Patent ID: 7231253
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable medical device having a connector header adapted to be coupled through the use of a tool to an electrical lead connector element of an elongated electrical medical lead, wherein: the connector header is formed of a header body, having at least one header connector bore, a header grommet aperture having a grommet aperture sidewall, and a retention groove extending into the header body spaced away from and substantially surrounding the header grommet aperture sidewall; a connector block is disposed within the connector header, the connector block having a threaded bore aligned with the header grommet aperture and a connector block bore aligned with the header connector bore adapted to receive a lead connector element when a proximal connector assembly of the elongated electrical medical lead is received in the header connector bore; a setscrew is threaded into the threaded bore, the set screw having a setscrew socket disposed to be engaged by the tool to enable rotation of the setscrew within the threaded bore to tighten the setscrew against or to loosen the setscrew from a lead connector element received in the header connector bore; a penetrable grommet is disposed within the header grommet aperture, the penetrable grommet comprising a generally cylindrical elastomer body having a grommet central axis and including a self-sealing passage extending between opposed inner and outer end walls enabling passage of the tool therethrough into the setscrew socket for rotating the setscrew and sealing of the passage upon withdrawal of the tool; and a retainer cap having a central cap opening aligned with the grommet central axis that the tool can be passed through is disposed against an annular portion of the outer end wall, and a retainer cap sidewall is fitted into the retention groove to entrap the penetrable grommet within the grommet aperture.