CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES FOR RECEIVING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEADS

• US 20160193458A1
• Filed: 03/15/2016
• Published: 07/07/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Bondhus, Spencer M., Wells, Patrick D.
• Granted Patent: US 9,919,145 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/58 Contacts spaced along longitudinal axis of engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/003 the coupling part being secured only to wires or cables

Abstract

Connector assemblies that are separate from medical lead extensions provide features such as bores for receiving both a medical lead and a medical lead extension and provide electrical connections between connectors of the leads and connectors of the lead extensions. Connector assemblies may include additional features such as contours and wings that reduce subcutaneous erosion. Connector assemblies may also include retention structures such as movable clips that are moved into engagement with leads and lead extensions to retain them within the connector assembly. Integrated lead extension connectors may also include contours and wings as well as retention structures including movable clips.

Claims

1. An implantable lead extension for receiving an implantable medical lead, comprising:

an elongated insulative body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a plurality of electrical connectors on the proximal end;

a plurality of filars present within the elongated body and being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors;

an extension connector assembly permanently attached to the distal end of the elongated body, the extension connector assembly comprising;

a body housing a first bore and a groove perpendicular to the first bore, the groove housing a movable clip, the movable clip having a springable end such that movement of the clip moves the springable end into and out of alignment with the first bore; and

a plurality of electrical connectors within the first bore, the plurality of filars being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors within the first bore.

2. An implantable lead extension for receiving an implantable medical lead, comprising:

an elongated insulative body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a plurality of electrical connectors on the proximal end;

a plurality of filars present within the elongated body and being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors;

an extension connector assembly permanently attached to the distal end of the elongated body, the extension connector assembly comprising;

a body housing a first bore comprising a tapered wing on each side that extends outwardly through the plane; and

a plurality of electrical connectors within the first bore, the plurality of filars being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors within the first bore.

3. An implantable lead extension for receiving an implantable medical lead, comprising:

an elongated insulative body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a plurality of electrical connectors on the proximal end;

a plurality of filars present within the elongated body and being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors;

an extension connector assembly permanently attached to the distal end of the elongated body, the extension connector assembly comprising;

a body housing a first bore; and

a spring loaded retention structure within the first bore.

4. An implantable lead extension for receiving an implantable medical lead, comprising:

an elongated insulative body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a plurality of electrical connectors on the proximal end;

a plurality of filars present within the elongated body and being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors;

an extension connector assembly permanently attached to the distal end of the elongated body, the extension connector assembly comprising;

a body housing a first bore; and

a twist lock retention structure aligned with the first bore.