Ferrule for implantable medical device

摘要

A ferrule for an implantable medical device (IMD) can employ stamped metal portion including an electrically-conductive ferrule portion. The stamped ferrule portion can be affixed to a wall of a housing of the IMD. The resulting ferrule can provide cost savings or higher production throughput over a ferrule employing machined ferrule portion.

主权项

1. An apparatus for providing electrical communication through a housing that is metallic and hermetically sealed, the apparatus comprising:
a one-piece ferrule that is biocompatible, the ferrule configured to be located at least partially within a passage into an implantable medical device housing, the ferrule including: an exterior flange configured to abut an exterior surface of the metallic housing, the exterior flange defining an exit opening; a tunnel extending from the exterior flange, the tunnel defining a tunnel interior extending away from the exit opening and terminating at inlet opening of the ferrule; at least one interior tab extending away from an interior of the tunnel in a direction generally aligned with the exterior flange such that a first surface of the at least one interior tab faces the exterior flange and a second, opposite surface of the at least one interior tab faces away from the exterior flange, the at least one interior tab configured to exert a spring bias with the first surface directly against an interior surface of the metallic housing and toward the exterior flange while the exterior flange abuts the exterior surface of the metallic housing to draw the exterior flange toward the exterior surface of the metallic housing; an electrically insulative insert disposed at least partially inside the tunnel; and a hermetic seal disposed between the electrically insulative insert and the tunnel.