Medical lead adaptor

• US 6,343,233 B1
• Filed: 09/09/1998
• Issued: 01/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Werner, Robert L., Gravlin, Ray, Winkler, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): EVANISKO, GEORGE ROBERT
• Application Number:
  US09/150,166
• Time in Patent Office: 1,238 Days
• Field of Search: 607/115, 607/116, 607/119, 607/122, 607/1, 607/2, 607/10, 607/37, 607/38, 600/372-374, 600/377, 439/909
• US Class Current: 607/119
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/056 Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 11/22 End pieces terminating in a spring clip
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/12 for medicine and surgery
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/909 Medical use or attached to human body

Abstract

A medical lead adaptor that provides a rapid, secure, insulated connection of the lead connector end assembly of a cardiac lead having electrodes adapted to be placed in or on the body with an external medical device. The adaptor connector assembly is configured with an elongated receptacle to accept a bipolar, in-line, or a unipolar lead connector end sharing common dimensions. The elongated receptacle includes connector pin and ring receptacle contacts spaced apart from one another therein. In a preferred embodiment, an elongated slot that extends laterally of the elongated receptacle cooperates with a lock mechanism to allow the lateral insertion of the lead connector end assembly, with a stylet wire inserted into the cardiac lead body lumen, into the elongated receptacle. When inserted therein, the lead connector ring and/or pin are nested into contact with the ring and/or pin receptacle contacts and are held there by the lock mechanism. Several embodiments are disclosed of alternate configurations of the elongated receptacle, receptacle contacts and lock mechanism.

Claims

1. An external medical lead adaptor for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward a distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body containing first and second spaced apart implantable lead conductors coupled to first and second spaced apart bipolar in-line proximal lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, said stylet wire, when received in said lumen, extending proximally from said lumen end opening of said lead connector end assembly such that said stylet wire may be manipulated, said medical lead adaptor comprising:

external means for conducting electricity comprising at least first and second external electrical conductors, the first and second electrical conductors extending between a first external conductor end and a second external conductor end, the second external conductor end further including an external connector element for establishing electrical contact with said external medical device connector assembly; and

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to said external conductor means for receiving said lead connector end assembly and for establishing electrical contact between said first and second implantable lead conductors and said first and second external electrical conductors, respectively, said adaptor connector assembly further comprising;

means for receiving lead connector elements, the receiving means defining an elongated receptacle shaped to conformably receive said first and second lead connector elements of said lead connector end assembly when inserted therein;

first and second receptacle in-line contacts positioned along said elongated receptacle for establishing electrical contact with said first and second lead connector elements, respectively;

means for electrically connecting each of said first and second receptacle contacts with said first external conductor end of said first and second external conductors, respectively;

proximal end opening means disposed at a proximal end of said receiving means, said proximal end opening means receiving said stylet wire extending proximally from a lead lumen end opening;

receptacle slot means formed laterally of said elongated receptacle for laterally passing said lead connector end assembly having said stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening into and out of said elongated receptacle and said proximal end opening means;

a screwless and boltless locking mechanism hand manipulable to an open position with respect to said receptacle slot means for permitting said lead connector end assembly and stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening to be inserted laterally through said receptacle slot means into said receiver means and to be withdrawn laterally from said receiver means through said receptacle slot means and hand manipulable to a locked position for locking said in said receiver means to assure secure electrical contact between each receptacle contact and a corresponding lead connector element while permitting manipulation of said stylet wire with respect to said lumen;

wherein a generally arcuate housing of flexible insulating material encloses said elongated receptacle and said first and second receptacle contacts and has a cylindrical outer surface extending between proximal and distal end openings thereof;

said first and second receptacle contacts comprise thin conductor spring material, spaced apart within said elongated receptacle and dimensioned to tightly engage said first and second lead connector elements when positioned in said elongated receptacle in said locked position;

said receptacle slot means comprises a receptacle slot extending longitudinally along a side of said arcuate housing, said receptacle slot having a slot width that does not permit the lead connector and assembly to be passed therethrough in closed and locked positions, said arcuate housing and said first and second receptacle contacts having a C-shaped profile; and

said locking mechanism further comprises means for increasing the slot width from the closed and locked position slot width to an open position slot width sufficient to permit said lead connector end assembly to pass through said receptacle slot;

said means for increasing the slot width further comprising first and second lever arms and fixed arm ends, the first and second lever arms being attached at the fixed arm ends to said arcuate housing along opposite edges of said receptacle slot and extending laterally away from said housing to spaced apart free arm ends thereof separated by a closed position distance, wherein when manual force is applied to said free ends, said fixed arm ends cause the slot width to be increased to the open position.

