U.S. patent application number 13/192383 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-17 for side-loading compact crimp termination.
This patent application is currently assigned to PACESETTER, INC.. Invention is credited to Steven R. Conger.
Application Number | 20110277324 13/192383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43731007 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110277324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conger; Steven R. |
November 17, 2011 |
SIDE-LOADING COMPACT CRIMP TERMINATION
Abstract
An implantable medical lead comprising a conductor extending
along the lead and a crimp connector secured to the conductor
comprising a body with an outer surface, an inner surface, proximal
and distal ends, and first and second lateral edges, the lateral
edges having edge features extending there from, the edge features
adapted to opposingly interleave with one another. Methods of
assembling a crimp connector with a cable conductor including
parallel and cross-wise assembly are also encompassed.
Inventors: |
Conger; Steven R.; (Agua
Dulce, CA) |
Assignee: |
PACESETTER, INC.
Sylmar
CA
|
Family ID: |
43731007 |
Appl. No.: |
13/192383 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12562072 |
Sep 17, 2009 |
8011980 |
|
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13192383 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/863 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/056 20130101;
Y10T 29/49185 20150115; Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/863 |
International
Class: |
H01R 43/048 20060101
H01R043/048 |
Claims
1. A method of attaching a crimp connector to a cable conductor on
an implantable medical lead comprising: positioning the crimp
connector adjacent to the cable conductor; displacing the crimp
connector perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cable
conductor thereby receiving the cable conductor with the crimp
connector; and crimping the crimp connector with a crimp tool.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the crimp connector includes a
body having first and second lateral edges and edge features
extending from the lateral edges.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the edge features comprise
opposing, staggered, and complimentary projections, the projections
each having a free end.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein crimping the connector causes the
free end of each of the projections to abut the opposing first or
second lateral edge of the body.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising orienting the crimp
connector parallel to the cable conductor.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising orienting the crimp
connector perpendicular to the cable conductor.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising pivoting the crimp
connector from a perpendicular position to a parallel position.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein crimp conductor further comprises
an electrode portion, the crimp conductor and electrode portion
forming a single-piece unitary body.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/562,072, filed Sep. 17, 2009, titled "Side-Loading
Compact Crimp Termination."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to medical apparatus and
methods of manufacturing such apparatus. More specifically, the
present invention relates to implantable cardiac electrotherapy
leads and methods of manufacturing such leads. More particularly,
the present invention relates to crimp terminations on lead
conductors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Current implantable cardiac electrotherapy leads (e.g.,
cardiac resynchronization therapy ("CRT") leads, bradycardia leads,
tachycardia leads) utilize crimp connectors to transition from
conductor cables to a wide range of features on or around the lead
including electrodes, shock coils and the like. These crimp
connectors often take the form of a tube like structure through
which the cable conductor or conductors may be fed or threaded.
Once properly placed along the length of the conductor or
conductors, the crimp connector may be crimped to secure its
position.
[0004] In some instances, feeding or threading the conductor
through the crimp connector is not feasible due to geometrical
constraints, process constraints, such as prior connections at one
or both ends of a conductor, access constraints, or other
constraints known to those in the art. Additionally, the narrow
nature of the vasculature and the maintenance of blood flow limit
the space available for the lead. As such, space efficient devices
are desirable.
[0005] There is a need in the art for a space efficient crimp
connector that can be placed on a conductor without feeding or
threading the conductor there through. There is also a need in the
art for a method of employing such a crimp connector.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one embodiment, an implantable medical lead may include a
conductor extending along the lead and a crimp connector secured to
the conductor. The crimp connector may include a body with an outer
surface, an inner surface, proximal and distal ends, and first and
second lateral edges. The lateral edges may have edge features
extending there from where the edge features are adapted to
opposingly interleave with one another. In another embodiment, the
edge features may include staggered complimentary projections. The
crimp connector may be adapted for parallel or cross-wise assembly.
In another embodiment, the crimp connector may include an extension
attached to and extending from the distal or proximal end of the
body. The extension may include a microcoil attachment feature.
