Invented by Steven T. Deininger, Michael J. Baade, Rajesh V. Iyer, Medtronic Inc

The market for implantable medical devices and related connector enclosure assemblies using conductors electrically coupled to feedthroughs is experiencing significant growth due to advancements in technology and an increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures. These devices play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from various medical conditions. Implantable medical devices are designed to be placed inside the body to monitor, diagnose, and treat a wide range of health issues. They can be used for cardiac rhythm management, neurostimulation, drug delivery, and many other applications. These devices require a reliable and secure connection to external systems for data transfer, power supply, and communication purposes. This is where connector enclosure assemblies using conductors electrically coupled to feedthroughs come into play. A feedthrough is a hermetically sealed component that allows electrical signals to pass through the enclosure wall without compromising the integrity of the internal environment. It acts as a barrier against moisture, bacteria, and other contaminants, ensuring the safety and functionality of the implantable device. The conductors, on the other hand, provide the necessary electrical pathways for the transmission of signals between the device and external systems. The market for these implantable medical devices and related connector enclosure assemblies is being driven by several factors. Firstly, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, and diabetes is creating a higher demand for implantable devices that can provide continuous monitoring and treatment. These devices help in early detection of complications, timely intervention, and personalized therapy, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Secondly, technological advancements in materials, miniaturization, and wireless communication have enabled the development of smaller, more efficient, and user-friendly implantable devices. These advancements have also led to the development of connector enclosure assemblies that can withstand the harsh physiological environment inside the body while maintaining a reliable and secure connection with external systems. Furthermore, the growing geriatric population, coupled with the increasing adoption of minimally invasive procedures, is fueling the demand for implantable medical devices. Minimally invasive procedures offer several advantages over traditional surgical interventions, such as reduced trauma, shorter recovery time, and lower risk of complications. Implantable devices play a crucial role in these procedures by providing real-time feedback, precise control, and targeted therapy. In terms of geographical distribution, North America dominates the market for implantable medical devices and related connector enclosure assemblies. The region is home to several key players in the medical device industry, and it has a well-established healthcare infrastructure that supports the adoption of advanced technologies. Europe and Asia Pacific are also witnessing significant growth due to the rising healthcare expenditure, increasing awareness about the benefits of implantable devices, and the presence of a large patient pool. However, the market for implantable medical devices and related connector enclosure assemblies is not without challenges. Stringent regulatory requirements, high development costs, and concerns regarding patient privacy and data security are some of the factors that can hinder market growth. Additionally, the limited reimbursement coverage for certain implantable devices and the lack of skilled healthcare professionals proficient in handling these devices can pose challenges to market expansion. In conclusion, the market for implantable medical devices and related connector enclosure assemblies using conductors electrically coupled to feedthroughs is witnessing significant growth due to advancements in technology, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the adoption of minimally invasive procedures. These devices have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing personalized, real-time monitoring and treatment options. However, overcoming regulatory challenges and addressing concerns regarding patient privacy and data security will be crucial for the sustained growth of this market.

The Medtronic Inc invention works as follows

Implantable Medical Devices” include connector enclosure assemblies which use conductors electrically connected to feedthrough pins. These extend into the can, where the electrical circuitry is located. Electrically conductive adhesives can be used to bond the conductors to feedthrough pins, capacitor plates and filter capacitors in a single manufacturing event. A ground pin may be included in the base plate of a connector enclosure assembly. At the ground aperture where the ground conductor passes through the filter capacitor, ground capacitor plates can be used to couple the ground pin with the ground capacitor plate. The connector enclosure assembly may include a protective cover to protect the conductors that are intended to extend through the can before the assembly is joined to the can. The conductors can be attached to an overlapping tab which is then removed.

Background for Implantable Medical Devices and Related Connector Enclosure Assemblies Using Conductors Electrically Coupled to Feedthrough Pins

Implantable Medical Devices” include, in a conventional way, a connector enclosure that mates with medical lead contacts. They also include a can which houses the electrical circuitry. A top plate covers the can, and feedthrough pins are exposed. The connector enclosure is positioned on top of the top plate, and it receives the pins. These pins are connected to lead frame conductors which interconnect them to the electrical connectors. The feedthrough assembly becomes a part the can assembly during manufacture, and the connector is added to finish the device. This is usually done by creating electrical connections for connector assembly, and then using polymer to form the enclosure over these connections.

Within the container of the conventional medical device, feedthrough pins are passed through and bonded to a capacitor that provides capacitive coupling for the can. This filtering out unwanted electromagnetic interference from entering the device. The feedthrough contacts, including the pin for establishing a grounding for the electrical circuitry in the can, would be laser-welded with the feedthrough pins. “A flexible circuit portion connects the feedthrough contacts to the circuit board which contains the electrical circuitry for the device.

This conventional approach is less appealing as the device designs get smaller. The space needed to attach the feedthrough contacts to the filter capacitor, and then to the underlying feedthrough contacts, limits the amount of minimization in the area where the feedthrough connections are located within the can. These feedthrough manufacturing operations also require valuable resources and time. Even the flexible circuit can be a costly investment in terms of space and resources.

Embodiments provide various features to connect the feedthrough pins with the electrical circuitry in the can. In one or several embodiments, feedthrough pins and a filter capacitor can be included in a connector assembly that will later be mounted on the can. The embodiments can provide an interconnection between a feedthrough, a capacitor and a conductor that extends into the can using an electrically-conductive bonding material, such as solder, in a single manufacturing event. Embodiments can include features like ground pins integrated into a baseplate of the connector enclosure assembly. Embodiments can include features like a support body which partially contains the conductor that is intended to extend in the can. Embodiments can include features like an internal ground plate in the filter capacitor which establishes a connection to the ground pin. Embodiments can include features like a protective body attached to the connector assembly assembly prior to attaching the assembly to the can. This protects and encloses the conductor intended to extend inside the can. Embodiments can provide conductors that are attached to a tab which is removed later during assembly.

