U.S. patent application number 13/861242 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-26 for method of forming a crimp-through crimp connector for connecting a conductor cable to an electrode.
The applicant listed for this patent is PACESETTER, INC.. Invention is credited to Yong Li.
Application Number | 20130247374 13/861242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42398358 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130247374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Li; Yong |
September 26, 2013 |
METHOD OF FORMING A CRIMP-THROUGH CRIMP CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING A
CONDUCTOR CABLE TO AN ELECTRODE
Abstract
An implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead is manufactured by
providing an electrode on a tubular body of the lead, forming a
crimp connector from a tubing, forming at least one splice opening
at the tubing, receiving and end of a cable conductor in a cavity
of the crimp connector, and welding an outer surface of the crimp
connector to an edge of the electrode. In a post-crimp position,
proximal and distal ends of an inner surface of the tubing contact
an insulation jacket of the cable conductor and a sharp edge of the
at least one splice opening penetrates the insulation jacket and
contacts a conductive core of the cable conductor to provide
electrical communication between the crimp connector and the cable
connector.
Inventors: |
Li; Yong; (Valencia,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PACESETTER, INC. |
Sylmar |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42398358 |
Appl. No.: |
13/861242 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12363445 |
Jan 30, 2009 |
8442658 |
|
|
13861242 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/860 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49179 20150115;
H01R 4/20 20130101; H01R 2201/12 20130101; H01R 43/01 20130101;
A61N 1/056 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/860 |
International
Class: |
H01R 43/01 20060101
H01R043/01 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing an implantable cardiac electrotherapy
lead, the method comprising: providing an electrode on a tubular
body of the lead; forming a crimp connector from a tubing, the
tubing having a tubular wall with an outer tubular surface, an
inner tubular surface, a proximal end, and a distal end; forming at
least one splice opening at the tubular wall, the at least one
splice opening having a sharp edge at its intersection with the
inner tubular surface, and the sharp edge being flush with the
inner tubular surface; receiving an end of a cable conductor in a
cavity of the crimp connector, the inner tubular surface defining
the cavity, the proximal and distal ends of the tubular wall
defining proximal and distal openings leading to the cavity, the
cable conductor having a conductive core and an insulation jacket,
the at least one splice opening extending from the outer tubular
surface to the inner tubular surface and oriented generally
transverse to an axis extending between the proximal and distal
openings, and the sharp edge oriented generally transverse to the
axis; wherein, in a post-crimp position, the proximal and distal
ends of the inner tubular surface contact the insulation jacket and
the sharp edge penetrates the insulation jacket and contacts the
conductive core to provide electrical communication between the
crimp connector and the cable conductor; and welding an outer
surface of the crimp connector to an edge of the electrode.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the at least one splice
opening comprises laser cutting.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the
pre-drawn tubing with an oval cross-section.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one splice opening
is at least one slot opening.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one slot opening
comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth
side, wherein the first and second sides oppose each other and are
oriented generally transverse to the axis extending between the
proximal and distal openings, wherein the third and fourth sides
oppose each other and are oriented generally parallel to the axis
extending between the proximal and distal openings, and wherein the
sharp edge is disposed at the first and second sides.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the lengths of the first side and
the second side are substantially the same, and wherein the lengths
of the third side and the fourth side are substantially the
same.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein in the post-crimp position, the
sharp edge remains flush with the inner tubular surface.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one slot opening
comprises three slot opening.
9. The method of claim 9, wherein the three slot openings are in
line with one another and are equally spaced.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a
termination ring at a proximal end of the electrode, the
termination ring having an arcuate inner surface and a proximal
edge.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising fixedly attaching
the outer tubular surface of the tubular wall to the proximal edge
of the termination ring.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising welding the outer
tubular surface of the tubular wall to the proximal edge of the
termination ring.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubing is a segment of a
pre-drawn tubing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/363,445, filed Jan. 30, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a
medical apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates
to methods of manufacturing an implantable cardiac electrotherapy
lead.