[0007] In another embodiment, a method of attaching a crimp
connector to a cable conductor on an implantable medical lead may
include positioning the crimp connector adjacent to the cable
conductor, displacing the crimp connector perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the cable conductor thereby receiving the
cable conductor with the crimp connector, and crimping the crimp
connector with a crimp tool. In another embodiment, the method may
include orienting the crimp connector parallel to the cable
conductor. In another embodiment, the method may include orienting
the crimp connector perpendicular to the cable conductor. In still
another embodiment, the method may include pivoting the crimp
connector from a perpendicular position to a parallel position.
[0008] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which
shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As
will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in
various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cardiac electrotherapy
device according certain embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a lead with two crimp
connectors in place on opposing conductors, according to certain
embodiments.
[0011] FIGS. 3-7 each show views of parallel connecting crimp
connectors in a pre-crimp position and a post-crimp position,
according to certain embodiments.
[0012] FIGS. 8 and 9 are views of a cross-wise connecting crimp
connector shown in an initial pre-crimp stage of assembly and a
final pre-crimp stage of assembly, according to certain
embodiments.
[0013] FIGS. 10A and 10B are views of a cross-wise connecting crimp
connector showing the included angle, according to certain
embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 11 shows a basic crimp connector in a pre-crimp
position and a post-crimp position as well as a crimp connector
with a termination feature, according to certain embodiments.
[0015] FIGS. 12A-12D show several views of a crimp connector with a
termination feature, according to certain embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 13 shows a view of a crimp connector with a spike
feature or secondary attachment point, according to certain
embodiments configured for micro-coil attachment.
[0017] FIG. 14 shows a crimp connector on a lead crimping a primary
conductor to a secondary conductor.
[0018] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of such an integral,
single-piece or unitary body crimp connector equipped
electrode.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a cross section of a lead employing the integral,
single-piece or unitary body crimp connector equipped electrode of
FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following detailed description relates to connectors 20
or terminations used on conductor cables 50 of implantable medical
leads 25, such as, for example, cardiac electrotherapy leads (e.g.,
cardiac resynchronization therapy ("CRT") leads, bradycardia leads,
and tachycardia leads) and other types of leads, such as those
employed in nerve stimulation for pain management, etc. An
implantable medical lead 25 may be used to monitor and stimulate
heart function. As shown in FIG. 1, a distal end 24 of a lead 25
may be placed within the heart 30 and a proximal end 32 may be
connected to a controller 35 such as a pacemaker, ICD or other type
of pulse generator via a lead connector end 33 on the proximal lead
end 32. The distal end of the lead 25 may have a series of
electrodes 40 including a pacing electrode 40a, a sensing electrode
40b, and a shocking electrode or coil 40c. Each of the electrodes
40 may be connected via a connector 20 to a respective cable
conductor 50 or series of cable conductors 50. For example, as
shown in FIG. 2, two connectors 20 are shown in position on
separate cable conductors 50 and are adapted for connection to a
microcoil electrode. The cable conductors 50 may extend the length
of the lead 25 to a proximal end 32 of the lead 25 where the cable
conductor 50 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the
controller 35.
[0021] The cable conductors 50 extending the length of the lead 25
may include a conductive core covered by an insulation layer or
layers. As such, the connection between the connector 20 and the
cable conductor 50 may require removing or penetrating the
insulation to provide a positive electrical connection between the
two. The present disclosure is directed at the connectors 20 used
to connect cable conductors 50 to shock coils or electrodes 40,
other cable conductors 50, and other devices.
