Implantable medical lead device and system with balanced clocked conductor positions

Abstract

Implantable medical lead devices, such as leads and lead extensions, include conductors within the lead device body that interconnect a proximal electrical connector with a distal electrical connector and have a balanced clocking location. The balanced clocking location can be achieved by separating a first conductor from a second conductor by an amount sufficient where the first conductor has a length measured from a given point along the lead to an end of the conductor that most closely resembles a length of the second conductor measured in the same manner. The balanced clocking location of conductor pairs based on length similarity can provide beneficial effects such as reducing the tendency of lead kinking when one or more layers of the lead body are injection molded around the conductors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The implementation plan involves implantable medical lead devices and systems, including conductors with balanced clock-controlled conductor positions. Background Technology

[0002] Implantable medical systems deliver therapeutic effects by generating electrical stimulation signals that are delivered to a target site within the body. The implantable stimulation device that generates the electrical stimulation signal is typically placed in a convenient location within the patient's body that accommodates its physical size. This implantation location can be a certain distance from the target stimulation site within the body. Therefore, implantable medical leads are also implanted to deliver the electrical stimulation signal to the target site.

[0003] Implantable medical lead devices can take various forms. For example, for a relatively short distance from the implantable medical device to the target stimulation site, the implantable medical lead device can be an implantable medical lead. The implantable medical lead has a proximal end coupled to the implantable stimulation device and a distal end having electrodes and located at the target site to deliver electrical signals from the electrodes to the target site. For a relatively long distance from the implantable medical device to the target stimulation site, exceeding the reach of the implantable medical device alone, multiple implantable medical lead devices can be included. A first implantable medical lead device in the form of an implantable medical lead extension can be coupled between a second implantable medical lead device in the form of an implantable medical lead and the implantable stimulation device. The implantable medical lead extension has a proximal end coupled to the implantable stimulation device and a distal end including a distal housing coupled to the proximal end of the implantable medical lead. The implantable medical lead extension transmits electrical stimulation signals between the implantable stimulation device and the implantable medical lead.

[0004] In either case, the proximal end of the implantable medical lead device is inserted into the lead hole of the implantable stimulator so that the electrical connector on the proximal end is coupled to the electrical contacts within the lead hole. This presents a challenge to conventional implantable medical leads, which are produced by injection molding to form the lead body at the proximal end where the proximal contacts are located. Due to the conventional conductor wiring within the implantable medical lead device, injection molding can cause the proximal end to bend, complicating the insertion of the proximal end into the lead hole. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The implementation addresses these and other problems by providing an implantable medical lead device that includes balanced clocked conductor positions. Examples of balanced clocked conductor positions include at least one pair of conductors of similar length, measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead to a corresponding electrical connector coupled to the conductor, wherein the at least one pair of conductors is clocked within the lead body such that the angular spacing between them is greater than 135 degrees. Other examples of balanced clocked conductor positions include at least one pair of conductors of similar length, measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead to a corresponding electrical connector coupled to the conductor, wherein the at least one pair of conductors is clocked within the lead body such that the angular spacing between them is at least equal to: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus a second amount equal to 360 degrees divided by the total number of conductors present within the lead device body. These balanced clocked conductor positions help reduce the tendency of the ends of implantable medical devices to bend due to injection molding. As used herein, a clocked position generally refers to a position spaced apart around a ring-shaped arrangement such as a circle or ellipse.

[0006] An embodiment provides an implantable medical lead device comprising a lead device body and at least four proximal electrical connectors located on a proximal end of the lead device body and longitudinally separated. The implantable medical lead device also includes at least four distal electrical connectors located on a distal end of the lead device body and at least four conductors within the lead device body. Each of the at least four conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least four proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least four distal electrical connectors. Each of the at least four conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead device body where the at least four conductors are present to its corresponding proximal electrical connector. The length of a first conductor is most similar to the length of a second conductor among the at least four conductors. The first and second conductors are clocked at a location providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the first and second conductors.

