Multi-channel connector for brain stimulation system

• US 7,945,329 B2
• Filed: 07/24/2009
• Issued: 05/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cranial Medical Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Bedenbaugh, Purvis
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno; Carl H
• Assistant Examiner(s): MALAMUD, DEBORAH LESLIE
• Application Number:
  US12/509,096
• Publication Number:
  US 20090287287A1
• Time in Patent Office: 662 Days
• Field of Search: 607/37, 607115-116, 607/118
• US Class Current: 607/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/227 Sensors with electrical connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0529 Electrodes for brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0539 Anchoring of brain electrode systems, e.g. within burr hole
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2407 characterized by the resilient means
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2435 with opposite contact points, e.g. C beam
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6215 using one or more bolts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/64 Means for preventing incorrect coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2107/00 Four or more poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/12 for medicine and surgery
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/58 Contacts spaced along longitudinal axis of engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/363 with intermediate part between tip and conductive member

Abstract

An implantable connector used with a neurological device and a lead extension includes a male connector having a plurality of electrical contacts axially arranged along the connector, insulated from each other. The connector also includes a female connector having one or more channels axially disposed therein and a plurality of conductors axially arranged on the female connector. The plurality of conductors are electrically insulated from each other, and at least one indexing element is disposed adjacent one or more of the channels. The indexing element allows the male connector to be received into the one or more channels in a defined orientation relative to the channel, thereby forming at least two electrical connections along two or more axial positions. Often the neurological device is a brain stimulating and recording lead. The male and female connectors are often fastened together with a screw or by twist-locking the two members together.

Claims

1. A method for connecting a neurological device with a lead extension, the method comprising:

positioning a male connector relative to a female connector having one or more channels disposed therein;

inserting the male connector into one of the channels thereby forming at least two electrical connections along two or more axial positions;

releasably fastening the male connector to the female connector; and

implanting the coupled male and female connectors in a patient,

wherein the neurological device comprises a brain stimulating or recording lead;

wherein one of the male or female connector is coupled with the lead extension, and the remaining connector is coupled with the neurological device.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the female connector is electrically coupled with a lead extension.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of fastening comprising tightening a screw.

4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of fastening comprises rotating the male connector relative to the female connector thereby forming a secure electrical connection therebetween.

5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the male and female connectors are compatible with magnetic resonance imaging.