Pacemaker connector block for proximal ring electrode
First Claim
1. A pacemaker connector block assembly for use with an implantable pacemaker and an implantable bipolar pacemaker lead;
- said bipolar pacemaker lead having a proximal end that includes at least two spaced-apart electrodes, a first of which is substantially non-deformable when subjected to a holding force, and a second of which is easily deformable when subjected to a holding force of the same magnitude as that applied to the first electrode, said pacemaker having electrical circuits therein to which the first and second proximal electrodes are to be electrically connected, said connector block assembly comprising;
a receiving channel for receiving the proximal end of said bipolar pacemaker lead, including said first and second spaced-apart electrodes;
first contact means within said receiving channel for applying a first holding force to said first electrode and for maintaining electrical contact therewith;
second contact means within said receiving channel for applying a second holding force to said second electrode and for maintaining electrical contact therewith, said second contact means including force limiting means internal to said connector block assembly for limiting the amount of the second holding force that can be applied to said second electrode to a value that prevents deformation of said second electrode;
means for electrically connecting said first and second contact means with the electrical circuits within said pacemaker; and
sealing means for preventing body fluids from contacting said first and second contact means when the proximal end of said bipolar pacemaker lead is inserted into said receiving channel;
whereby the proximal end of said bipolar pacing lead may be removably and sealably inserted into said connector block assembly.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A connector block assembly for electrically connecting a proximal ring electrode of a bipolar pacemaker lead to the pacemaker. The connection is made in a way that maintains secure electrical contact and that prevents the delicate proximal ring electrode from being damaged or deformed. The pacemaker includes a connector block having a channel therethrough into which the proximal ring electrode is inserted. A C-ring is sandwiched between the ring electrode and an inner wall of the connector block'"'"'s receiving channel. A setscrew adjustably forces the C-ring against the ring electrode. Mechanical stop means limit the transverse movement of the C-ring, thereby preventing the ring electrode from being deformed, while still maintaining a firm grasp of the ring electrode between the C-ring and the connector block. An alternative embodiment employs a resilient spring to firmly hold the ring electrode in electrical contact with the connector block.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A pacemaker connector block assembly for use with an implantable pacemaker and an implantable bipolar pacemaker lead;
- said bipolar pacemaker lead having a proximal end that includes at least two spaced-apart electrodes, a first of which is substantially non-deformable when subjected to a holding force, and a second of which is easily deformable when subjected to a holding force of the same magnitude as that applied to the first electrode, said pacemaker having electrical circuits therein to which the first and second proximal electrodes are to be electrically connected, said connector block assembly comprising;
a receiving channel for receiving the proximal end of said bipolar pacemaker lead, including said first and second spaced-apart electrodes; first contact means within said receiving channel for applying a first holding force to said first electrode and for maintaining electrical contact therewith; second contact means within said receiving channel for applying a second holding force to said second electrode and for maintaining electrical contact therewith, said second contact means including force limiting means internal to said connector block assembly for limiting the amount of the second holding force that can be applied to said second electrode to a value that prevents deformation of said second electrode; means for electrically connecting said first and second contact means with the electrical circuits within said pacemaker; and sealing means for preventing body fluids from contacting said first and second contact means when the proximal end of said bipolar pacemaker lead is inserted into said receiving channel; whereby the proximal end of said bipolar pacing lead may be removably and sealably inserted into said connector block assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
- said bipolar pacemaker lead having a proximal end that includes at least two spaced-apart electrodes, a first of which is substantially non-deformable when subjected to a holding force, and a second of which is easily deformable when subjected to a holding force of the same magnitude as that applied to the first electrode, said pacemaker having electrical circuits therein to which the first and second proximal electrodes are to be electrically connected, said connector block assembly comprising;
Specification