Embodiments” provide an implantable device with a connector enclosure that includes a baseplate having an aperture. The connector enclosure houses at least one electrical plug. The base plate is attached to a can, which houses electrical circuitry. The base plate is coupled with a filter capacitor, which has an aperture, capacitor forming plates, including a groundplate, and electrically connects the can to the groundplate. Electrically connected to the electrical connector in the connector enclosure is a feedthrough pin that extends through the aperture of the base plate. The feedthrough pin also exists in proximity to the aperture within the filter capacitor. A conductor is electrically connected to the circuitry by a conductor with a second end that extends into the can. “An electrically-conductive bonding substance is present in the aperture of the filters capacitor, creating an electrically-conductive bond between the conductor, feedthrough pin and at least one capacitor forming plate other than the ground.

The method also involves a filter capacitor coupled to the base plate, with an aperture and capacitor forming plates. The method also involves coupling a filter capacitance to the baseplate, with the capacitor forming plate having an aperture; providing a pin feedthrough electrically connected to the electrical connector in the connector enclosure; and providing conductors with a first and second end, respectively, extending from the aperture of the filter captioun. The method also involves creating an electrically conductive connection between the conductor and the feedthrough plate, as well as at least one capacitor forming plate.

Embodiments” provide an implantable device with a connector enclosure that includes a baseplate having an aperture and a ground pin integral, the connector housing at least one connector. The base plate is attached to a can that houses electrical circuitry. The base plate is coupled with a filter capacitor, which has an aperture, capacitor forming plates, including a grounded plate. The ground plate is electrically connected to the ground pin on the baseplate. Electrically connected to the connector enclosure is a feedthrough pin that extends through the aperture of the base plate. The feedthrough pin also connects to another filter capacitor than the ground plate. The first conductor is electrically connected to the feedthrough plate and the filter cap other than the groundplate. Its second end extends into the can, and it is electrically connected to the electrical circuitry. “A ground conductor is electrically connected to the integral ground plate and has a second, extending end into the can. It is electrically connected to the electrical circuitry.

Embodiments” provide an implantable device with a connector enclosure that includes a baseplate having an aperture. The connector enclosure houses at least one electrical plug. The base plate is attached to a can, which houses electrical circuitry. The base plate is coupled with a filter capacitor, which has an aperture, capacitor forming plates, including a grounded plate. The ground plate is electrically connected to the can. Electrically connected to the electrical connector in the connector enclosure is a feedthrough pin that extends through the aperture of the base plate. The feedthrough pin also electrically couples to at least one capacitor. The coupling of a support body to the baseplate has a conductor that passes through the support. This conductor has two ends, one on the support on the one side, and the other on the other side.

Embodiments” provide an implantable device with a connector enclosure that has a baseplate with an aperture and ground pin. The connector enclosure houses at least one electrical plug. The base plate is attached to a can that houses electrical circuitry. The base plate is coupled with a filter capacitor, which has a ground aperture, and capacitor forming plates, including a grounded plate. Electrically connected to the connector enclosure is a feedthrough pin that extends through the aperture of the base plate. The feedthrough pin also electrically connects to a filter capacitance other than the groundplate. First conductors have a first end that is electrically connected to the feedthrough plate and the filter cap other than the groundplate and a second end that extends into the can. A ground conductor is electrically connected to the ground plate, the integral ground pin at the first end and extends into the can with the second end electrically attached to the electrical circuitry. “An electrically conductive material is present in the ground aperture and creates a electrically conductive connection between the ground conductor and the ground pin and the groundplate.

Embodiments” provide a connector assembly for an implantable device. The connector assembly includes a connector housing that has at least one electrical plug. The base plate is attached to a filter capacitor, which has an aperture and capacitor forming plates. Electrically connected to the electrical connector in the connector enclosure is a feedthrough pin that extends through the aperture of the base plate. The feedthrough pin also exists in proximity to the aperture within the filter capacitor. The conductor is electrically connected to the feedthrough pin and the filter cap. It has two ends, one in the vicinity and the other away from the capacitor. “A protector body is attached to the baseplate, the protector body enclosing and providing access to conductor while also having an aperture.

Embodiments” provide a connector assembly enclosure for an implantable device. The connector assembly comprises a connector enclosure with a baseplate having a number of apertures, and a filter capacitance coupled to the plate. The filter capacitor has a number of apertures as well as capacitor forming plate. The connector assembly consists of a number of feedthroughs pins that extend through the apertures of the base plate and the filter cap, and also a number of conductors. Each conductor has an annular ring around a feedthrough pin corresponding to the filter cap in close proximity.

Embodiments” provide a method for manufacturing a connector assembly enclosure of an implantable device. The method consists of providing a connector assembly that includes a baseplate with a number of apertures, and a filter capacitance coupled to the plate. The filter capacitor has a number of apertures as well as capacitor forming plate. The method also involves a plurality feedthrough pins that extend through corresponding apertures on the base plate and the filter capacitor. The method also involves positioning a number of conductors, with the first end of each one having an annular circle that surrounds the corresponding feedthrough in close proximity to the capacitor. A second end of these conductors extends away from the capacitor.

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