2. An external medical lead adaptor for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward a distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body containing first and second spaced apart implantable lead conductors coupled to first and second spaced apart bipolar in-line proximal lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, said stylet wire, when received in said lumen, extending proximally from said lumen end opening of said lead connector end assembly such that said stylet wire may be manipulated, said medical lead adaptor comprising:

external means for conducting electricity comprising at least first and second external electrical conductors, the first and second electrical conductors extending between a first external conductor end and a second external conductor end, the second external conductor end further including an external connector element for establishing electrical contact with said external medical device connector assembly; and

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to said external conductor means for receiving said lead connector end assembly and for establishing electrical contact between said first and second implantable lead conductors and said first and second external electrical conductors, respectively, said adaptor connector assembly further comprising;

means for receiving lead connector elements, the receiving means defining an elongated receptacle shaped to conformably receive said first and second lead connector elements of said lead connector end assembly when inserted therein;

first and second receptacle in-line contacts positioned along said elongated receptacle for establishing electrical contact with said first and second lead connector elements, respectively;

means for electrically connecting each of said first and second receptacle contacts with said first external conductor end of said first and second external conductors, respectively;

proximal end opening means disposed at a proximal end of said receiving means, the proximal end opening means receiving said stylet wire extending proximally from a lead lumen end opening;

receptacle slot means formed laterally of said elongated receptacle for laterally passing said lead connector end assembly having said stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening into and out of said elongated receptacle and said proximal end opening means;

a screwless and boltless locking mechanism hand manipulable to an open position with respect to said receptacle slot means for permitting said lead connector end assembly and stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening to be inserted laterally through said receptacle slot means into said receiver means and to be withdrawn laterally from said receiver means through said receptacle slot means and hand manipulable to a locked position for locking said lead connector end assembly in said receiver means to assure secure electrical contact between each receptacle contact and a corresponding lead connector element while permitting manipulation of said stylet wire with respect to said lumen;

wherein a arcuate housing of flexible insulating material encloses said elongated receptacle and said first and second receptacle contacts and has a cylindrical outer surface extending between proximal and distal end openings thereof;

said first and second receptacle contacts comprise thin conductor spring material, the contacts being spaced apart within said elongated receptacle and dimensioned to tightly engage said first and second lead connector elements when positioned in said elongated receptacle in said locked position;

said receptacle slot means comprises a receptacle slot extending longitudinally along a side of said arcuate housing, said receptacle slot having a slot width that does not permit the lead connector end assembly to be passed therethrough in closed and locked positions;

said locking mechanism further comprises means for increasing the slot width from the closed and locked position slot width to an open position slot width sufficient to permit said to pass through said receptacle slot;

first and second spring loaded force beams; and

first and second lever arm means and fixed lever arm ends, the first and second lever arm means being attached to the fixed lever arm ends and to said first and second spring loaded force beams and extending to first and second free lever arm ends disposed in spaced apart relation from said first and second receptacle contacts, respectively, said free ends being adapted to be compressed toward said housing to the open position to move said free lever arm ends away from said first and second receptacle contacts to an open position for permitting said lead connector end assembly and stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening to be inserted laterally through said receptacle slot means between said first and second receptacle means and said respective first and second free arm ends.

3. The external medical lead adaptor of claim 2, wherein said first and second receptacle contacts each comprise saddle shaped conductive material defining arcuate shaped contact surfaces for establishing contact with the said first and second lead connector elements, respectively, in the locked position.

4. An external medical lead adaptor for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward a distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body containing first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to first and second bipolar in-line proximal lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, said medical lead adaptor comprising:

an external lead body comprising first and second external electrical conductors, the first and second electrical conductors each extending between a first external lead conductor end and a second external lead conductor end, the second external lead conductor comprising first and second external lead connector elements for establishing electrical contact with the external medical device connector assembly; and

