Lead connector

• US 4,245,642 A
• Filed: 06/28/1979
• Issued: 01/20/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Funk, Roger L., Skubitz, Frank
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US06/053,000
• Time in Patent Office: 572 Days
• Field of Search: 128/419 P, 128/419 PS
• US Class Current: 607/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/02 Details
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/38 utilising a clamping member acted on by screw or nut H01R4/50 takes precedence

Abstract

Lead connector for use between an external pulse generator and a pacing lead. The lead connector includes elongated geometrical spaced connector pins which plug into connector terminals of the pulse generator and a hole accepting the connector end of the pacing lead. A case of the lead connector supports a pressure plate which is spring biased against a thumbscrew and engages a connector of the pacing lead against the connector pins of the lead connector.

Claims

1. In combination, lead connector for use between a pacing lead having longitudinally spaced electrical connectors and an external pulse generator having spaced connector terminals comprising:

a. enclosure means including a longitudinally extending hole whereby said pacing lead is inserted into said enclosure means and geometrically shaped connector pin means supported within said enclosure means and aligned with said longitudinal hole whereby said lead connector is plugged into said external pulse generator engaging said connector pin means in said spaced connector terminals;

b. spring biased pressure plate means retained in slideable engagement within said enclosure means, and;

c. adjustable means urging said pressure means against said connector pin means whereby said adjustable means urges said spring biased pressure plate means against said connector pin means encompassing said electrode means therebetween thereby providing electrical communication between said connector terminals of said pulse generator to said longitudinally spaced electrical connectors of said pacing lead through said connector pin means of said lead connector.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said enclosure means includes a back case and a corresponding front case, means supporting said spring biased pressure plate means in said back case, and means supporting said connector pin means in said back case, said connector pin means including a positive and a negative geometrical elongated pin protruding downward through said back case.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said pressure plate means includes a longitudinal member having a plurality of distinct spaced pressure points whereby each of said longitudinally spaced electrical connectors of said pacing lead is engaged by a different one of said plurality of distinct spaced pressure points.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said adjustable means comprises a thumbscrew.

5. The combination of claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein a portion of said enclosure means is transparent thereby enabling visual inspection of said pacing lead after insertion into said enclosure means.

6. A connector for electrically coupling a pacing lead having an electrical connection to a pulse generator wherein said pulse generator has a connector terminal, comprising:

an enclosure having a hole for insertion of said pacing lead to enclose said electrical connection;

a connector pin mechanically affixed to said enclosure enabling electrical contact with said electrical connection of said pacing lead for insertion into said connector terminal of said pulse generator;

a pressure plate sideably mounted in said enclosure; and

an adjustment means attached to said enclosure for causing said pressure plate to frictionally hold said electrical connection of said pacing lead in contact with said connector pin.

7. A connector according to claim 6 wherein a portion of said enclosure is transparent enabling visual inspection of said pacing lead.