Lead Retention and Sealing Device

• US 20100249869A1
• Filed: 03/24/2009
• Published: 09/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Zhao, Jennifer J., Ries, Andrew J., Roles, Randy S., Klardie, Michael R., Wengreen, Eric J., Lovins, John E., Bruchmann, Richard A., Macke, Kathleen P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,190,260 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections

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.

Claims

1. An implantable medical device (IMD) header assembly, comprising:

a header;

a connector block disposed within the header, the connector block including a lead bore and a setscrew bore, the lead bore having a transverse orientation relative to and being in communication with setscrew bore; and

a capture mechanism disposed within the setscrew bore.

2. The IMD header of claim 1, wherein the capture mechanism comprises an undercut coupled proximate to an exterior opening of the setscrew bore.

3. The IMD header of claim 2, wherein the undercut extends at least partially within the circumference of the setscrew bore.

4. The IMD header of claim 1, wherein the capture mechanism comprises a protruding member disposed proximate to the exterior opening of the setscrew bore.

5. The IMD header of claim 4, wherein the protruding member is a reflowed post that partially covers the exterior opening of the setscrew bore.

6. The IMD header of claim 4, wherein the protruding member is a washer that partially covers the exterior opening of the setscrew bore.

7. The IMD header of claim 2, further comprising a setscrew having:

a head portion integrally formed with a shank portion, the head portion having an engagement segment configured for application of torque, wherein the shank portion has a threaded outer surface configured for coupling to a mating threaded bore of the IMD;

a necked region disposed between the head portion and the shank portion; and

an insulating coating substantially encapsulating the head portion to electrically isolate the head portion, wherein the insulating coating is placed in substantial compression when the torque is applied to the head portion.

8. The IMD header of claim 4, further comprising a setscrew having:

a head portion integrally formed with a shank portion, the head portion having an engagement segment configured for engagement with a torque wrench, wherein the shank portion has a threaded outer surface configured for coupling to a mating threaded bore of the IMD;

a necked region disposed between the head portion and the shank portion; and

an insulating coating substantially encapsulating the head portion to electrically isolate the head portion, wherein the insulating coating is placed in substantial compression when torque is applied to the head portion.

9. The IMD header of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member disposed within the setscrew bore.

10. An implantable medical device (IMD) header assembly, comprising:

a header;

a connector block disposed within the header, the connector block including a lead bore and a setscrew bore, the lead bore having a transverse orientation relative to and being in communication with setscrew bore; and

a vent channel disposed within the setscrew bore.