[0007] An embodiment provides an implantable medical system including an implantable medical stimulator device comprising a head having a lead hole and electrical contacts located within the lead hole. The implantable medical system also includes an implantable medical lead device comprising a lead device body. At least four proximal electrical connectors are located on a proximal end of the lead device body and are longitudinally separated. The proximal end is located within the lead hole such that the at least four proximal electrical connectors contact corresponding electrical contacts present within the lead hole. At least four distal electrical connectors are located on a distal end of the lead device body, and at least four conductors are located within the lead device body. Each of the at least four conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least four proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least four distal electrical connectors. Each of the at least four conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead device body where the at least four conductors are located to a corresponding proximal electrical connector of each conductor. The length of the first conductor among the at least four conductors is most similar to the length of the second conductor among the at least four conductors. The first and second conductors are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between them.

[0008] An embodiment provides an implantable medical lead device comprising a lead device body and at least five proximal electrical connectors located on a proximal end of the lead device body and longitudinally separated. At least five distal electrical connectors are located on the distal end of the lead device body, and at least five conductors are located within the lead device body. Each of the at least five conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least five proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least five distal electrical connectors. Each of the at least five conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead device body where the at least five conductors are located to a corresponding proximal electrical connector. The length of a first conductor among the at least five conductors is most similar to the length of a second conductor among the at least five conductors. The first and second conductors are clocked at a position providing a certain angular spacing between the first and second conductors, the angular spacing being at least: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus a second amount equal to 360 degrees divided by the total number of conductors present within the lead device body.

[0009] An embodiment provides an implantable medical system including an implantable medical stimulation device comprising a head having a lead hole and electrical contacts located within the lead hole. The implantable medical system includes an implantable medical lead device comprising a lead device body and at least five proximal electrical connectors located on a proximal end of the lead device body and longitudinally separated. The proximal end is located within the lead hole such that the at least five proximal electrical connectors contact corresponding electrical contacts present within the lead hole. At least five distal electrical connectors are located on the distal end of the lead device body, and at least five conductors are located within the lead device body. Each of the at least five conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least five proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least five distal electrical connectors. Each of the at least five conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead device body where the at least five conductors are located to a corresponding proximal electrical connector of each conductor. The length of a first conductor among the at least five conductors is most similar to the length of a second conductor among the at least five conductors. The first and second conductors are clocked at a position providing a certain angular gap between them, the angular gap being at least: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus a second amount equal to 360 degrees divided by the total number of conductors present in the lead assembly body.

[0010] An embodiment provides a method of providing an implantable medical lead device, the method involving providing a lead device body and providing at least four proximal electrical connectors located on a proximal end of the lead device body and longitudinally separated. The method also involves providing at least four distal electrical contacts located on a distal end of the lead device body and inserting at least four conductors into the lead device body. Each of the at least four conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least four proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least four distal electrical connectors. Each of the at least four conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead device body where the at least four conductors are present to its corresponding proximal electrical connector. The length of a first conductor is most similar to the length of a second conductor among the at least four conductors. The first and second conductors are clocked at a location providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the first and second conductors.

[0011] An embodiment provides a method for providing an implantable medical lead device, the method involving providing a lead device body and providing at least five proximal electrical connectors located on a proximal end of the lead device body and longitudinally separated. The method also involves providing at least five distal electrical connectors located on a distal end of the lead device body and inserting at least five conductors into the lead device body. Each of the at least five conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least five proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least five distal electrical connectors. Each of the at least five conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead device body where the at least five conductors are present to its corresponding proximal electrical connector. The length of a first conductor among the at least five conductors is most similar to the length of a second conductor among the at least five conductors. The first and second conductors are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing between the first and second conductors, the angular spacing being at least: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus a second amount equal to 360 degrees divided by the total number of conductors present within the lead device body. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 An example of an implantable medical system including the proximal end of an implantable medical lead device is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 The distal end of the implantable medical lead is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 The distal end of the implantable medical lead extension, which is connected to the proximal end of the implantable medical lead, is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 The end of an implantable medical lead device is shown, along with an example of the position of a balanced clock conductor.

[0016] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken laterally through the implantable medical lead device is shown, which further illustrates an example of the position of the balanced clock conductor. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments provide implantable medical lead devices, such as leads and lead extensions, which include conductors with balanced clocked positions that reduce the tendency of the lead ends to bend during injection molding. One or more pairs of conductors having similar lengths measured from a reference point to the ends of the conductors in the pair are arranged within the balanced clocked positions of the lead. The embodiments provide various examples of balanced clocked conductor positions, such as maintaining a minimum 135-degree spacing between the balanced clocked conductor positions of the two conductors in the pair in one example. Alternatively, the embodiments may maintain the spacing between the balanced clocked conductor positions of the two conductors in the pair at least: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus an average clocked position spacing, wherein the average clocked position spacing may be: a second amount equal to 360 degrees divided by the number of conductors present within the lead device.

