Modular Multi-Channel Inline Connector System

• US 20140128951A1
• Filed: 11/06/2013
• Published: 05/08/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Florida International University Board of Trustees (State University System of Florida)
• Original Assignee: The Florida International University Board of Trustees (State University System of Florida)
• Inventors: Abbas, James J., Jung, Ranu, Horch, Kenneth, Kuntaegowdanahalli, Sathyakumar S.
• Granted Patent: US 9,427,565 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/116
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0504 Subcutaneous electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin

Abstract

A modular multi-channel inline connector system that connects an implanted electrode within a body of an organism, such as the human body, with a device located external to or implanted within the body. The modular multi-channel inline system comprises of a first lead operatively connected to the implanted electrode and to a first connector portion. A second lead is operatively connected to a second connector portion and operatively connected to the device. One of the first and second connector portions comprises a male connector and the other of the first and second connector portions comprises a female connector. The first and second connector portions are arranged to connect with each other and to be operatively located embedded within the body.

Claims

1. A modular multi-channel inline connector system for connecting an implanted electrode within a body with a device located external to or implanted within the body, the system comprising:

a first lead operatively connected to the implanted electrode and to a first connector portion;

a second lead operatively connected to a second connector portion and operatively connected to the device;

wherein one of the first and second connector portions comprises a male connector and the other of the first and second connector portions comprises a female connector; and

wherein the first and second connector portions are arranged to connect with each other and to be operatively located embedded within the body.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the male connector is sealingly received within the female connector.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is an external device, the system further comprising;

a third connector portion operatively connected to the second lead;

a fourth connector portion operatively connected to the external device;

wherein the third connector portion connects with the fourth connector portion, and wherein the third and fourth connector portions are arranged to be located on the exterior of the body.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the fourth connector portion comprises a PCB base, a multi-pin connector operatively connected to the PCB base, and the PCB base defining a plurality of receiving slots;

wherein the third connector portion further comprises a plurality of male connectors; and

wherein at least one of the male connectors of the third connector portion are operatively received within at least one of the receiving slots of the fourth connector portion to operatively connect the implanted electrode to the external device.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the second lead comprises a plurality of percutaneous leads.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first lead comprises one or more implanted leads.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the device comprises an implanted device.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the device comprises an implanted device that is arranged to communicate with an external device.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the male connectors comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of transverse grooves longitudinally spaced along the body, an electrical contact disposed within at least one of the grooves, and a lead wire connected to each electrical contact and extending through the body to the respective lead.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the receiver slots of the fourth connector portion comprises:

an elongate slot having an open top side extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate slot; and

an open end at one longitudinal end of the elongate slot, wherein the body of a male connector of the third connector portion is slidably received into a corresponding receiving slot of the fourth connector portion through the open top side.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the female connector of the first connector portion comprises an elongate tube having a longitudinal axis and an open end at one end of the longitudinal axis, and wherein the male connector of the second connector portion is slidably received into the elongate tube through the open end.