Patent ID: 6321126
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: A61N,Y10S

Abstract:
An implantable medical device comprising:a small-dimensioned implantable housing (102);electronic circuitry hermetically sealed inside the implantable housing;a header (10) attached along an edge of the implantable housing, the header having a cavity (11) formed therein with a first array of electrical contacts (12) formed within the header on a bottom surface of the cavity, the electrical contacts (12) being electrically connected with the electronic circuitry, the header having a niche (15) and a channel (14) formed therein;a connector pad (20) inserted to fit snugly within the cavity, a bottom surface of the connector pad having a second array of electrical contacts (21) formed therein, wherein the second array of electrical contacts align with the array of electrical contacts (12) in the cavity (11) when the pad (20) is placed inside of the cavity (11), whereby the electrical contacts of the pad (20) touch and make electrical contact with the electrical contacts of the cavity (11) when the connector pad (20) is placed inside of the cavity (11);a multi-conductor lead (22) having a multiplicity of conductors wherein each conductor within the multi-conductor lead (22) is electrically connected to at least one of the electrical contacts of the second array of electrical contacts, and further wherein the lead (22) exits from the connector pad (20) along one edge thereof so as to pass through the channel (14) formed within the header (10);a compressive spring (30) having a first end (33) secured within the niche (15) of the header (10) and having a second end that is attachable to the header at an end of the header opposite the niche, wherein the compressive spring (30), when the second end of the spring is attached to the header, asserts a compressive force against a top surface of the connector pad as the connector pad is fitted within the cavity to maintain a secure electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the first and second arrays of electrical contacts.