IPG connector headers for implantable medical devices

• US 7,526,339 B2
• Filed: 03/27/2006
• Issued: 04/28/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Lahti, Jay K., Jin, Hui J., Ries, Andrew J., Schaenzer, David G
• Primary Examiner(s): Getzow; Scott M
• Application Number:
  US11/277,570
• Publication Number:
  US 20070225772A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,128 Days
• Field of Search: 607/36, 607/37, 607/38
• US Class Current: 607/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3752 Details of casing-lead connections

Abstract

IPG connector headers for implantable medical devices are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, an IPG connector header having a header bore for receiving and making electrical connection to a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device comprises a non-conductive header base and a plurality of electrically conductive header connector elements disposed within the header base. A plurality of electrically insulative fluid seals are interposed between the header connector elements. Each fluid seal has a fluid seal bore and is formed from an elastomeric material and an additive. The additive is formulated to reduce the frictional forces required to insert the lead connector assembly through the fluid seal bores of the fluid seals.

Claims

1. An IPG connector header having a header bore for receiving and making electrical connection to a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device, the IPG connector header comprising:

a non-conductive header base;

a plurality of electrically conductive header connector elements disposed within the header base;

a plurality of electrically insulative fluid seals interposed between the header connector elements, wherein each fluid seal has a fluid seal bore and comprises a mixture of an elastomeric material and barium sulfate, the barium sulfate present in an amount of from about 10 to about 15 weight percent based on the weight of the elastomeric material.

2. The IPG connector header of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material comprises one selected from the group consisting of silicone, enhanced tear resistant silicone, and polyurethane.

3. The IPG connector header of claim 1, wherein the additive and the elastomeric material comprise a mixture having a durometer in the range of about 30 to about 60 Shore A.

4. The IPG connector header of claim 3, wherein the mixture has a durometer in the range of about 35 to 50 Shore A.

5. An IPG connector header of an IPG having an IPG housing comprising electronic circuitry, wherein the IPG connector header has a header bore for receiving and making connection to a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device comprising a plurality of lead connector elements arranged in-line and separated by lead insulator elements, wherein the IPG connector header comprises:

a non-conductive header base;

a plurality of electrically conductive header connector elements disposed on the header base, each having a connector element bore sized to receive and make electrical contact with one of the plurality of lead connector elements; and

a plurality of electrically insulating, flexible fluid seals, each having a seal bore sized to receive a lead insulator element, wherein each of the plurality of fluid seals comprises a mixture of an elastomeric material and barium sulfate, the barium sulfate present in an amount of from about 10 to about 15 weight percent based on the weight of the elastomeric material, and wherein the mixture has a durometer in the range of about 30 to 60 Shore A.

6. The IPG connector header of claim 5 wherein the mixture has a durometer in the range of about 35 to 50 Shore A.

7. The IPG connector header of claim 5, wherein the barium sulfate being present in an amount no greater than about 2.5% by weight in relation to the elastomeric material.

8. The IPG connector header of claim 5, wherein the elastomeric material comprises silicone, enhanced tear resistant silicone, or polyurethane.

9. A fluid seal having a bore for receiving a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device and for insulating conductive connectors that electrically communicate with the lead connector assembly, wherein the fluid seal comprises:

an annular portion having an inside annular wall forming the bore;

at least one annular ring disposed on the inside annular wall of the annular portion and extending into the bore from the inside annular wall; and

interlocking means for interlocking with at least one conductive connector, wherein the fluid seal comprises a mixture of an elastomeric material and barium sulfate, the barium sulfate present in an amount of from about 10 to about 15 weight percent based on the weight of the elastomeric material, and wherein the additive serves to reduce the frictional forces required to insert the lead connector assembly past the elastomeric material and through the bore.

10. The fluid seal of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric material comprises one selected from the group consisting of silicone, enhanced tear resistant silicone, and polyurethane.

11. The fluid seal of claim 9, wherein the additive and the elastomeric material comprise a mixture having a durometer in the range of about 30 to about 60 Shore A.

12. The fluid seal of claim 11, wherein the mixture has a durometer in the range of about 35 to 50 Shore A.