IPG Connector Headers for Implantable Medical Devices

Abstract

IPG connector headers for implantable medical devices are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, an IPG connector header having a header bore for receiving and making electrical connection to a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device comprises a non-conductive header base and a plurality of electrically conductive header connector elements disposed within the header base. A plurality of electrically insulative fluid seals are interposed between the header connector elements. Each fluid seal has a fluid seal bore and is formed from an elastomeric material and an additive. The additive is formulated to reduce the frictional forces required to insert the lead connector assembly through the fluid seal bores of the fluid seals.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an IMD comprising a pair of implantable medical leads and an IPG formed of an IPG housing and an IPG header in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a IPG connector stack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a fluid seal of the IPG connector stack of FIG. 2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid seal of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for assembling an IPG header in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. An IPG connector header having a header bore for receiving and making electrical connection to a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device, the IPG connector header comprising: a non-conductive header base;a plurality of electrically conductive header connector elements disposed within the header base;a plurality of electrically insulative fluid seals interposed between the header connector elements, wherein each fluid seal has a fluid seal bore and is formed from an elastomeric material and an additive, and wherein the additive being formulated to reduce the frictional forces required to insert the lead connector assembly through the fluid seal bores of the fluid seals.

2. The IPG connector header of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material comprises one selected from the group consisting of silicone, enhanced tear resistant silicone, and polyurethane.

3. The IPG connector header of claim 1, wherein the additive and the elastomeric material comprise a mixture having a durometer in the range of about 30 to about 60 Shore A.

4. The IPG connector header of claim 3, wherein the mixture has a durometer in the range of about 35 to 50 Shore A.

5. The IPG connector header of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises titanium dioxide.

6. The IPG connector header of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises barium sulfate.

7. An IPG connector header of an IPG having an IPG housing comprising electronic circuitry, wherein the IPG connector header has a header bore for receiving and making connection to a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device comprising a plurality of lead connector elements arranged in-line and separated by lead insulator elements, wherein the IPG connector header comprises: a non-conductive header base;a plurality of electrically conductive header connector elements disposed on the header base, each having a connector element bore sized to receive and make electrical contact with one of the plurality of lead connector elements; anda plurality of electrically insulating, flexible fluid seals, each having a seal bore sized to receive a lead insulator element, wherein each of the plurality of fluid seals comprises a mixture of an elastomeric material and an additive, and wherein the mixture has a durometer in the range of about 30 to 60 Shore A.

8. The IPG connector header of claim 7, wherein the mixture has a durometer in the range of about 35 to 50 Shore A.

9. The IPG connector header of claim 7, wherein the additive being titanium dioxide.

10. The IPG connector header of claim 9, wherein the additive being present in an amount no greater than about 2.5% by weight in relation to the elastomeric material.

11. The IPG connector header of claim 7, wherein the additive being barium sulfate.

12. The IPG connector header of claim 11, wherein the additive being present in an amount no greater than about 15% by weight in relation to the elastomeric material.

13. The IPG connector header of claim 7, wherein the elastomeric material comprises silicone, enhanced tear resistant silicone, or polyurethane.

14. A fluid seal having a bore for receiving a lead connector assembly of an implantable medical device and for insulating conductive connectors that electrically communicate with the lead connector assembly, wherein the fluid seal comprises: an annular portion having an inside annular wall forming the bore;at least one annular ring disposed on the inside annular wall of the annular portion and extending into the bore from the inside annular wall; andinterlocking means for interlocking with at least one conductive connector, wherein the fluid seal comprises an elastomeric material and an additive, and wherein the additive serves to reduce the frictional forces required to insert the lead connector assembly past the elastomeric material and through the bore.

15. The fluid seal of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric material comprises one selected from the group consisting of silicone, enhanced tear resistant silicone, and polyurethane.

16. The fluid seal of claim 14, wherein the additive and the elastomeric material comprise a mixture having a durometer in the range of about 30 to about 60 Shore A.

17. The fluid seal of claim 16, wherein the mixture has a durometer in the range of about 35 to 50 Shore A.

18. The fluid seal of claim 14, wherein the additive comprises titanium dioxide.

19. The fluid seal of claim 18, wherein the additive being present in an amount no greater than about 2.5% by weight in relation to the elastomeric material.

20. The fluid seal of claim 19, wherein the additive comprises barium sulfate.