High reliability wire welding for implantable devices
AssigneeAlfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
InventorSiegmar Schmidt
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Abstract
Methods of making an implantable pulse generator are disclosed herein. The implantable pulse generator can include a body defining an internal volume and a plurality of wires extending from out of the internal volume of the body. Some of these wires can be connected, either directly or indirectly to a lead via a welded joint. The welded joint can be created by first resistance welding and then laser welding some of the wires to a connector.
Claims32
A method of connecting leads to an implantable pulse generator, wherein the implantable pulse generator comprises:
- a biocompatible housing;
- a plurality of biocompatible wires extending from the biocompatible housing, wherein each of the biocompatible wires comprises a longitudinal axis;
- and a feedthrough, wherein the feedthrough and the biocompatible housing together define a sealed volume, and wherein the biocompatible wires extend through the feedthrough;
- positioning one of the biocompatible wires and a connecting piece such that the one of the biocompatible wires and the connecting piece contact;
- resistance welding one of the biocompatible wires and the connecting piece together;
- and
- energy beam welding the one of the biocompatible wires and the connecting piece together.
An implantable pulse generator comprising:
- a biocompatible housing;
- a plurality of biocompatible wires extending from the biocompatible housing, wherein each of the biocompatible wires comprises a longitudinal axis;
- a feedthrough, wherein the feedthrough and the biocompatible housing together define a sealed volume, and wherein the biocompatible wires extend through the feedthrough;
- and a conductive connecting piece welded to one of the biocompatible wires, wherein the conductive connecting piece is joined to one of the biocompatible wires at a joint via a first weld and a second weld, wherein the second weld is offset from the longitudinal axis of the one of the biocompatible wire or at the end of the biocompatible wire.
A method of connecting leads to an implantable pulse generator, wherein the implantable pulse generator comprises:
- a biocompatible housing;
- an array of biocompatible wires extending from the biocompatible housing, wherein each of the biocompatible wires comprises a longitudinal axis;
- and a feedthrough, wherein the feedthrough and the biocompatible housing together define a sealed volume, and wherein the biocompatible wires extend through the feedthrough;
- resistance welding each of the biocompatible wires of the array of biocompatible wires to a connecting piece;
- and
- energy beam welding each of the biocompatible wires of the array of biocompatible wires to a connecting piece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.