Implantable connector

Abstract

An implantable connector electrically connects a multi-conductor lead (22) with a small-dimensioned implantable housing (102) of an implantable medical device, such as a cochlear stimulator. The implantable housing has electronic circuitry hermetically sealed therein. The implantable connector includes a header (10) formed along an edge of the implantable housing. The header has a cavity (11) formed therein with a first array of electrical contacts (12) embedded within a bottom surface of the cavity. The electrical contacts are electrically connected with the electronic circuitry through hermetic feedthrough terminals. The header further has a niche (15) and a channel (14) formed therein. A connector pad (20) is dimensioned to fit snugly within the cavity. A bottom surface of the connector pad has a second array of electrical contacts (21) formed therein. The second array of electrical contacts aligns with the first array of electrical contacts in the cavity when the pad is placed inside of the cavity. Electrical contact is established between the electrical contacts of the second array of electrical contacts and the electrical contacts of the first array when the connector pad is placed inside of the cavity. Each conductor within the multi-conductor lead (22) is electrically connected to at least one of the electrical contacts of the second array of electrical contacts. The lead (22) exits from the connector pad along one edge thereof so as to pass through the channel (14) formed within the header. A compressive spring (30) has a first end (33) secured within the niche (15) of the header (10), and has a second end locked to the header at the end of the header opposite the niche. The compressive spring (30) asserts a compressive force against the top surface of the connector pad as the connector pad is fitted within the cavity, thereby maintaining a secure electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the first and second arrays.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.