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 welded joints at the electrodes or shock coils.
Such transitions are excessively expensive to create for a number
of reasons. First, each transition employs a relatively expensive
crimp connector individually cut using a wire electrical discharge
machining process.
[0004] Second, the process for creating the transition is labor
intensive. To achieve adequate electrical contact between a crimp
connector and the conductive core of a cable conductor, insulation
must be removed from the cable conductor where the crimp connector
will be crimped onto the cable conductor.
[0005] Third, difficulty associated with the process of creating
the transition results in substantial scrap. Crimp connectors may
be unidirectional and are often reversed when crimped onto the
cable conductor, resulting in the scrapping of the crimp connector
and the cable conductor. The configuration of the crimp connector
requires relatively tight tolerances for fit and placement of the
crimp connector relative to a shock coil when undergoing welding.
Failure to satisfy the tight tolerances can result in a weak weld
between the crimp connector and the shock coil, or welding can burn
a hole through the connector again requiring the lead to be
scrapped.
[0006] There is a need in the art for a crimp connector that
reduces the costs associated with connecting a cable conductor to a
lead shock coil. There is also a need in the art for a method of
employing such a crimp connector in connecting a cable conductor to
a lead shock coil.
SUMMARY
[0007] An implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead is disclosed
herein. In one embodiment, the lead includes an electrode on a
distal portion of the lead, a conductor extending proximally
through the lead from the electrode, and a crimp connector coupling
a distal end of the conductor to the electrode. The connector may
include a body with an outer surface, an inner surface, proximal
and distal ends, a cavity, and at least one splice opening. The
inner surface defines the cavity, the proximal and distal ends
respectively define proximal and distal openings leading to the
cavity, and the at least one splice opening extends from the outer
surface to the inner surface and is oriented generally transverse
to an axis extending between the proximal and distal openings.
[0008] In another embodiment, an implantable cardiac electrotherapy
lead includes a tubular body, an electrode on the tubular body with
a termination ring, the termination ring having an arcuate inner
surface and a proximal edge, a cable conductor including an end,
the cable conductor having a conductive core and an insulation
jacket, and a crimp connector with an inner surface defining a
cavity and an arcuate outer surface, the crimp connector coupling
the cable conductor to the termination ring. The arcuate outer
surface of the crimp connector nests substantially continuously
against the arcuate inner surface of the termination ring. The
crimp connector may include a segment of pre-drawn tubing. In
another embodiment, the crimp connector further includes at least
one splice opening oriented substantially transverse to a
longitudinal axis of the crimp connector. In another embodiment,
the at least one splice opening is at least one laser cut splice
opening having a sharp edge at its intersection with the inner
surface of the crimp connector. In still another embodiment, in a
post-crimped position, the sharp edge penetrates the insulation
jacket on the cable connector providing for electrical
communication between the crimp connector and the cable connector.
In yet another embodiment, the outer surface of the crimp connector
is fixedly attached to the proximal edge of the termination
ring.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an
implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead includes providing an
electrode on a tubular body of the lead, forming a crimp connector
from a segment of a pre-drawn tubing, receiving an end of a cable
conductor in a cavity of a crimp connector, and welding an outer
surface of the crimp connector to an edge of the electrode. In
another embodiment, the crimp connector includes at least one
splice opening. In another embodiment, the at least one splice
opening is a laser cut splice opening having a sharp edge at its
intersection with an inner surface of the crimp connector. In still
another embodiment, the method includes crimping the crimp
connector causing the sharp edge of the splice opening on the crimp
connector to penetrate an insulation layer of the cable conductor
to place the crimp connector in electrical contact with a
conductive core of the cable conductor.
