Miniature implantable connection method

• US 7,286,883 B2
• Filed: 06/13/2005
• Issued: 10/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Original Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Inventors: Schulman, Joseph H., Kuzma, Janusz
• Primary Examiner(s): DROESCH, KRISTEN L
• Application Number:
  US11/152,444
• Publication Number:
  US 20050234318A1
• Time in Patent Office: 862 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 607/116
• 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 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/20 Pins, blades, or sockets shaped, or provided with separate member, to retain co-operating parts together
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6273 comprising two latching arms
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2101/00 One pole
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/12 for medicine and surgery
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/20 Coupling parts carrying sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/28 Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/70 Insulation of connections end caps H01R4/22
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/909 Medical use or attached to human body

Abstract

Methods are utilized for connecting electrically conductive wire to a miniature, implantable sensor or stimulator device for detecting electrical signals or stimulating living tissue. The implantable device has an electrically conductive end on its case which is intimately connected to a doorknob electrode for communicating electrical signals between the living tissue and the device by a biocompatible wire. A spring clip removably attaches to the doorknob electrode so that the wire may be easily attached to the doorknob electrode during surgery. An insulating rubber boot, which may be silicone, surrounds the case end, doorknob electrode, and spring clip to isolate the living tissue from the conductive components. The components are all biocompatible materials.

Claims

1. A method of communicating electrical signals between living tissue and an implantable miniature device configured for monitoring and/or affecting body parameters, comprising:

snapping a spring clip means over a doorknob electrode; and

attaching a conductive wire having a first end configured for electrical coupling to a selected portion of living tissue and a second end configured for coupling to said spring clip means.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting said spring clip means to include welding said conductive wire second end.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting said spring clip means to include at least one prong for grasping said doorknob electrode.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising placing an insulating rubber boot over said spring clip means and said doorknob electrode.

5. The method of claim 1, further providing said doorknob electrode formed of a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, titanium alloy, platinum, iridium, platinum-iridium, stainless steel, tantalum, and niobium.

6. A method of communicating electrical signals between living tissue and an implantable miniature device configured for monitoring and/or affecting body parameters, comprising:

snapping a spring clip connector over a doorknob electrode; and

attaching a conductive wire having a first end configured for electrical coupling to a selected portion of living tissue and a second end configured for coupling to said spring clip connector.

7. The method of claim 6, further implanting said first end of said conductive wire where it is in contact with living tissue.

8. The method of claim 6, further implanting said miniature implantable device in living tissue remote from said first end of said conductive wire.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising placing an insulating rubber boot over said spring clip connector.

10. The method of claim 9, further providing said rubber boot comprised of silicone.

11. The method of claim 6, further providing said spring clip connector formed of a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, titanium alloy, platinum, iridium, platinum-iridium, stainless steel, tantalum and niobium.

12. The method of claim 6, further providing said doorknob electrode formed of a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, titanium alloy, platinum, iridium, platinum-iridium, stainless steel, tantalum, and niobium.

13. The method of claim 6, further providing said spring clip connector having at least one prong for grasping said doorknob electrode.

14. The method of claim 6, providing said spring clip connector that is adapted for attaching said conductive wire thereto for communicating electrical signals between said doorknob electrode and tissue.

15. The method of claim 6, further comprising placing an insulating rubber boot over said spring clip connector, said conductive wire second end, and the doorknob electrode.