Visual indicator of proper interconnection for an implanted medical device
First Claim
1. An electrical connection apparatus comprising:
- a connector block comprising at least one pin receiving portion defined by an inner wall within the connector block, the at least one pin receiving portion for receiving a pin of one of an implantable lead and an implantable medical device;
at least one electrical connection contact comprising a first portion disposed within the at least one pin receiving portion, the first portion for receiving the pin, and a second portion disposed at an exterior to the connector block, the second portion for coupling with the other of the implantable medical device and the implantable medical device, wherein the first portion and the second portion integrally form the at least one electrical connection contact; and
an insertion indicator comprising an indicator light operably coupled to an indicator switch associated with the at least one pin receiving portion, wherein the indicator light is in a first state prior to the pin being received in the connector block and when the pin is incorrectly received in the connector block, and wherein the indicator switch actuates when the pin has been correctly received in the pin receiving portion and causes the indicator light to assume a second state different from the first state.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
During implant of an implantable medical device, implanted cables or leads are inserted to a connector block. An insertion indicator provides the user with a visual indication the cables or leads have been correctly inserted into the connector block, which enables the implanted medical device to properly deliver treatment or receive signals via the implanted cables or leads. The insertion indicator may be provided by a mechanical indicator optically viewable once the lead has been correctly inserted, and/or may be provided by an electrically activated light indicator illuminated by a power source associated with the connector block or with a connector tool used to connect the lead or cable to the connector block upon correct insertion of the lead or cable. The insertion indicator may be permanently or removably disposed on the connector block, a connector tool, and/or a can associated with the connector block.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An electrical connection apparatus comprising:
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a connector block comprising at least one pin receiving portion defined by an inner wall within the connector block, the at least one pin receiving portion for receiving a pin of one of an implantable lead and an implantable medical device; at least one electrical connection contact comprising a first portion disposed within the at least one pin receiving portion, the first portion for receiving the pin, and a second portion disposed at an exterior to the connector block, the second portion for coupling with the other of the implantable medical device and the implantable medical device, wherein the first portion and the second portion integrally form the at least one electrical connection contact; and an insertion indicator comprising an indicator light operably coupled to an indicator switch associated with the at least one pin receiving portion, wherein the indicator light is in a first state prior to the pin being received in the connector block and when the pin is incorrectly received in the connector block, and wherein the indicator switch actuates when the pin has been correctly received in the pin receiving portion and causes the indicator light to assume a second state different from the first state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An electrical connection apparatus and a power source for removably coupling with the electrical connection apparatus, wherein the electrical connection apparatus comprises:
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a connector block comprising at least one pin receiving portion defined by an inner wall within the connector block; at least one electrical connection contact comprising a first portion disposed within the at least one pin receiving portion, the first portion for receiving a pin, and a second portion disposed at an exterior to the connector block, wherein the first portion and the second portion integrally form the at least one electrical connection contact; and an insertion indicator comprising an indicator light operably coupled to an indicator switch, the indicator switch associated with the at least one pin receiving portion and comprises electrical conductors at the exterior of the connector block; and wherein the power source is removably associated with the connector block; wherein upon connecting the power source with the electrical conductors and incorrect insertion of the pin in the pin receiving portion, the indicator light assumes a first state, and upon connecting the power source with the electrical conductors and correct insertion of the pin in the pin receiving portion, the switch and couples the electrical conductors such that the connected power source delivers power to the indicator light to cause the indicator light to assume a second state different from the first state; and wherein upon removing the power source, the pin remains in the correct position. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. An electrical connection apparatus and an engaging tool for removably coupling with the electrical connection apparatus, wherein the electrical connection apparatus comprises:
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a connector block comprising at least one pin receiving portion defined by an inner wall within the connector block; at least one electrical connection contact comprising a first portion disposed within the at least one pin receiving portion, the first portion for receiving a pin, and a second portion disposed at an exterior of the connector block, wherein the first portion and the second portion integrally form the at least one electrical connection contact; and an indicator switch operably coupled to the pin receiving portion, wherein the indicator switch comprises electrical conductors extending to the exterior of the connector block; and wherein the engaging tool comprises; a power source; an insertion indicator comprising an indicator light coupled to the power source; and an engaging shaft for removably engaging with the connector block, wherein the engaging shaft is coupled to the power source and comprises an electrically conductive area for coupling to the electrical conductors of the indicator switch; wherein when the engaging tool is engaged with the electrical conductors at the exterior of the connector block and the pin has been correctly received in the pin receiving portion, the indicator switch couples the electrical conductors with the power source so that the indicator light is in a first state; and wherein the indicator light is in a second state different from the first state when the engaging tool is engaged with the connector block but prior to the pin being received in the pin receiving portion. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification