURING ELECTRODE LEADS

• US 20080200925A1
• Filed: 09/20/2007
• Published: 08/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories)
• Original Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
• Inventors: Miazga, Jay, Johnson, Corinne H.
• Granted Patent: US 8,126,529 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/129
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0476 Array electrodes (including any electrode arrangement with more than one electrode for at least one of the polarities)
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/048 Electrodes characterised by a specific connection between lead and electrode
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49185 of terminal

Abstract

Methods and systems for securing electrode leads are disclosed. An electrode system in accordance with one embodiment includes an electrode contact, a connector attached to the electrode contact, and an electrical lead. The electrical lead can be received in an opening of the contact, with an inner surface of the opening applying a generally uniform radial pressure around a circumference of the electrical lead. For example, the contact can have a tubular shape, optionally with an elongated slit, and can be crimped around the lead to apply the generally uniform radial pressure.

Claims

1. A electrode system, comprising:

an electrode contact;

a connector attached to the electrode contact, the connector having an opening; and

an electrical lead received in the opening, wherein an inner surface of the opening applies a generally uniform radial pressure around a circumference of the electrical lead.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a support member, and wherein the electrode contact is one of multiple electrode contacts carried by the support member.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector and the electrode contact are welded to each other.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector includes a tube elongated along an axis, and wherein the tube includes a slit generally aligned with the axis.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector includes a shape-memory metal.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the lead is tightly coiled around an axis about which the opening is elongated.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the lead has an elongated central passage, and wherein the system further comprises a mandrel positioned in the central passage.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the connector includes a lead interface and a contact interface, and wherein the lead interface includes a tube elongated along a tube axis, the tube having a slit aligned along the tube axis, and wherein the contact interface includes two tabs extending in opposite directions from the tube, the tabs being attached to the contact.

9. A method for forming an electrode connection, comprising:

receiving an electrical lead in an opening of an electrically conductive connector;

reducing a diameter of the opening while the electrical lead is in the opening; and

applying a generally uniform radial pressure around a circumference of the lead with the electrically conductive connector.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising attaching the connector to an electrode contact.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein receiving an electrical lead includes receiving an electrical lead in a connector that is attached to an electrode contact.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein reducing the diameter of the opening includes crimping the connector around the electrical lead.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein crimping the connector includes crimping the connector at multiple, spaced apart locations along a length of the connector.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the connector opening is elongated along an axis, and wherein the connector includes a slit also elongated along the axis, and wherein reducing a diameter of the opening includes at least partially closing the slit.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein receiving an electrical lead includes threadably engaging the electrical lead with the connector.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein receiving an electrical lead includes spreading opposing portions of the connector apart and inserting the lead into the opening while the opposing portions are spread apart, and wherein reducing a diameter of the opening includes allowing the opposing portions to close on the electrical lead.

17. The method of claim 9 wherein receiving an electrical lead includes receiving an electrical lead that is a tightly wound about an elongated axis.

18. The method of claim 9 wherein the connector includes a shape-memory metal, and wherein reducing a diameter of the opening includes changing a temperature of the connector.

19. The method of claim 9 wherein the lead includes an elongated central passage, and wherein the method further comprises inserting a mandrel into the central passage before reducing a diameter of the opening.