Tool-less threaded connector assembly

• US 5,433,734 A
• Filed: 01/11/1994
• Issued: 07/18/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Comben, Richard H., Stokes, Kenneth B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jastrzab, Jeffrey R.
• Application Number:
  US08/180,164
• Time in Patent Office: 553 Days
• Field of Search: 128/642, 607/9, 607/36, 607/37, 607/115, 607/116, 607/119, 607/112
• US Class Current: 607/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections

Abstract

A lead connection suitable for use in connecting a flexible coiled lead to an implantable device. The implantable device is provided with a threaded projection having an outer diameter sized with respect to the inner diameter of the lead'"'"'s conductor coil to provide a secure interconnection therewith when attached thereto. The threaded projection is disposed on top and around a feedthrough pin projecting out of the implanted device'"'"'s hermetic canister. The threaded projection is screwed into the conductor coil establishing sound electrical contact between the projection and the conductor. A strain relief collar surrounds the post and lead, and a twist-and-pull type connecting ring surrounds the base of the strain relief collar. The connecting post is prevented from being unscrewed from the conductor coil, since an unscrewing motion tends to tighten the conductor coil around the threaded post. Since no connecting structure is required at the connecting end of the lead, the lead can be cut to any appropriate length at the time of implant, thereby eliminating problems with excess implanted lead. If disconnection is required, the lead may be simply cut off just beyond the threaded connecting post, or the post may be unscrewed by applying inward radial or circumferential pressure on the conductor coils. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded projection is replaced with a tapered triangular post with either smooth or toothed edges, which is inserted into the coiled conductor lead.

Claims

1. A pacemaker, comprising a pulse generator in a hermetic container having a connector means for connection to a pacemaker lead, said connector means comprising a tapered triangular connector post sized to be received within a bore of a coiled conductor within a pacemaker lead upon said connector post being forced axially into said bore and to grip the lead by inducing a tightening of said coiled conductor around said connector post.

2. A pacemaker in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tapered triangular connector post has teeth along edges thereof for engaging coils of said coiled conductor upon said connector post being forced axially into said bore.