CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING

摘要

A connector to couple an electrical stimulation lead to a lead extension can include lead terminals and extension connector contacts that interlock with each other. Another connector can include lead terminals and extension connector contacts that form a hook and loop fastener. Yet another connector defines a lumen for receiving a proximal portion of an electrical stimulation lead and a side-loading slit extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal surface of the connector and extending inwardly to the lumen for side-loading the electrical stimulation lead into the lumen through the side-loading slit.

主权项

1. An electrical stimulation system, comprising:
an electrical stimulation lead, comprising
a lead body having a distal end portion, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length,a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body,a proximal connector body disposed at the proximal end of the lead body,a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal connector body, anda plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of terminals to the plurality of electrodes; and a lead extension, comprising
an extension body having a distal end, a proximal end portion, and a longitudinal length,a plurality of terminal disposed along the proximal end portion of the extension body,a distal connector body disposed at the distal end of the extension body,a plurality of conductive contacts disposed along the distal connector body, anda plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of terminals to the plurality of conductive contacts; wherein the proximal connector body of the electrical stimulation lead and the distal connector body of the lead extension are configured and arranged to be joined together opposite each other to form a connector with the terminals of the electrical stimulation lead interlocking with, and electrically coupled to, the conductive contacts of the lead extension.