Patent ID: 7769458

Claim:
A connector assembly for detachably connecting a lead to an implantable medical device, comprising: a first deflectable connector clip including a first arm, a second arm, and a top portion extending between the first arm and the second arm; a housing having a first member and a second member, the first member having a first outer surface forming an annular shelf and the second member having a second outer surface and a cylindrical rim extending outward along and perpendicular to an outer edge of the second outer surface, the annular shelf of the first member formed to receive the cylindrical rim to be fixedly engaged with the second member to retain the first connector clip within the housing, the engaged first member and the second member forming an aperture for receiving the lead; a first inner surface of the first member extending from the aperture to the first outer surface and a second inner surface of the second member extending from the aperture to the second outer surface; a first deflection portion extending outward from at least one of the first inner surface and the second inner surface along the top portion of the first deflectable clip; and a second deflection portion extending outward from the at least one of the first inner surface and the second inner surface to be positioned between the first arm and the second arm, the second deflection portion deflecting the connector clip, prior to insertion of the lead between the first arm and the second arm, from a first position corresponding to a first distance between the first arm and the second arm, to a second position corresponding to a second distance between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.