Patent ID: 7286882
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable electrical lead adapted for connection to a female connector of an implantable pulse generator or a female connector of an implantable lead extension, the female connector having a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along a bore having an opening, the plurality of electrical contacts including a distal most electrical contact closer to the opening of the bore than all of the other electrical contacts of the female connector, the lead comprising: a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion forming an inline male connector adapted for connection to the female connector; a plurality of electrodes on the distal end portion; a plurality of electrical contacts on the inline male connector, including a distal most electrical contact that is positioned distal of all other contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts, the distal most electrical contact having a conductive shoulder substantially facing in the proximal direction for contacting the distal most electrical contact of the female connector and registering the position of all of the plurality of electrical contacts of the inline male connector relative to the distal most electrical contact of the female connector, the plurality of electrical contacts of the inline male connector including, in addition to the distal most electrical contact, a plurality of contact rings each having an outer diameter, the distal most electrical contact of the inline male connector having a first portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the contact rings, and a second portion distal of the first portion and extending radially outwardly from the first portion to define the conductive shoulder; and conductive means for electrically communicating between the plurality of electrodes and the plurality of electrical contacts.