Patent ID: 8301255

Claim:
A connector assembly comprising: a lead or a lead extension with a proximal end, the lead or the lead extension comprising a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension, an annular groove disposed along the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension, the annular groove having a diameter; a flange disposed along the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension, the flange having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the annular groove, wherein the flange is disposed along the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension proximal to the annular groove; and a connector with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal length, the connector configured and arranged to receive the lead or the lead extension, the connector comprising a connector housing defining a port at the distal end of the connector, the port configured and arranged for receiving the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension, a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing, the connector contacts configured and arranged to couple to at least one of the plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension, and a retention assembly configured and arranged for removably securing the lead or the lead extension to the connector, the retention assembly comprising a coupling member disposed on the connector, the coupling member configured and arranged to couple with the annular groove disposed in the lead or the lead extension.