[0022] In some embodiments, as disclosed below, the connector 20
may be in the form of a crimp connector. The crimp connector allows
for the cable conductors 50 to pass into the connector 20 such that
the connector 20 may then be squeezed, pressed, or otherwise caused
to grasp the cable conductor 50 or conductors 50, restraining them
from slipping out of the crimp connector. Moreover, in order to
effectively transmit electrical current, the crimp connector may
either penetrate the cable conductor insulation or the insulation
may be otherwise stripped prior to crimping to create a positive
electrical connection. The crimp connector may in turn be welded or
otherwise connected to electrodes, shock coils, or other devices,
to complete the electrical circuit.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, a crimp connector 100, according to
certain embodiments is shown. The crimp connector 100 is shown on
the left in a pre-crimp position and on the right in a post-crimp
position. As shown, the crimp connector 100 includes a body portion
102 with a longitudinal axis, a proximal end 104, 106, a distal end
104, 106, a first lateral edge 108 and a second lateral edge 110.
Additionally, first and second edge features 112, 114 are included
along respective first and second lateral edges 108, 110.
[0024] The body portion 102 of the crimp connector 100 may include
a generally rectangular piece of material. The body portion 102 may
have a generally uniform thickness and may include a portion of a
tube or may be sheet stock material. As such, the body portion 102
may be formed from cutting a tube, stamping sheet stock material,
or other fabrication methods known in the art. In one embodiment,
the body 102 may be cut, stamped or otherwise formed from a
continuous feed of material in the form of tape. In a pre-crimp
position, the body 102 may be flat or may have a slightly concave
inner surface 116 and a correspondingly convex outer surface 118.
In the case of a body 102 formed from a tube, the concave inner
surface 116 may reflect the curvature of the inner radius of the
tube. In the case of a body 102 formed from a relatively flat
plate, the body portion 102 may be rolled, pressed, or otherwise
formed to have a concave inner surface 116. Depending on the
crimping device used, a concave inner surface 116 and convex outer
surface 118 may cause the body 102 to be more readily adapted for
the crimping process.
[0025] The proximal and distal ends 104, 106 of the connector 100
may be generally squared off ends as would reflect a laser cut,
sheared, or punched edge. As such, the proximal and distal ends
104, 106 may take on a generally annular shape in a post-crimp
position. A line connecting the center of the proximal annular
shape and the center of the distal annular shape may define a
post-crimp longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the proximal end
104, 106 and the distal end 104, 106 are reversible allowing for
installation in either orientation. In other embodiments, features
may extend from the proximal and/or distal end 104, 106 for
attachment to devices. In these embodiments, the orientation may or
may not be reversible.
[0026] The first and second lateral edges 108, 110 of the connector
100 may be generally parallel to one another and may be generally
perpendicular to both the proximal and distal ends 104, 106 so as
to form the generally rectangular body portion 102 described. The
lateral edges 108, 110 may be generally squared off edges, similar
to the proximal and distal ends 104, 106, as would reflect a laser
cut, sheared, or punched edge.
[0027] As shown, first and second edge features 112, 114 are shown
extending from each of the first and second lateral edges 108, 110.
The first and second edge features 112, 114 are shown to correspond
to one another such that they may interleave with one another when
placed in opposing position and advanced toward one another. As
shown, the first edge feature 112 includes generally trapezoidal
projections in spaced apart relationship creating corresponding
trapezoidal void spaces between the projections. Additionally, the
second edge feature 114 also includes generally trapezoidal
projections in spaced apart relationship creating corresponding
trapezoidal void spaces between the projections. The projections
and void spaces of the first and second edge features 112, 114
shown have similar spacing but are staggered relative to the
opposing edge features 112, 114 along the length of their
respective first and second lateral edges 108, 110. This staggered
position allows for the projections on the first and second edge
feature 112, 114 to coincide with a void space on the respective
other edge feature 112, 114. Additionally, the trapezoidal
projections taper from relatively wide at the connection to the
lateral edge 108, 110 of the body 102 to relatively narrow at the
free edge of the projection. As such, the corresponding void spaces
taper from relatively narrow at the lateral edge 108, 110 of the
body 102 to relatively wide near the free edge of the
projections.
[0028] Those of skill in the art will understand and appreciate
that several geometries for interleaving edge features are within
the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIGS.
