Patent ID: 6968235

Claim:
An improved coupling for an implantable medical device, comprising: a header module having at least one non-standard port; a low profile connector having an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the port and adapted to frictionally seat within said non-standard port; a protective sleeve member adapted to couple the low profile connector to the non-standard port; wherein the non-standard port has an axial passageway coupling opposing sides of the header module and said axial passageway comprises a low profile connector-receiving portion aligned with a pull-tool receiving portion and wherein the low profile connector-receiving portion has a smaller inner diameter than a standard IS-1 port or a standard DF-1 port; and an operable microchip-based communication circuit coupled to the protective sleeve member and wherein the operable microchip-based communication circuit receives operational energy from a remote source of power and said remote source of power is at least a one of the following: an ultrasonic power source, an optical power source, an electromagnetic power source, a power source of an implantable medical device, and a power source coupled to a conductor of a medical electrical lead.