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to said external lead body for receiving the first and second external lead connector elements and for establishing electrical contact between each respective implantable lead conductor and each external electrical conductor, said adaptor connector assembly further comprising;

means for receiving said adaptor connector assembly, the receiving means defining an elongated receptacle shaped to conformably receive each lead connector element of a lead connector end assembly when inserted therein;

first and second in-line receptacle contacts positioned along said elongated receptacle for establishing electrical contact with the first and second lead elements;

means for electrically connecting said receptacle contacts with said first external lead conductor end;

receptacle slot means extending laterally of said elongated receptacle through said adaptor connector assembly to an exterior surface thereof for laterally receiving the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening through said receptacle slot means and with each lead connector element in contact with its respective receptacle contact; and

a screwless and boltless locking mechanism hand manipulable to an open position with respect to said receptacle slot means for permitting the lead connector end assembly and stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening to be inserted laterally through said receptacle slot means into said elongated receptacle and to be withdrawn laterally from said elongated receptacle through said receptacle slot means and hand manipulable to a locked position for locking the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between each receptacle contact and its corresponding lead connector element while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen;

said adaptor connector assembly further comprising;

a arcuate housing of flexible insulating material enclosing said elongated receptacle and said first and second receptacle contacts and having a cylindrical outer surface extending between proximal and distal end openings thereof;

said first and second receptacle contact comprising a thin conductor spring material, the contacts being disposed within said elongated receptacle and dimensioned to tightly engage the first and second lead connector elements when positioned in said elongated receptacle in the locked position; and

said receptacle slot means comprising a receptacle slot extending longitudinally along a side of said arcuate housing, said elongated receptacle having a slot width that does not permit the lead connector end assembly to be passed therethrough in the closed and locked positions; and

said locking mechanism further comprises means for increasing the slot width from the closed and locked position slot width to an open position slot width sufficient to permit the lead connector end assembly to pass through said receptacle slot,

said means for increasing the receptacle slot width further comprising first and second lever arms attached at fixed arm ends to said elongated housing along opposite edges of said receptacle slot and extending laterally away from said housing to spaced apart free arm ends thereof separated by a closed position distance, wherein when sufficient force is applied to said free ends the fixed arm ends cause the receptacle slot width to be increased to an open position.

5. An external medical lead adaptor for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward a distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body containing first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to first and second bipolar in-line proximal lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, said medical lead adaptor comprising:

an external lead body comprising first and second external electrical conductors, the first and second electrical conductors each extending between a first external lead conductor end and a second external lead conductor end, the second external lead conductor comprising first and second external lead connector elements for establishing electrical contact with the external medical device connector assembly; and

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to said external lead body for receiving the first and second external lead connector elements and for establishing electrical contact between each respective implantable lead conductor and each external electrical conductor, said adaptor connector assembly further comprising;

means for receiving said adaptor connector assembly, the receiving means defining an elongated receptacle shaped to conformably receive each lead connector element of a lead connector end assembly when inserted therein;

first and second in-line receptacle contacts positioned along said elongated receptacle for establishing electrical contact with the first and second lead elements;

means for electrically connecting said receptacle contacts with said first external lead conductor end;

receptacle slot means extending laterally of said elongated receptacle through said adaptor connector assembly to an exterior surface thereof for laterally receiving the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening through said receptacle slot means and with each lead connector element in contact with its respective receptacle contact; and

a screwless and boltless locking mechanism hand manipulable to an open position with respect to said receptacle slot means for permitting the lead connector end assembly and stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening to be inserted laterally through said receptacle slot means into said elongated receptacle and to be withdrawn laterally from said elongated receptacle through said receptacle slot means and hand manipulable to a locked position for locking the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between each receptacle contact and its corresponding lead connector element while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen;

said adaptor connector assembly further comprising;

a arcuate housing of flexible insulating material enclosing said elongated receptacle and said first and second receptacle contacts and having an outer surface extending between proximal and distal end openings thereof;

said first and second receptacle contact comprises a thin conductor spring material, the contacts being disposed within said elongated receptacle and dimensioned to tightly engage the first and second lead connector elements when positioned in said elongated receptacle in the locked position; and

said receptacle slot means comprises a receptacle slot extending longitudinally along a side of said arcuate housing and and said elongated receptacle having a slot width that does not permit the lead connector end assembly to be passed therethrough in the closed and locked positions; and

said locking mechanism further comprises means for increasing the slot width from the closed and locked position slot width to an open position slot width sufficient to permit the lead connector end assembly to pass through said receptacle slot,

said adaptor connector assembly further comprising;

a housing of flexible insulating material having said elongated receptacle disposed along a housing surface thereof with first and second receptacle contacts spaced apart between proximal and distal ends of said housing surface; and

wherein;

said first and second receptacles each comprise a conductive material and are each dimensioned and shaped to engage the first and second lead connector elements and inhibit them from moving laterally when the elements are positioned in said elongated receptacle in the locked position; and

said locking mechanism further comprises at least one force beam for applying force against said first and second lead connector elements seated against said first and second receptacle contacts,

