Patent ID: 7035689

Claim:
A connector system for use with a sealed implantable medical device having a lead receiving channel for slidably receiving a connecting lead tip pin of an electrical lead, the lead receiving channel having an open end for receiving the lead tip pin, the connector system comprising: an electrically conductive connector body on the medical device extending between proximal and distal ends and defining the lead receiving channel; and a tip assembly connected to the connector body and configured for slidably and engageably receiving the lead tip pin, the tip assembly comprising an electrically conductive retention mechanism for achieving and maintaining electrical continuity with the lead tip pin, wherein at least a portion of the retention mechanism is configured to be displaced during insertion of the lead tip pin into the lead receiving channel to engage the lead tip pin, and wherein at least a portion of the retention mechanism is configured to be displaced during removal of the lead tip pin from the lead receiving channel so as to increase engagement of the lead tip pin; wherein the retention mechanism comprises: a tubular carrier coaxial with the connector body; a plurality of bearing members rotatably mounted on the tubular carrier engageable with the lead tip pin; and a resilient member biasing the bearing members into engagement with the lead tip pin.