Retention assemblies for implantable electric stimulation systems and methods of making and using
First Claim
1. A connector assembly comprising:
- a lead or a lead extension with a proximal end and an outer covering, the lead or the lead extension comprising a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension;
a connector with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal length, the connector configured and arranged to receive the lead or the lead extension, the connector comprisinga connector housing defining a port at the distal end of the connector, the port configured and arranged for receiving the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension, anda plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing, the connector contacts configured and arranged to couple to at least one of the plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension anda retention assembly disposed in the connector, the retention assembly configured and arranged for removably securing the lead or the lead extension to the connector, the retention assembly comprising a threaded member disposed on either i) the connector or ii) the lead or the lead extension that is configured and arranged to mate with a threaded aperture defined in the other of i) the connector or ii) the lead or the lead extension.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A connector assembly includes a lead or a lead extension, a connector, and a retention assembly disposed in the connector. The connector includes a connector housing defining a port at a distal end of the connector, and a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The connector contacts are configured and arranged to couple to at least one terminal disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The retention assembly includes a retention mechanism that can be engaged and reversibly disengaged without the use of tools beyond conventional operating-room surgical instruments.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A connector assembly comprising:
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a lead or a lead extension with a proximal end and an outer covering, the lead or the lead extension comprising a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension; a connector with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal length, the connector configured and arranged to receive the lead or the lead extension, the connector comprising a connector housing defining a port at the distal end of the connector, the port configured and arranged for receiving the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension, and a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing, the connector contacts configured and arranged to couple to at least one of the plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension and a retention assembly disposed in the connector, the retention assembly configured and arranged for removably securing the lead or the lead extension to the connector, the retention assembly comprising a threaded member disposed on either i) the connector or ii) the lead or the lead extension that is configured and arranged to mate with a threaded aperture defined in the other of i) the connector or ii) the lead or the lead extension. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A connector assembly comprising:
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a lead or a lead extension with a proximal end and an outer covering the lead or the lead extension comprising a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension; and a connector with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal length, the connector configured and arranged to receive the lead or the lead extension, the connector comprising a connector housing defining a port at the distal end of the connector, the port configured and arranged for receiving the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension, a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing, the connector contacts configured and arranged to couple to at least one of the plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead, extension, and a retention assembly disposed in the connector, the retention assembly comprising at least one retention member, the retention assembly configured and arranged for removably securing the lead or the lead extension to the connector by bending or pivoting the at least one retention member to press against the lead or the lead extension. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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12. The connector assembly of 11, wherein the retention assembly comprises at least one catch and at least one locking member that pivots or slides to a locked position against the at least one catch and is configured and arranged for removably securing the lead or the lead extension to the connector by pressing against the lead or the lead extension when the lead or the lead extension is inserted into the connector housing and when the locking member is placed in a locked position against the at least one catch.
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13. The connector assembly of 12, wherein at least one of the at least one catch or the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of protrusions configured and arranged to press against the lead or the lead extension when the lead or the lead extension is inserted into the connector housing and when the locking member is placed in a locked position against the at least one catch.
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14. The connector assembly of 13, wherein the plurality of protrusions are configured and arranged to press against the outer covering of the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension distal to the plurality of terminals when the lead or the lead extension is inserted into the connector housing and when the locking member is placed in a locked position against the at least one catch.
Specification