Patent ID: 8442658

Claim:
An implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead comprising: an electrode on a distal portion of the lead; a cable conductor extending proximally through the lead from the electrode, the cable conductor having a conductive core and an insulation jacket; and a crimp connector coupling a distal end of the cable conductor to the electrode, the crimp connector comprising: a body having a tubular wall with an outer tubular surface, an inner tubular surface, a proximal end, and a distal end; a cavity; and at least one splice opening disposed at the tubular wall and having a sharp edge at its intersection with the inner tubular surface, the sharp edge being flush with the inner tubular surface; wherein the inner tubular surface defines the cavity, the proximal and distal ends respectively define proximal and distal openings leading to the cavity, wherein the at least one splice opening extends from the outer tubular surface to the inner tubular surface and is oriented generally transverse to an axis extending between the proximal and distal openings, and wherein the sharp edge is oriented generally transverse to the axis extending between the proximal and distal openings; and wherein, in a post-crimp position, opposite ends of the inner tubular surface contact the insulation jacket and the sharp edge penetrates the insulation jacket generally transversely to a longitudinal axis of the insulation jacket and contacts the conductive core to provide electrical communication between the crimp connector and the cable conductor.