Lead retention and sealing system

Abstract

A lead retention and sealing system for an implantable medical device comprises a lead receiving channel with an open end for slidably receiving a connecting end of an electrical lead and a closed end not open to an inner sealed portion of the medical device. The connecting end of the lead does not break the seal of the medical device. The receiving channel includes an electrical contact electrically connected with circuitry hermetically sealed within the medical device for mating contact with a respective portion of the lead when moved to a connecting position. A flexible seal mounted in the receiving channel sealingly engages the outer peripheral surface of the lead and retains the lead at the connecting position. It is so shaped that insertion of the lead into the receiving channel requires less force than its removal from the channel and includes an annular ring member extending toward the longitudinal axis of the channel from an outer annular base to an inner annular lip for initial engagement with the electrical lead as the lead is moved toward the connecting position. The inner annular lip is closer to the closed end of the receiving channel than the outer annular base. The flexible seal preferably lies in a plane of revolution angled approximately 45.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the channel. The inner annular lip is juxtaposed with the annular tip end of a ring seal on the lead and upon attempted withdrawal of the lead opposes such withdrawal.