Multiaxial connector for implantable devices

• US 9,583,874 B2
• Filed: 10/06/2015
• Issued: 02/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TC1 LLC (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Thoratec LLC
• Inventors: MacDonell, Andrew, Kramer, Scott, Kilavos, Thomas George, Franco, Fabian Frigon, Eldridge, David, Stark, Joseph C. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Bertram, Eric D.
• Application Number:
  US14/876,554
• Publication Number:
  US 20160181730A1
• Time in Patent Office: 511 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/04 implanted
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8243 by induction
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 60/148 in line with a blood vessel using resection or like techniques, e.g. permanent endovascular heart assist devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 60/178 drawing blood from a ventricle and returning the blood to the arterial system via a cannula external to the ventricle, e.g. left or right ventricular assist devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 60/873 specially adapted for wireless or transcutaneous energy transfer [TET], e.g. inductive charging
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 60/878 Electrical connections within the patient's body
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 38/14 Inductive couplings for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling H02J50/10
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/03 characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/521 Sealing between contact members and housing, e.g. sealing insert
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5224 for medical use
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/629 Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances separate tools or apparatus H01R43/26
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/639 Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2105/00 Three poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/12 for medicine and surgery
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/302 having means for preventing loosening of screw or nut, e.g. vibration-proof connection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling

Abstract

Disclosed are systems for wireless energy transfer including transcutaneous energy transfer. Embodiments are disclosed for electrical connections between an implanted wireless receiver and an implanted medical device powered by the receiver. Methods for manufacturing and using the devices and system are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A multiaxial connector for connecting a first implanted device to a second implanted device, comprising:

a female driveline cable-side connector, including;

a lumen;

a platinum iridium tuning fork-shaped connector disposed in the lumen;

an o-ring surrounding an interior wall of the lumen;

a first cantilevered tactile feedback element;

a male device-side connector, including;

a platinum iridium electrical pin configured to be inserted into the platinum iridium tuning fork-shaped connector to make an electrical connection therebetween;

a ceramic sheath covering a portion of the platinum iridium electrical pin, the ceramic sheath configured to provide electrical isolation for the platinum iridium electrical pin, the ceramic sheath further being configured to engage the o-ring to prevent fluid from interrupting the electrical connection;

a second cantilevered tactile feedback element configured to engage the first cantilevered tactile feedback element so as to provide a user with a tactile response when the electrical connection is made;

a locking mechanism configured to secure the female driveline cable-side connector to the male device-side connector.

2. The multiaxial connector of claim 1, wherein the first implanted device comprises a LVAD pump.

3. The multiaxial connector of claim 1, wherein the second implanted device comprises a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power.

4. The multiaxial connector of claim 1, wherein the male device-side connector further comprises a pump boss configured to provide an environmentally sealed housing for the platinum iridium electrical pin.