Connector assemblies for receiving implantable medical leads

• US 9,919,145 B2
• Filed: 03/15/2016
• Issued: 03/20/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Bondhus, Spencer M., Wells, Patrick D.
• Primary Examiner(s): GETZOW, SCOTT M
• Application Number:
  US15/070,808
• Publication Number:
  US 20160193458A1
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0558 Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/58 Contacts spaced along longitudinal axis of engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/003 the coupling part being secured only to wires or cables

Abstract

Connector assemblies that are separate from medical lead extensions provide features such as bores for receiving both a medical lead and a medical lead extension and provide electrical connections between connectors of the leads and connectors of the lead extensions. Connector assemblies may include additional features such as contours and wings that reduce subcutaneous erosion. Connector assemblies may also include retention structures such as movable clips that are moved into engagement with leads and lead extensions to retain them within the connector assembly. Integrated lead extension connectors may also include contours and wings as well as retention structures including movable clips.

Claims

1. An implantable lead extension for receiving an implantable medical lead, comprising:

an elongated insulative body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a plurality of electrical connectors on the proximal end;

a plurality of filars present within the elongated body and being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors;

an extension connector assembly permanently attached to the distal end of the elongated body, the extension connector assembly comprising;

a body housing a first bore; and

a spring loaded retention structure within the first bore, the spring loaded retention structure comprising a contact arm, a spring, and a lock arm, wherein the contact arm extends laterally across the first bore and is connected to a hinge point of the extension connector assembly such that movement of the contact arm releases the spring from a compressed state, the lock arm being mechanically coupled to the spring such that when the spring is released from the compressed state, the lock arm moves laterally into the first bore.

2. An implantable lead extension for receiving an implantable medical lead, comprising:

an elongated insulative body having a proximal end and a distal end;

a plurality of electrical connectors on the proximal end;

a plurality of filars present within the elongated body and being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors;

an extension connector assembly permanently attached to the distal end of the elongated body, the extension connector assembly comprising;

a body housing a first bore and a groove perpendicular to the first bore, the groove housing a movable clip, the movable clip having a springable end such that movement of the clip moves the springable end into and out of alignment with the first bore; and

a plurality of electrical connectors within the first bore, the plurality of filars being electrically connected to corresponding electrical connectors within the first bore, wherein the body houses a second bore with an external opening, the body including a plurality of insulative spacers having apertures that are aligned adjacently to define the first bore and the second bore;

each electrical connector of the plurality of electrical connectors of the first bore being separated from an adjacent electrical connector of the plurality electrical connectors of the first bore by an insulative spacer of the plurality of insulative spacers;

a second plurality of electrical connectors further defining the second bore, the electrical connectors of the first plurality being paired and electrically coupled to corresponding electrical connectors of the second bore, wherein the electrical connectors of the first bore are at a pitch different than the electrical connectors of the second bore.