said force beam further comprising;

spring mounting means attached at one end of said force beam and extending outwardly from said housing surface to terminate in a free spring end thereof; and

at least one lever arm means attached at a fixed lever arm end to said free spring end and extending to at least one free lever arm end disposed in spaced apart relation from said first and second receptacle contacts, said free spring end being adapted to be compressed toward said housing to said open position to move said free lever arm end away from said first and second receptacle contacts to said open position for permitting the lead connector end assembly and stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening to be inserted laterally through said receptacle slot means between said first and second receptacle contacts and said free arm end, and further being adapted to be released to a locked position for locking the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between each receptacle contact and its corresponding lead connector element while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to the lead lumen.

6. The external medical lead adaptor of claim 5, wherein said first and second receptacle contacts each comprises saddle shaped conductive material having an arcuate shaped contact surface for establishing contact with the first and second lead connector elements in the locked position.

7. A method of establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body, the lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward a distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body comprising first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to proximal first and second in-line bipolar lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen, extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching the external medical device connector assembly to an external lead connector element of an external lead body having first and second external electrical conductors disposed therein, the external lead body extending between a first external lead conductor end and a second external lead conductor attached to the external lead connector element; and

operating an adaptor connector assembly coupled to said external lead body to receive the lead connector end assembly in an elongated receptacle thereof to establish electrical contact between the respective first and second implantable lead connector elements and respective first and second receptacle contacts disposed within the elongated receptacle electrically coupled to the external electrical conductor, the operating step further comprising the steps of;

opening a first receptacle slot extending laterally of said elongated receptacle within said adaptor connector assembly to an exterior surface thereof to laterally receive the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from the lumen end opening through said receptacle slot;

laterally inserting the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening through said receptacle slot and into the elongated receptacle, the elongated receptacle being shaped to conformably receive lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly when inserted therein, the elongated receptacle having first and second in-line receptacle contacts positioned therealong for establishing electrical contact with the lead connector elements, said first and second receptacle contacts being electrically connected to said first external lead conductor end; and

closing the receptacle slot to lock the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between the first and second receptacle contacts and the first and second lead connector elements while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen;

said opening step further comprising the steps of increasing the receptacle slot width of said receptacle slot from a closed slot width that precludes lateral insertion of the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening through said receptacle slot, forcing first and second lever arms, attached at fixed arm ends to an elongated housing of said elongated receptacle along opposite edges of said receptacle slot and extending laterally away from said housing to spaced apart free arm ends thereof, from a closed position distance to an open position distance, the force so applied to said free ends thereof causing the receptacle slot width to be increased to the open position.

8. A method of establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body, the lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward a distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body comprising first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to proximal first and second in-line bipolar lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen, extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching the external medical device connector assembly to an external lead connector element of an external lead body having first and second external electrical conductors disposed therein, the external lead body extending between a first external lead conductor end and a second external lead conductor attached to the external lead connector element; and

operating an adaptor connector assembly coupled to said external lead body to receive the lead connector end assembly in an elongated receptacle thereof to establish electrical contact between the respective first and second implantable lead connector elements and respective first and second receptacle contacts disposed within the elongated receptacle electrically coupled to the external electrical conductor, the operating step further comprising the steps of;

opening a first receptacle slot extending laterally of said elongated receptacle within said adaptor connector assembly to an exterior surface thereof to laterally receive the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from the lumen end opening through said receptacle slot;

laterally inserting the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening through said receptacle slot and into the elongated receptacle, the elongated receptacle being shaped to conformably receive lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly when inserted therein, the elongated receptacle having first and second in-line receptacle contacts positioned therealong for establishing electrical contact with the lead connector elements, said first and second receptacle contacts being electrically connected to said first external lead conductor end; and

closing the receptacle slot to lock the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between the first and second receptacle contacts and the first and second lead connector elements while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen;

said elongated receptacle being configured to receive the lead connector end assembly, the assembly having a proximal connector pin and at least one additional distal connector ring coupled to the first and second implantable lead conductors, the lead conductors mutually insulated from one another and spaced apart along the length of the lead connector end assembly;

the first and second receptacle contacts being positioned along said elongated receptacle for establishing electrical contact with the lead connector pin and ring;

the first and second external lead conductors disposed within said external lead body being electrically connected to said first and second receptacle contacts,

the closing step further comprising applying force against at least one of the first and second lead connector elements.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein:

the opening stop further comprises removing the applied force against said lead connector element.