[0010] 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
[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a crimp connector in a
pre-crimp position according to certain embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of a crimp connector in a pre-crimp
position according to certain embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a crimp
connector in post-crimp position in place on a conductor according
to certain embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a crimp
connector in a post-crimp position in place on a conductor
according to certain embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a lead with a
connector/electrode connection according to certain
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of the
connector/electrode connection depicted in FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an enlarged top view of the connector/electrode
connection depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following detailed description relates to the connection
between cable conductors and an electrode on a medical lead. A
medical lead may be used to monitor heart function and stimulate
heart function. As such, a distal end of a lead may be placed
within the heart and a proximal end may be connected to a
controller such as a pacemaker, ICD or other type pulse generator
via a lead connector end on the proximal lead end. The distal end
of the lead may have a series of electrodes including a pacing
electrode, a sensing electrode, and a shocking electrode or coil.
Each of the electrodes may be connected via a cable/electrode
connector to a respective cable conductor or respective series of
cable conductors extending the length of the lead to the lead
proximal end's lead connector end mechanically and electrically
coupling the lead proximal end to the controller. The cable
conductors may include a conductive core covered by an insulation
layer or layers. As such, the connection between the connector and
the cable conductor may require removing or penetrating the
insulation to provide a positive electrical connection between the
two. The present disclosure is directed at the cable/electrode
connector used to connect cable conductors to electrodes.
[0019] In some embodiments, as disclosed below, the cable/electrode
connector may be in the form of a crimp connector. The crimp
connector allows for the cable conductors to pass into the
connector such that the connector may then be squeezed, pressed, or
otherwise caused to grasp the cable conductors, 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 the electrode to complete the electrical
circuit.
[0020] For a discussion regarding a crimp connector 10, according
to certain embodiments, reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1
is an isometric view and FIG. 2 is a side view of a crimp connector
10 in a pre-crimp position according to certain embodiments.
[0021] As can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment,
the crimp connector 10 may take the form of a body 12. The body 12
may have an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16 separated by a
body wall 18 having a thickness 20 and the inner surface 16 may
define a cavity 22. The body 12 may have a proximal end 24 and a
distal end 26 situated along a longitudinal axis 28 of the body 12.
The body 12 may also include splice openings 30 extending through
the body wall 18.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the body 12
may have a pre-crimp shape of a tube, the inner surface defining a
generally cylindrical cavity with a round, oval, or oblong shaped
cross-section. Preferably, the cross-section is oval. In this
embodiment, the tube may be a segment of pre-drawn tubing. The tube
may have a length 32 and a width 34, wherein the length 32 is
longer than the width 34. Alternatively, the width 34 may be wider
than the length 32. In the case of a cylindrical shape with a round
cross-section, the width 34 may be equal to the diameter of the
outer surface 14 of the tube.
[0023] As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the cavity
22 may be adapted to receive cable conductors 36. The proximal end
24 and distal end 26 of the body 12 may define a proximal opening
38 and a distal opening 40 respectively leading to the cavity 22
and through which the cable conductors 36 may enter the cavity 22.
The cavity 22 may have a width 42 equal to the width 34 of the body
12 less the wall thickness 20 on each side of the cavity 22 and the
width 42 may be sufficient to receive one, two, or any number of
cable conductors 36. The height 44 of the cavity 22 may be
sufficient to receive at least one cable conductor 36. It is noted
here that the height 44 may be measured in a direction generally
normal to the surface of the body 12 with splice openings 30. This
is because, in use, the splice openings 30 may preferably be in
contact with each of the cable conductors 36 and thus side by side
placement is preferable over stacking placement of cable conductors
36. As such, the height 44 may preferably be limited to that
required to receive one cable conductor 36. However, those of skill
in the art will understand and appreciate that multiple surfaces of
the crimp connector 10 may include splice openings 30 so as to
accommodate multiple cable conductor orientations where each cable
conductor 36 is in contact with a splice opening 30. As such, the
height 44 is not limited to accommodating a single cable conductor
36.
