IMPLANTABLE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF COMMUNICATING AN ELEMENT TO AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE

摘要

An implantable connector assembly (14) for communicating an element to an implantable device (12) within a patient (20) comprises a plug (16), a receptacle (18), and a pair of communication structures (72, 108). The plug (16) includes a plunger body (64). The receptacle (18) includes a sleeve (98) and a stopper (114). The sleeve (98) defines an opening (104), and the stopper (114) is resiliently mounted within the sleeve (98) to cover and fluidly seal the opening (104). The pair of communication structures (72, 108) is positioned respectively on the plunger body (64) and the sleeve (98). One of the communication structures (72, 108) connects to a source and the other communication structure (108, 72) connects to the implantable device (12). The plunger body (64) inserts into the sleeve (98) to displace the stopper (114) and couple the pair of communication structures (72, 108) for communication of the element therebetween.

主权项

1. An apparatus for implantation within a patient, comprising;
an implantable device configured for being positioned and operating at least subcutaneously within the patient; a cable configured for communicating an element from a source toward the implantable device within the patient; and an implantable connector assembly for communicating the element from the cable to the implantable device, comprising:
a plug operatively connected to one of the cable and the implantable device, the plug including a plunger body;a receptacle operatively connected to the other of the cable and the implantable device, the receptacle including a sleeve and a stopper, the sleeve defining an opening sized for receiving the plunger body, the stopper resiliently mounted within the sleeve and biased toward the opening to cover and fluidly seal the opening for inhibiting contamination from entering within the sleeve when the plunger body is withdrawn from the sleeve; anda pair of communication structures positioned respectively on the plunger body and the sleeve, one of the pair of communication structures operatively connecting to the cable for receiving the element from the cable and the other of the pair of communication structures operatively connecting to the implantable device for directing the element to the implantable device, wherein inserting the plunger body into the sleeve displaces the stopper and removably couples the pair of communication structures for communication of the element therebetween.