Patent ID: 7630768

Claim:
A header assembly for connecting an implantable medical device to at least one conductor lead terminating within a patient intended to be assisted by the medical device comprising a housing containing control circuitry, at least one electrical energy storage device, and at least one feedthrough wire extending from the control circuitry and through a wall of the housing, the header assembly comprising: a) an insulative body that is mountable on the housing of the medical device; and b) at least one conductor subassembly comprising: i) a terminal supported by the insulative body, wherein the terminal is directly connectable to the at least one conductor lead; ii) an intermediate conductor comprising a distal conductor end connected to the terminal, and a proximal conductor end; and iii) a connector comprising an outer surface, a distal connector end including a distal connector bore, a proximal connector end including a proximal connector bore, a central connector region that prevents communication between the distal and proximal connector bores, and a through hole extending from the outer surface into the proximal connector bore, wherein the distal end of the connector is supported by the insulative body, the proximal end of the intermediate conductor is disposed within the distal connector bore, and the proximal connector bore is connectable to the at least one feedthrough wire of the implantable medical device.