[0024] In one embodiment, the crimp connector 10 may include a
splice opening 30 or a series of splice openings 30. The splice
openings 30 may extend through the wall 18 of the body 12 leading
to the cavity 22. As such, the splice openings 30 may create a
splice opening face 46 with a height 48 equal to the thickness 20
of the body wall 18, the splice opening face 46 defining the
perimeter of the splice opening 30. The splice openings 30 may be
situated in line with each other and may be equally spaced. The
splice openings 30 may extend through the body wall 18
substantially perpendicular to the outer and inner surface 14, 16.
Alternatively, they may extend through the wall 18 at an angle. In
still another embodiment, the splice openings 30 may increase or
decrease in size as they pass through the body wall 18. In one
embodiment, each splice opening 30 is formed by laser cutting,
resulting in a relatively sharp edge at the inner termination of
the splice opening 30 where the inner surface 16 of the body 12
intersects with the splice opening face 46.
[0025] The splice openings 30 may be any shape. As shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, the splice openings 30 may be in the shape of a slot with a
length and a width and may be oriented transverse to the
longitudinal axis 28 of the body 12. In the case of a slot type
splice opening, the slot may extend across the body 12 and have a
length substantially equal to the width 42 of the cavity 22.
[0026] In one embodiment, the crimp connector 10 is a segment of
pre-drawn tubing. In one embodiment, the body 12 is formed of a
metal or alloy material (e.g., platinum-iridium, MP35N, or
stainless steel) and has a wall thickness 18 of between
approximately 0.004 inch and approximately 0.01 inch. In other
embodiments, the crimp connector 10 is formed via other
manufacturing processes such as metal injection molding etc.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the crimp connector 10 may
be squeezed, pressed or otherwise caused to crimp the ends of cable
conductors 36. This may occur in a crimping anvil and die shaped to
achieve a desired resulting crimped shape. Preferably, the
squeezing or pressing is directed normal to the surface of the body
12 containing splice openings 30. It is noted that an oblong or
oval shaped cross-section may be preferable so as to allow the
crimp connector 10 to self-align in the crimping die. FIG. 3 is a
longitudinal cross-sectional view of a crimp connector 10 in a
post-crimp position in place on a cable conductor 36. The Figure
shows the connector body 12, the inner cavity 22, the splice
openings 30, and a cable conductor 36. The cable conductor 36
includes a conductive core 52 and an outer insulation jacket 54. As
shown, the conductive core 52 may be made up of several strands 56
of smaller wire. The intermittent portions of the wire strands 56
shown are due to the twisted nature of the strands 56 repeatedly
crossing the plane of the cross section. The cable conductor 36 may
enter the cavity 22 through a proximal end 24 and may extend beyond
the distal end 26 as shown. Those skilled in the art will
understand and appreciate that the further the cable conductor 36
extends into the cavity 22, the better the connection strength and
the electrical conductivity will be.
[0028] As shown, the connector 10 has been crimped onto the cable
conductor 36 by squeezing or pressing the opposing walls of the
connector 10 toward one another in a crimping die, preferably, one
of the walls being a wall with splice openings 30. As shown, the
insulation 54 of the cable conductor 36 has been pressed into the
splice openings 30 due to the forces compressing the cable
conductor 36. The sharp edge 50 formed between the splice opening
face 46 and the inner surface 16 of the body 12 causes the
insulation 54 to be severed and allows for electrical contact
between the body 12 and the conductive core 52 of the cable
conductor. In the present embodiment, this occurs at each of three
splice openings 30 in the connector 10. Moreover, the crimping
process has caused the cable conductor 36 to be secured within the
connector 10 due to frictional resistance between the cable
conductor 36 and the inner surface 16 of the body 12, but also due
to bearing type resistance between the bulging portions of the
cable conductor 36 and the splice opening face 46 surrounding the
splice opening 30.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, a transverse cross-sectional view
of a crimp connector 10 is shown, wherein the connector 10 is in a
post-crimp position and in place on a cable conductor 36. FIG. 4
shows the connector body 12, the inner cavity 22, and two cable
conductors 36. The cable conductors 36 shown include a conductive
core 52 and an outer insulation jacket 54. As with FIG. 3, the
conductive cores 52 may be made up of several strands 56 of smaller
wire. As shown, the compressive force of the crimping connector 10
in conjunction with the sharp edge 50 at the splice openings 30 has
severed the insulation 54 on the cable conductors 36 allowing
electrical contact between the body 12 and at least one strand 56
of each of the conductive cores 52.
