Lead connector for an implantable electric stimulation system and methods of making and using

摘要

A lead-connection system includes a lead and a connector. The lead includes a distal end, a proximal end, a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductor wires electrically coupling each of the plurality of electrodes to a different one of the plurality of terminals. The connector defines a port for receiving the proximal end of the lead and a plurality of connector contacts. The number of connector contacts is greater than the number of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead. When the connector receives the proximal end of the lead, each of the terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead makes electrical contact with at least one of the connector contacts of the connector and no two terminals make electrical contact with a same one of the connector contacts.

主权项

1. A connector for an electrical stimulation system, the connector comprising:
a connector housing attached to a medical device, the connector housing having a first end portion, and opposing second end portion, and a longitudinal length; a port defined along the first end portion of the connector housing and extending along the longitudinal length of the connector housing, the port configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end portion of a lead; a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the port and electrically coupled with a stimulator, wherein the plurality of connector contacts are divided into a plurality of sets of connector contacts with each of the connector contacts belonging to only one of the sets, wherein each set of connector contacts comprises a first connector contact and a second connector contact disposed adjacent to the first connector contact; and a switch configured and arranged for disabling the electrical connection between each of the second connector contacts and the stimulator.