4-6, staggered rectangular projections are shown for the edge
features 212, 214 on crimp connector 200, triangular projections
are shown for the edge features 312, 314 on crimp connector 300,
and rounded/wave-like projections are shown for the edge features
412, 414 on crimp connector 400. Moreover, the degree of
interleaving may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the length
of the projections. Additionally, where the projections are defined
by a sloping line such as shown in FIG. 3, 5, or 6, the angle of
inclination of the line may be increased or decreased thereby
adjusting the projections from long thin projections to short wide
projections or any variation in between. Any shape may be used for
the projections and asymmetrical shapes and designs may also be
used. Where no edge feature is provided, a crimp connector 500 may
appear as shown in FIG. 7, where lateral edges 508, 510 have no
edge feature.
[0029] As will be recognized by comparing the pre-crimp position to
the post-crimp position in FIG. 3, or any of FIGS. 3-6, when the
crimp connector 100 is crimped and the body 102 is squeezed around
a cable conductor 50, the lateral edges 108, 110 of the crimp
connector 100 may be brought into opposing position. As such, the
projections of the first and second edge features 112, 114 may pass
laterally into the void spaces of the opposing edge feature 112,
114 creating the interleaved position of the first and second edge
features 112, 114 shown in the post crimp position.
[0030] It is noted that the crimp connector 100 shown in FIG. 3 may
be assembled with a cable conductor 50 from a parallel position.
That is, while a cable conductor 50 may be fed through the crimp
connector 100 in the pre-crimp position, the crimp connector 100
may also be assembled by approaching the cable conductor 50 from
the side. In this condition, the longitudinal axis of the crimp
connector 100 may be positioned parallel to the cable conductor 50
to allow the crimp connector 100 to receive the cable 50 through
the space 120 between the edge features 112, 114.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a cross-wise crimp connector
600 is shown. In this embodiment, the crimp connector 600 includes
a body 602, a proximal end 604, 606, a distal end 604, 606, a first
lateral edge 608, and a second lateral edge 610. Additionally, a
first and second edge feature 612, 614 is shown in the form of a
single projection and a single void space.
[0032] In the present embodiment, the body 602 is generally
tubular. More particularly, the body 602 reflects approximately one
half of a tube with an inner radius. As such, the lateral edges
608, 610 of the body define an included angle 626 of approximately
180 degrees.
[0033] First and second edge features 612, 614 are included on the
first and second lateral edges 608, 610 of the body 602. The
projections of the edge features 612, 614 are generally rectangular
with rounded corners and a concave inner surface. The curvature of
the concave inner surface, in this embodiment, may be substantially
similar to the curvature defined by the inner radius of the tube
defining the body 602. In the pre-crimp position, the projections
of the first and second edge features 612, 614 extend substantially
all the way to the opposing first or second lateral edge 608, 610,
such that the free edge of the projection is positioned adjacent to
the opposing lateral edge 608, 610, but stops short of contacting
the opposing lateral edge 608, 610 a distance approximately equal
to the width of a cable conductor 50. Additionally, the projections
of the first and second edge features 612, 614 are spaced along the
longitudinal length of the body 602 relative to one another to
provide for a gap 622 between the opposing projections, the gap 622
being approximately equal to the width of a cable conductor 50. As
such, the projections of the first and second edge feature 612, 614
are interleaved similar to those of FIGS. 3-6, but have space
between them.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 8, the crimp connector 600 of this
embodiment may be assembled from a perpendicular position. That is,
while a cable conductor 50 may be fed through the crimp connector
600 in a pre-crimp position, the connector 600 may also be
assembled by approach the cable conductor 50 from the side. In this
condition, the longitudinal axis of the crimp connector 600 may be
positioned perpendicular to the cable conductor 50 to allow the gap
622 between the projections of the edge features 612, 614 to
receive the cable 50. Once positioned on the cable 50, the crimp
connector 600 may be pivoted to bring the longitudinal axis of the
connector 600 in approximate alignment with the longitudinal axis
of the conductor cable 50. As the connector 600 pivots, the cable
conductor 50 may pass through the gaps 624 between the free end of
the projections and the opposing lateral edge 608, 610 of the body
602.
