Sealing Setscrew

• US 20100249870A1
• 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: Ries, Andrew J., Roles, Randy S., Wengreen, Eric J., Lovins, John E.
• Granted Patent: US 8,032,221 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, 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.

Claims

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

a header;

a connector block disposed within the header, the connector block comprising;

a lead bore;

a setscrew bore in communication with the lead bore, the setscrew bore being offset from the lead bore; and

a setscrew threadedly-coupled to the setscrew bore and configured for engaging a lead receivable within the lead bore.

2. The IMD header assembly of claim 1, further comprising a seal formed over the setscrew, the seal adapted to prevent ingress of fluids into the connector bore

3. The IMD header assembly of claim 1, wherein the setscrew engages the lead with a portion other than a distal tip.

4. The IMD header assembly of claim 1, wherein the setscrew comprises:

a core having a head member and a threaded shank member, wherein the head member includes an engagement segment configured for application of torque; and

an insulating coating coupled to the head member for electrically isolating the head member, wherein the insulating coating is configured to be placed substantially in compression against the core when torque is applied to the head member.

5. The IMD header assembly of claim 4, wherein the head member and the threaded shank member are integrally formed.

6. The IMD header assembly of claim 4, further comprising a shoulder region disposed between the head member and the threaded shank member.

7. The IMD header assembly of claim 6, wherein the shoulder region has a taper in the range of about 30-60 degrees.

8. The IMD header assembly of claim 6, wherein the lead is engaged by the shoulder region.

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

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

a header;

means for receiving a lead, the lead receiving means disposed within the header;

means for receiving a setscrew,

wherein the setscrew receiving means is transversely oriented and is in communication with the lead receiving means,

wherein the setscrew receiving means is offset from the terminal-pin receiving means; and

means for sealing the setscrew receiving means, the sealing means adapted to prevent ingress of fluids.

11. The IMD assembly of claim 10, wherein the sealing means is coupled within the terminal-pin receiving means.

12. The IMD assembly of claim 10, wherein the sealing means is coupled to the setscrew.

13. The IMD assembly of claim 10, wherein the setscrew includes a core having a head member, a threaded shank member, and a shoulder disposed between the head member and the threaded shank member.

14. The IMD assembly of claim 13, wherein the setscrew further includes means for electrically insulating the setscrew.

15. The IMD assembly of claim 13, further comprising means for receiving a torque inducing tool disposed on the head member.

16. The IMD assembly of claim 13, wherein the setscrew engages the lead with a surface other than a distal tip.

17. The IMD assembly of claim 10, wherein the setscrew engages the lead with a shoulder.