Medtronic, Inc.

Medtronics, Inc.

Bryan J Zart

Andrew J Ries

Jay K Lahti

John E Nicholson

Brian R Burwick

Gregory A Theis

Alexander O Lakanu

John Matthew Swoyer

George Patras

Carole A Tronnes

Robert A Munoz

John D Longtin

David J DeSmet

Steven J Fischer

Greg A Theis

James Strom

Eric M Rieder

John C Mertz

Alexandra M Koch

Michael D Fletcher

Frank Gonzalez

Randal C Schulhauser

The disclosure describes an axial lead connector assembly for an implantable medical device (IMD). The lead connector assembly facilitates electrical connection between an implantable medical lead and circuitry contained within the housing of an IMD. A connector header defines an axial stack bore to receive an axial stack of in-line connector components. The connector components define a common lead bore to receive a proximal end of an implantable lead. The in-line stack of connector components may include seals, electrical connector elements, a strain relief, and a locking device, each of which defines a passage that forms part of the lead bore.

Axial lead connector for implantable medical device

Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to minimizing gaps between a substantially planar cardiac-sensing electrode and a shroud member utilizing a so-called interference-fit. For example, a relatively recessed area or aperture formed in an exemplary resin-based shroud member has slightly reduced dimensions relative to the electrode and requires compression forces during assembly (e.g., manually or in an automated process including a press, a tool or other means). The interference-fit promotes a very tight fit (or seal) between the metallic electrode and the resin-based shroud member and, importantly, minimizes gaps. Additionally, discrete interference structures promote fluid tight seals between the electrode and a recess or aperture adapted to receive the electrode.

Interference-fit shroud-based cardiac electrodes

Apparatus and method for fabricating a shroud member having extra-cardiac sensing electrode. The assembly is used to provide a subcutaneous cardiac activity sensing device via at least a pair of electrodes mechanically coupled to the shroud member. In one embodiment only a major surface portion of the electrodes are exposed to body fluid and tissue. One beneficial aspect of the fabrication techniques herein involve the encapsulation of the elongated conductors and a majority of the electrode surfaces thereby reducing possibility for electrical shorting among the IMD housing and the other conductive members. The assemblies provided can be fabricated efficiently, inexpensively, quickly and easily using insert-molding techniques.

Insert molded shroud for implantable plate-type electrodes

An axial lead connector assembly for an implantable medical device (IMD) facilitates electrical connection between an implantable medical lead and circuitry contained within the housing of an IMD. A connector header defines an axial stack bore to receive an axial stack of in-line connector components. The connector components define a common lead bore to receive a proximal end of an implantable lead. The in-line stack of connector components may include seals, electrical connector elements, a strain relief, and a locking device, each of which defines a passage that forms part of the lead bore.

Axial lead connector for implantable medical devices

A sectional interconnect ribbon for use in a connector assembly for an implantable medical device is formed of two ore more separately-formed sections which are mechanically joined together to form an integral assembly. The sectional interconnect ribbon, as well as at least one connection element, is embedded within the connector assembly.

Method for forming a connector assembly for use with an implantable medical device

A connector circuit assembly for use in an implantable medical device, and a method of making the assembly that includes a core portion formed of a thermoplastic material using either an injection molding process or a machining process. This core portion is adapted to be fitted with at least one electrically-conductive circuit component such as a connector member, a set-screw block, or a conductive jumper member. In one embodiment of the invention, the core portion includes multiple receptacles or other spaces that are adapted to be loaded with the various circuit components. The core assembly is positioned into a second-shot mold assembly, and a second thermoplastic material is injected into the mold so that the second thermoplastic material extends over and adheres to the core portion and the circuit component.

Connector assembly for an implantable medical device and process for making

A connector assembly for coupling to an implantable medical device includes a core element formed of a first thermoplastic material shaped to receive a connector member for receiving a lead. The connector assembly further includes a circuit member positioned adjacent to the core element. The circuit member includes a portion extending along the core element to the connector member and an antenna structure extending over a portion of the core element outer surface.

An implantable medical device of the type formed of a hermetically sealed enclosure attached on a enclosure attachment surface thereof to a module attachment surface of a pre-formed header module is disclosed. The pre-formed header module is attached to the enclosure attachment surface through use of a retention structure extending away from the enclosure surface into proximity with a portion of the pre-formed header module when the enclosure and module attachment surfaces are aligned with respect to one another. The retention structure comprises a bendable member that is bent from an initial position allowing the pre-formed header module to be seated with respect to the hermetically sealed enclosure to a retention position making an attachment against a bend engaging portion of the pre-formed header module. The bendable member is the free end portion of an attachment tab having a tab base attached at a predetermined location of the hermetically sealed enclosure such that the upstanding attachment tab extends in a predetermined direction away from the enclosure surface and the free end of the attachment tab is bendable laterally with respect to the predetermined direction against the bend engaging portion. Adhesive is then applied to the retention mechanism and the space between the enclosure attachment surface and the module attachment surface.

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Shakopee, MN, United States of America

Bryan J Zart