[0035] Those of skill in the art will understand and appreciate
that the body 602 in this embodiment may vary from defining an
included angle 626 of 180 degrees. That is, as shown in FIG. 10,
the included angle 626 may be increased or decreased from 180
degrees. In some embodiments, this included angle 626 is limited to
avoid interference of the cable conductor 50 with the inside
surface of the connector 600 when it is pivoted from its
perpendicular to longitudinal position. That is, as shown in FIG.
10A, to the extent that the included angle 626 is increased beyond
that shown, the cable conductor 50 may begin to interfere with the
inner surface of the connector 600 near the free ends of the
projections. In FIG. 10B, to the extent that the included angle 626
is decreased beyond that shown, the cable conductor 50 may begin to
interfere with the inner surface of the connector 600 near the
lateral edges 608, 610 of the body 602 where they oppose the free
ends of the projections. It is also noted, however, that the cable
conductor 50 may be flexed from the straight position shown in
FIGS. 10A and 10B, to accommodate greater or lesser included angles
626 of the body 602.
[0036] It is also noted that the relatively rectangular edge
features 612, 614 of the present embodiment, may deviate to more
trapezoidal shaped edge features 612, 614 by modifying the edge of
the projections which are positioned adjacent to one another. That
is, rather than the gap 622 between the two projections being
oriented substantially perpendicular (e.g. 90 degrees) to the
longitudinal axis of the connector 600, the gap 622 may be oriented
somewhere between 0 and 90 degrees.
[0037] The tube internal diameter and slot widths may be varied as
necessary to accommodate conductor configurations of a variety of
conductor sizes or diameters and of a range of number of
conductors.
[0038] While not shown, the body portion of any of the described
embodiments may also include splice openings similar to those
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/363,445, filed
Jan. 30, 2009, titled "Crimp-Through Crimp Connector for Connecting
a Conductor Cable and an Electrode of an Implantable Cardiac
Electrotherapy Lead" (Attorney Docket A09P1003), the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 11-12D, yet another embodiment of a
crimp connector is shown. FIG. 11 shows a crimp connector 700 in
comparison to the crimp connector 100 previously described. The
crimp connector 700, includes an extension 728 integral with the
body 702 of the connector and extending from a proximal or distal
end 704, 706 of the body 702. The extension 728, in this
embodiment, extends as a segment of the body 702 and maintains the
inner and outer surface contours associated with the body 702. That
is, where the inner surface 716 of the body 702 is concave, the
extending inner surface of the extension 728 is also concave. The
extension 728 extends in a longitudinal direction and has a smaller
width than that of the body 702, the width of the extension 728 and
the body 702 being measured perpendicular to the lateral edges 708,
710 of the body 702. The extension may be of any shape or form,
including an external electrode surface.
[0040] The free end 730 of the extension 728 has a generally
rounded edge with two notches 732 in the lateral edge of the
extension 728. The two notches 732 form a peninsula-like feature
734 there between. The two notches 732 and the peninsula-like
feature 734 create a termination feature 737 in the form of a
microcoil attachment feature.
[0041] FIGS. 12A-12D show several views of the crimp connector 700
and include diagrams of how to form the connector 700 from a flat
piece of material 736. As best shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the
extension 728 of the connector 700 in a flat pre-formed condition
includes two relatively straight parallel sides 738, 740, the first
side 738 extending from and parallel to the first lateral edge 708
of the body 702 and the second side 740 extending from a point
between the lateral edges 708, 710 of the body 702. The second side
740 extends toward the free end of the extension 728 and terminates
in a radiused curve 742 wrapping around the end of the extension
728 until it aligns with a skewed face 744 defined by an angle 746.