[0030] For a discussion of the crimp connector 10 being employed to
connect the cable conductors 36 to an electrode 58, reference is
made to FIGS. 5-7. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a lead 60 with a
connector 10/electrode 58 connection according to certain
embodiments, FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of the connector
10/electrode 58 connection depicted in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an
enlarged top view of the connector 10/electrode 58 connection
depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6
[0031] As indicated in FIGS. 5-7, in one embodiment, the electrode
58 or electrode assembly 58 extends about the tubular body 62 of
the lead 60 and includes a termination ring 64 at a proximal end 66
of the electrode 58. The proximal edge 68 of the termination ring
64 forms a welding face 70 of the electrode assembly 58. A distal
portion 72 of the crimp connector 10 may extend underneath the
termination ring 64 leaving a proximal portion 74 of the crimp
connector 10 extending out of the termination ring 64. As such, the
outer surface 14 of the crimp connector 10 may be substantially
adjacent to and perpendicular to the welding face 70 of the
termination ring 64 allowing for a weld between these two surfaces.
It is noted that in this embodiment, the splice openings 30 (not
shown) of the crimp connector 10 may be positioned opposite the
welded connection to the termination ring 64 to assure a proper
welding surface on the body 12 of the crimp connector 10.
[0032] As best understood from FIG. 6, the outer surface 14 of the
body 12 of the crimp connector 10 may be arcuate allowing it to
generally mate with the arcuate shape of the inner surface 76 of
the termination ring 64. This may minimize gaps between the outer
surface 14 of the crimp connector 10 and the welding face 70
providing for a better welded connection and minimizing weld burn
through.
[0033] As can further be understood from FIG. 6, in one embodiment,
the contour of the immediately adjacent, transversely extending
faces 14 and 70 generally match and may be welded together via
laser welding in the area 78. In other embodiments, other forms of
welding are utilized to join the faces 14, 70, including resistance
welding etc. In one embodiment, a series of spot welds (e.g., four
spot welds) joins the faces 14, 70 in area 78. In another
embodiment, the weld formed in area 78 is generally continuous.
Regardless of whether the faces 14, 70 are joined via a series of
spot welds or a continuous weld, the welded area 78 defining an
edge-to-surface weld is strong due to the relatively extensive
length of the welded area 78 made possible by the length over which
the faces 14, 70 extend adjacent to each other.
[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the cable conductors 36 (shown
in phantom) extend through the tubular body 62 of the lead 60 and
into the cavity 22 via the proximal opening 38 (see FIGS. 1 and 2)
defined by the proximal end 24. Having crimped the cable conductors
36 in the crimp connector 10 and welded or otherwise connected the
crimp connector 10 to the electrode 58, the cable conductors 36 may
extend through the length of the lead 60 to a controlling device at
the other end thus completing the electrical circuit.
[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that
various modifications may be made to the present disclosure and
still be within the scope of the present invention. For example,
the body 12 may not be in the shape of a tube, but rather may have
a top portion comprising a generally planar or arcuate surface with
edges that wrap and hook below the planar surface creating a cavity
between each of the wrapped/hooked portions and the bottom surface
of the top portion, the wrapped/hooked portions separated by a gap.
