Medtronic, Inc.

Magnecomp Corporation

Arshad A Alfoqaha

Matthew David Bonner

Thomas A Anderson

Vladimir Grubac

Raymond W Usher

Peter Hahn

Shijin Mei

Kris A Peterson

Martin John McCaslin

Richard W Swenson

Douglas Dean Nippoldt

Douglas D Nippolt

Various fixation techniques for implantable medical device (IMDs) are described. In one example, an assembly comprises an IMD; and a set of active fixation tines attached to the IMD. The active fixation tines in the set are deployable from a spring-loaded position in which distal ends of the active fixation tines point away from the IMD to a hooked position in which the active fixation tines bend back towards the IMD. The active fixation tines are configured to secure the IMD to a patient tissue when deployed while the distal ends of the active fixation tines are positioned adjacent to the patient tissue.

Implantable medical device fixation

An assembly includes an implantable medical device (IMD) including a conductive housing, and a fixation element assembly attached to the IMD. The fixation element assembly includes a set of active fixation tines and an insulator to electrically isolate the set of active fixation tines from the conductive housing of the implantable medical device. The active fixation tines in the set are deployable from a spring-loaded position in which distal ends of the active fixation tines point away from the implantable medical device to a hooked position in which the active fixation tines bend back towards the implantable medical device. The active fixation tines are configured to secure the implantable medical device to a patient tissue when deployed while the distal ends of the active fixation tines are positioned adjacent to the patient tissue.

A sensor assembly, which may be incorporated by a medical electrical lead, includes an insulative body, formed from a biocompatible plastic, and a sensor mounted on a mounting surface of the insulative body. The mounting surface extends distally from a proximal portion of the insulative body in which first and second conductive inserts extend, being spaced apart and isolated from one another. The sensor is coupled to each of the first and second conductive inserts, and the first conductive insert includes a conductor-coupling end extending proximally from the proximal portion of the insulative body. The sensor assembly may further include an electrode extending around the sensor and the insulative body, wherein the electrode includes an aperture approximately aligned with an active surface of the sensor to expose the active surface. A mounting platform assembly for the sensor assembly may include the conductive inserts and the insulative body.

Sensor assemblies for implantable medical electrical leads

Shock performance and stiffness of hard disk drive lifters are enhanced by extending one or more portions of a load beam in a dimension normal to the load beam plane. A load beam in a high shock suspension system comprises a planar body having transverse members extending between longitudinal rails. One embodiment comprises a lifter integral to the load beam, extending distally, and comprising a rib having a conic cross section and a lifting tab having upward curving edges. Another embodiment comprises rails having edges bending upward at 90 degrees, separated by a first width at a proximal end of the body, and tapering to a second width at a distal end of the body. A narrow lifter having upward curving edges is displaced between the rails, and extends distally from the body. Stiffeners extend from the rails and connect to an intermediate point on the lifter. Another embodiment comprises the body having a transition portion tapering in a distal direction to form a narrow lifter, and a 90-degree rail bordering the body, transition portion, and lifter. Other embodiments comprise: the body slanting upward at an slight angle and a lifter extending distally from the body; a lifter slanting upward then downward to a position parallel with a load beam plane; transverse members having curved edges; and protrusions located on a border between the body and an intermediate portion that tapers to a lifter.

Hard disk drive suspension lifter with reinforcing features for high shock resistance

Techniques for reducing weight while maintaining sufficient stiffness of a suspension assembly in provided. The suspension assembly includes a surface having a proximal end and distal end. A length is defined between the proximal end and the distal end. At least one support member (such as an edge rail) is formed to provide stiffness. The support member is contoured. In a specific embodiment, a portion of at least one cutout is disposed in at least one support member, and extends from the horizontal portion of the load beam member vertically into the at least one support member.

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Eden Prairie, MN, United States of America

Arshad A Alfoqaha