10. A method of establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead of the type having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward a distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body comprising first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to proximal first and second in-line bipolar lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen, extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching the external medical device connector assembly to an external lead connector element of an external lead body having first and second external electrical conductors disposed therein and extending between a first external lead conductor end and a second external lead conductor attached to the external lead connector element; and

operating an adaptor connector assembly coupled to said external lead body to receive the lead connector end assembly in an elongated receptacle thereof to establish electrical contact between the respective first and second implantable lead connector elements and respective first and second receptacle contacts disposed within the elongated receptacle electrically couple to a respective external electrical conductor, the operating step further comprising the steps of;

opening by rotating a locking clip mechanism attached to an exterior surface of the adaptor connector assembly a second receptacle slot extending laterally of said elongated receptacle within said adaptor connector assembly to an exterior surface thereof to laterally receive the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from the lumen end opening through said receptacle slot;

laterally inserting the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening through said receptacle slot and into an elongated receptacle shaped to conformably receive lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly when inserted therein, having first and second in-line receptacle contacts positioned along said elongated receptacle for establishing electrical contact with the lead connector elements, said first and second receptacle contacts being electrically connected to said first external lead conductor end; and

closing the receptacle slot by rotating the locking clip mechanism to lock the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between the first and second receptacle contacts and the first and second lead connector elements while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen, the closing step further comprising applying force against at least one of said first and second lead connector elements.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein:

The opening step further comprises removing the applied force against said lead connector element.

12. An apparatus for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward the distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body comprising first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to proximal bipolar in-line first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen, extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, the apparatus comprising:

means for attaching the external medical device connector assembly to an external lead body having first and second external electrical conductors disposed therein, the external lead body extending between a first external lead conductor end a second external lead conductor end

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to the second external lead conductor end of said external lead body to receive the lead connector end assembly, the adaptor connector assembly having an elongated receptacle disposed therein for establishing electrical contact between first and second implantable lead conductors and first and second receptacle contacts disposed within the elongated receptacle, the adaptor connector assembly further comprising a receptacle slot extending laterally of said elongated receptacle to an exterior surface of said adaptor connector assembly; and

a screwless and boltless locking clip mechanism operable between an open position for opening the receptacle slot to laterally receive the lead connector end assembly therein the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening and being disposed in the elongated receptacle, the elongated receptacle being shaped to conformably receive the first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly, and a locked position for closing the receptacle slot to lock the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between the first and second receptacle contacts and the first and second lead connector elements while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen;

said elongated receptacle being configured to receive the lead connector end assembly, the lead connector end assembly having a proximal connector pin and at least one additional distal connector ring coupled to the first and second implantable lead conductors, the first and second conductors being mutually insulated from one another and spaced apart along the length of the lead connector end assembly;

said lock mechanism further comprising first and second lever arms and fixed arm ends, the first and second lever arms being attached to the fixed arm ends and to an elongated housing of said elongated receptacle along opposite edges of said receptacle slot and extending laterally away from said housing to spaced apart free arm ends thereof, the arms being movable between a locked position distance to an open position distance, wherein when sufficient force is applied to said free ends the receptacle slot width is increased to the open position.

13. An apparatus for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward the distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body comprising first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to proximal bipolar in-line first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen, extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, the apparatus comprising:

means for attaching the external medical device connector assembly to an external lead body having first and second external electrical conductors disposed therein, the external lead body extending between a first external lead conductor end a second external lead conductor end;

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to the second external lead conductor end of said external lead body to receive the lead connector end assembly, the adaptor connector assembly having an elongated receptacle disposed therein for establishing electrical contact between first and second implantable lead conductors and first and second receptacle contacts disposed within the elongated receptacle, the adaptor connector assembly further comprising a receptacle slot extending laterally of said elongated receptacle to an exterior surface of said adaptor connector assembly; and

a screwless and boltless locking clip mechanism operable between an open position for opening the receptacle slot to laterally receive the lead connector end assembly therein the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening and being disposed in the elongated receptacle, the elongated receptacle being shaped to conformably receive the first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly, and a locked position for closing the receptacle slot to lock the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between the first and second receptacle contacts and first and second lead connector elements while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen,

said elongated receptacle being configured to receive the lead connector end assembly, the lead connector end assembly having a proximal connector pin and at least one additional distal connector ring coupled to the first and second implantable lead conductors, the first and second conductors being mutually insulated from one another and spaced apart along the length of the lead connector end assembly;

wherein said locking mechanism further comprises means for applying force against at least one of the first and second lead connector elements seated against its respective receptacle contact through the receptacle slot upon closure of the receptacle slot.