The cable conductors 36 may be received by the cavities defined by
the hooked portion and crimping may cause the wrapped/hooked
portions to grasp the cable conductors 36 against the bottom of the
top portion. In similar fashion to the tube type body discussed
above, this embodiment may have splice openings or slots in the top
portion or in the hooked/wrapped portion for severing the
insulation and creating electrical conductivity in addition to
furthering the connector's ability to grasp the cable conductors
36.
[0036] It is noted that the pre-crimp shape of the crimp connector
10 may take on many shapes ranging from completely flat to shapes
with pre-formed cavities. In cases where a pre-formed cavity is
provided, the crimping process may involve pressing or squeezing
the crimp connector 10 to secure the connection to the cable
conductor 36. In other cases, the crimping process may actually
involve further manipulation of the substrate shape prior to
crimping the body to the cable conductor 36. That is, in the case
of a flat pre-crimp shape, an edge or edges of the flat body may be
folded or rolled around the cable conductor 36 prior to pressing,
squeezing, or otherwise crimping the connector 10 onto the cable
conductor 36.
[0037] In another embodiment, the splice openings 30 may not take
the form of the slots discussed above, but may be circular, square,
triangular, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the splice
openings 30 may not be in line with one another but may be
staggered from side to side or more randomly placed. In another
embodiment, the splice openings 30 may be in the form of slots, but
may extend the full width of the body 12 rather than only the width
42 of the inner cavity 22. Alternatively, the splice openings 30
may stop well short of the width 42 of the inner cavity 22.
[0038] In another embodiment, the splice openings 30 may not
actually extend all the way through the wall 18 of the body 12. In
this embodiment, the splice opening 30 may comprise a recess on the
inner surface 16 of the body allowing for the same severing and
connection capabilities of the device discussed above, without
fully penetrating the body wall 18. In this embodiment, the
crimping connector 10 does not need to be oriented so as to have
the splice openings 30 directed away from the contact surface of
the termination ring 64 of the lead 60 because welding may take
place on either surface due the absence of splice openings 30 on
the outer surface 14 of the connector 10. Moreover, where the
splice openings 30 are located in various positions within the
connector 10 (e.g. not all on one side, but on multiple or all
sides) the orientation of the connector 10 relative to the crimping
die may be more flexible. That is, the crimp connector 10 would not
have to be positioned for the crimping die to press on any specific
side of the connector 10.
[0039] The crimp connector 10 disclosed herein is advantageous for
several reasons. First, the crimp connector 10 is bi-directional
both with respect to its attachment to the electrode 58 and with
respect to its attachment to the cable conductor 36. That is, its
symmetry allows for the connector 10 to be rotated so as to
exchange positions between its distal end 26 and its proximal end
24. This makes manufacturing easier and also minimizes waste for
situations where the connector 10 is inadvertently reversed.
Second, the crimp connector 10 does not require removal (e.g.,
ablation) of cable conductor insulation 54 prior to connecting the
crimp connector 10 to the cable conductor 36. This minimizes
manufacturing steps for the medical lead 60, reducing costs of
production. Third, the crimp connector 10 may be formed from
pre-drawn tube subjected to a relatively inexpensive laser cutting
process, further reducing costs of production. Fourth, the crimp
connector 10 offers improved welding strength and reduced welding
difficulty. Accordingly, the crimp connector 10 substantially
reduces manufacturing cost associated with connecting cable
conductors 36 to the electrodes 58 of implantable cardiac
electrotherapy leads 60.
[0040] Additionally, the transverse orientation of the splice
openings 30 may be advantageous due to the flexibility it provides
regarding placement of the cable conductors 36. That is, the cable
conductors 36 entering the connector 10 may not need to be placed
with any specificity relative to the lateral direction of the
connector 10. This is because the breadth of the splice opening 30
may allow for them to be placed anywhere across the width of the
cavity 22 and still be in contact with a splice opening 30. Thus,
more assurance may be provided that electrical communication will
occur between the conductive core 52 of the cable conductor 36 and
the sharp edge 50.
[0041] 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.
* * * * *