Patent ID: 7299095
Filing Date: 2007-11-20
Classification: A61N,H01R

Abstract:
1. An electrical contact assembly for an implantable medical device, the electrical contact assembly comprising: a garter spring having an inner diameter, the garter spring being a coiled spring; and a garter spring retainer comprising a tubular wall receiving said garter spring, the tubular wall having an inner cylindrical surface defining a retainer opening adapted to receive an electrical contact of an implantable lead, said tubular wall further including an outer cylindrical surface having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the garter spring in the relaxed state of the spring, the garter spring being thereby extended and preloaded when the garter spring is in place on the outer cylindrical surface of the tubular wall, the tubular wall further having at least one aperture through which a corresponding section of the garter spring projects inwardly into the retainer opening for engaging the electrical contact of the implantable lead received therein.