Patent ID: 6029089
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A61N,Y10S

Abstract:
A lead retention and sealing system for an implantable medical device for receiving an electrical lead, the lead retention and sealing system comprising:lead receiving means for slidably receiving a connecting end of the electrical lead having an outer peripheral surface, the lead receiving means defining a receiving channel within the medical device, the receiving channel having a longitudinal axis and an open end for receiving the electrical lead, and a closed end that is not open to an inner sealed portion of the medical device, the connecting end of the electrical lead being slidably received within the receiving channel without breaking into the sealed portion of the medical device, the receiving channel including at least one electrical contact being electrically connected with circuitry hermetically sealed within the medical device for mating contact with a respective portion of the electrical lead when moved to a connecting position; andflexible seal means in the receiving channel positioned to sealingly engage the outer peripheral surface of the electrical lead and for retaining the electrical lead at the connecting position, the seal means having an undercut region to enable deflection of the flexible seal means such that insertion of the electrical lead into the receiving channel requires less force than removal of the electrical lead therefrom.