14. An apparatus for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward the distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body comprising first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to proximal bipolar in-line first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen, extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, the apparatus comprising:

means for attaching the external medical device connector assembly to an external lead body having first and second external electrical conductors disposed therein;

the external lead body extending between a first external lead conductor end a second external lead conductor end

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to the second external lead conductor end said external lead body to receive the lead connector end assembly, the adaptor connector assembly having an elongated receptacle disposed therein for establishing electrical contact between first and second implantable lead connector elements and first and second receptacle contacts disposed within the elongated receptacle, the adaptor connector assembly further comprising a receptacle slot extending laterally of said elongated receptacle to an exterior surface of said adaptor connector assembly; and

a screwless and boltless rotatable locking clip mechanism operable between an open position for opening the receptacle slot to laterally receive the lead connector end assembly therein the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening and being disposed in an elongated receptacle shaped to conformably receive first and second lead conductors of the lead connector end assembly, and a locked position for closing the receptacle slot to lock the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between first and second receptacle contacts and first and second lead connector elements while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises;

means movable about said adaptor connector assembly housing between the open position positioning an elongated access slot extending along the length thereof in alignment with said receptacle slot to permit the implantable lead connector end and stylet wire extending proximally therefrom to be inserted laterally through said access slot and receptacle slot into said elongated receptacle and to be withdrawn laterally from said elongated receptacle through the access slot and receptacle slot, and a locked position covering said receptacle slot.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises means for increasing a receptacle slot width of said receptacle slot from a closed slot width that precludes lateral insertion of the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening through said receptacle slot.

16. An apparatus for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward the distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body comprising first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to proximal bipolar in-line first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen, extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, the apparatus comprising:

means for attaching the external medical device connector assembly to an external lead body having first and second external electrical conductors disposed therein, the external lead body extending between a first external lead conductor end a second external lead conductor end

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to the second external lead conductor end of said external lead body to receive the lead connector end assembly, the adaptor connector assembly having an elongated receptacle disposed therein for establishing electrical contact between first and second implantable lead conductors and first and second receptacle contacts disposed within the elongated receptacle, the adaptor connector assembly further comprising a receptacle slot extending laterally of said elongated receptacle to an exterior surface of said adaptor connector assembly; and

a screwless and boltless locking clip mechanism operable between an open position for opening the receptacle slot to laterally receive the lead connector end assembly therein the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening and being disposed in the elongated receptacle, the elongated receptacle being shaped to conformably receive first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly, and a locked position for closing the receptacle slot to lock the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between first and second receptacle contacts and first and second lead connector elements while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises first and second lever arms and fixed arm ends, the first and second lever arms being attached to the fixed arm ends and to an elongated housing of said elongated receptacle along opposite edges of said receptacle slot and extending laterally away from said housing to spaced apart free arm ends thereof, the arms being movable between a closed or locked position distance to an open position distance, wherein when sufficient force is applied to said free ends the receptacle slot width is increased to the open position.

17. An apparatus for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward the distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body comprising first and second implantable lead conductors coupled to proximal bipolar in-line first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, the stylet wire, when received in the lumen, extending proximally from the lumen end opening of the lead connector end assembly such that the stylet wire may be manipulated, the apparatus comprising:

means for attaching the external medical device connector assembly to an external lead body having first and second external electrical conductors disposed therein, the external lead body extending between a first external lead conductor end a second external lead conductor end;

an adaptor connector assembly coupled to the second external lead conductor end of said external lead body to receive the lead connector end assembly, the adaptor connector assembly having an elongated receptacle disposed therein for establishing electrical contact between first and second implantable lead conductors and first and second receptacle contacts disposed within the elongated receptacle, the adaptor connector assembly further comprising a receptacle slot extending laterally of said elongated receptacle to an exterior surface of said adaptor connector assembly; and

a screwless and boltless locking clip mechanism operable between an open position for opening the receptacle slot to laterally receive the lead connector end assembly therein the lead connector end assembly having the stylet wire extending proximally from said lumen end opening and being disposed in the elongated receptacle, the elongated receptacle being shaped to conformably receive first and second lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly, and a locked position for closing the receptacle slot to lock the lead connector end assembly in said elongated receptacle to assure secure electrical contact between first and second receptacle contacts and first and second lead connector elements while permitting manipulation of the stylet wire with respect to said lumen, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises means for applying force against at least one of the first and second lead connector elements.