The first side extends 738 toward the free end of the extension 728
and terminates in a first radiused 748 curve diverging from the
centerline of the extension. The first radiused curve 748 then
terminates at an inflection point 750 where a second radiused curve
752 then wraps around the end of the extension 728 until it aligns
with the skewed face 744 defined by the angle 746. The skewed face
744 includes two U-shaped notches 732 separated by a trapezoidal
shaped peninsula 734, which extends beyond the limit of the skewed
face 744. As shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, the crimp connector may be
formed to create a concave inner surface 718 and thus create a
pre-crimp position for the connector 700.
[0042] As can be understood from FIG. 12D, the crimp connector 700
may be formed from a flat piece of material 736 and then curved to
have curved inner and outer surfaces. In other embodiments, the
crimp connector 700 may be cut from a tubular body, such that the
crimp connector may have curved inner and outer surfaces without
further modification.
[0043] FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment of a crimp connector
800. In this embodiment, the crimp connector 800 includes a
microcoil attachment spike 846 on the outer surface of the crimp
extension 828. The secondary attachment point 846, which may be in
the form of a spike or other feature, may be used for the
attachment of a micro-coil 847 to the crimp connector 800.
[0044] FIG. 14 shows a crimp connector 100 in position on a medical
lead 25. In this embodiment, the crimp connector 100 is shown
securing a primary cable conductor 50 to a secondary cable
conductor 51. Such a crimp connector 100 may be employed for a
connection to a wire, pin or tab in a similar fashion.
[0045] In one embodiment, any one or more of the above-described
crimp connector configurations may be an extension of an electrode
such that the electrode and crimp connector form an integral,
single-piece or unitary body. For example, as can be understood
from FIG. 15, which is an isometric view of such an integral,
single-piece or unitary body crimp connector equipped electrode
1000, the electrode 1000 includes a crimp portion 1001 and an
electrode portion 1002. The electrode portion 1002 may be in the
form of a ring electrode, partial ring electrode or other
configuration. The crimp portion 1001 may be configured the same as
the crimp connectors 100 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 4, 5
and 6 or any of the other crimp connectors 100 described above. The
crimp portion 1001 may extend proximally from a proximal edge of
the electrode portion 1002. As can be understood from FIG. 15 and
as more particularly shown in FIG. 16, which is a cross section of
a lead 25, the crimp portion 1001 may be positioned radially inward
relative to the outer circumferential surface 1003 of the electrode
portion 1002 and the outer circumferential surface 1004 of the lead
body insulation 1005. Such a configuration of the crimp portion
1001 relative to the electrode portion 1002 allows the crimp
portion 1001, and the cable conductor 50 received in the crimp
portion 1001, to be recessed within the lead body insulation 1005
as the crimp portion 1001 and cable connector 50 extend proximally
towards the lead connector end from the electrode portion 1002.
[0046] Those of skill in the art will understand and appreciate the
advantages associated with a side loading crimp connector. In the
case of multiple conductors, for example, the more conductors
involved, the more difficult it may become to thread them through a
crimp connector. This may be due to insufficient space within the
crimp connector combined with a tendency for the cable conductors
to catch on one another as they are threaded through. This may make
longitudinal positioning of the cable conductors difficult and may
also lead to abrading neighboring conductors in locations along
their length where it is desired to have full insulation
protection.
[0047] Additionally, the interleaving edge features disclosed above
may provide for a tight-fitting, smooth-wrapping band about the
conductor. In the post-crimped position, the gaps or spaces between
the edge features may be closed to a point that the crimp connector
reflects a smooth cylinder with little to no evidence of seams.
[0048] Other advantageous situations may include medical leads
having space constraints due to electronics being included within
electrode bands. Additionally, some lead bodies do not lend
themselves to threading of conductors through crimp connectors. For
example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/400,564, filed Mar. 9,
2009, titled "Implantable Medical Lead Having a Body with Helical
Cable Conductor Construction and Method of Making Same" (Attorney
Docket A09P1016), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein, describes a helical lead with multiple point
terminations of conductors and a multi-band lead configuration,
which both make it difficult to string conductors through
connectors.
[0049] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *