Patent ID: 6038479
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: A61N,H01R,Y10S

Abstract:
An external medical lead adaptor for establishing a rapid electrical connection between an external medical device connector assembly and a proximal lead connector end assembly of an implantable cardiac lead having an elongated implantable lead body extending from the lead connector end assembly toward a distal cardiac lead end, the implantable lead body containing first and second spaced apart implantable lead conductors coupled to first and second spaced apart bipolar in-line proximal lead connector elements of the lead connector end assembly and having a lumen disposed therein for receiving a stylet wire through a lumen end opening, said stylet wire, when received in said lumen, extending proximally from said lumen end opening of said lead connector end assembly such that said stylet wire may be manipulated, said medical lead adaptor comprising:external means for conducting electricity comprising at least first and second external electrical conductors, each conductor extending between a first external conductor end and a second external conductor end, the second external conductor end including an external connector element for establishing electrical contact with said external medical device connector assembly; andan adaptor connector assembly coupled to said external conductor means for receiving said lead connector end assembly and for establishing electrical contact between said first and second implantable lead conductors and said first and second external electrical conductors, respectively, said adaptor connector assembly further comprising:means for receiving lead connector elements defining an elongated receptacle shaped to conformably receive said first and second lead connector elements of said lead connector end assembly when inserted therein;first and second receptacle in-line contacts positioned along said elongated receptacle for establishing electrical contact with said first and second lead connector elements, respectively;means for electrically connecting each of said first and second receptacle contacts with said first external conductor end of said first and second external conductors, respectively, said adaptor connector assembly further comprising:a planar housing of flexible insulating material having said elongated receptacle disposed along a housing surface thereof with said first and second receptacle contacts spaced apart between proximal and distal ends of said housing surface, wherein:said first and second receptacle contacts each comprise a conductive material and are dimensioned and shaped to engage the first and second lead connector elements to inhibit them from moving laterally when the elements are positioned in said elongated receptacle in a locked position; andsaid external medical lead adaptor further comprising a locking mechanism comprising first and second force beams for applying force against said lead connector elements.