[0018] Figure 1 An example of an implantable medical device system 100, which may include an embodiment of a balanced clock conductor position of an implantable medical lead device 104, is shown. The implantable medical system 100 includes an implantable medical stimulation device 102. In this example, the implantable medical stimulation device 102 includes a housing 106 that includes stimulator circuitry 107 that generates electrical stimulation signals. This example of the implantable medical stimulation device 102 also includes a head 108 mounted on top of the housing 106, wherein the head 108 includes a lead hole 110 with an opening 116 into which a proximal end 118 (if the lead device 104 is a lead extension) and 118' (if the lead device 104 is a lead) of the lead device 104 are inserted.

[0019] The electrical stimulation signal from the stimulator circuit 107 travels within the housing 107 to the electrical contact 112 in the lead hole 110 of the head 108. A conductive path 114 provides the electrical stimulation signal for each output channel of the stimulator circuit 107. The housing can be hermetically sealed to prevent fluid from entering the housing 106, and in this case, the conductive path may include a hermetically sealed feedthrough, wherein the path 114 transitions from the interior of the housing 106 to the interior of the head 108. The path 114 of each channel of the stimulator circuit 107 continues to the corresponding electrical contact 112.

[0020] Once the proximal ends 118, 118' of the implantable medical lead device 104 are fully inserted into the lead hole 110, the proximal electrical contacts 120 (if the lead device 104 is a lead extension) and 120' (if the lead device 104 is a lead) in the form of rings in this example, physically contact the electrical connector 112. Then, electrical conductors within the body 105 of the lead device 104 and electrically connected to the corresponding connectors 120, 120' transmit stimulation signals to the distal end of the lead device 104. The body 105 can be constructed of biocompatible materials including various polymers such as polyurethane to provide flexibility while also protecting the conductors from external conditions.

[0021] Figure 1 The example illustrates a total of eight separate conductive paths, eight separate contacts, and eight separate connectors. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of conductive paths, contacts, and connectors can vary. Figure 1 Those shown, while still achieving balanced clock conductor positions within the lead assembly 104.

[0022] Figure 2 An example of the distal end 202 of an implantable medical lead 200 is shown, which is Figure 1 An example of an implantable medical lead device 104. The distal end includes a distal electrical connector 204 in the form of annular electrodes, which are electrically coupled to the distal portion 206 of a conductor within the lead 200. The lead 200 is implanted such that the distal electrode 204 is positioned at a target stimulation site within the patient to deliver an electrical stimulation signal. Although the distal portion 206 of the conductor is shown approaching the electrode in a stepped manner, those skilled in the art will understand that the conductor at the distal end 200 may alternatively be in the same balanced clocked position as the conductor at the proximal end 118' of the lead 200, as described below regarding Figures 4 to 5 This will be discussed in detail. In fact, if conductor 206 is kept in the same position as the balanced clocked position of the proximal end 118' of lead 200, and the distal electrodes are arranged in the same manner as the proximal connector 120', then the distal portion of conductor 206 will also be in the balanced clocked position.

[0023] Figure 3 An example of the distal end 301 of an implantable medical lead extension 300 is shown, which is Figure 1 An example of an implantable medical lead device 104. The distal end 301 includes a distal housing 302 that contains a distal contact 306 located within a lead hole 310. The distal contact 306 is electrically coupled to a distal portion 308 of a conductor within a lead extension 300.

[0024] The lead extension 300 is implanted such that the distal end 301 is positioned in a convenient location for receiving the proximal end 118' of the implantable medical lead 200 into the lead hole 310 through the opening 304 in the housing 302. The proximal connector 120' of the lead 200 physically engages the distal electrical connector 306 of the lead extension 300, which is located within the lead hole 310 and takes the form of an electrical contact. This effectively directs the path from... Figure 1 The electrical connector 112 of the implantable stimulation device 102 extends to Figure 2 The distal electrode 204 of the lead 200.

[0025] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, a balancing clock conductor may be present in the proximal end 118 of an embodiment of the implantable medical lead extension 300 to reduce the bending tendency in the proximal end 118, thereby facilitating insertion of the proximal end 118 into the lead hole 110 of the implantable medical stimulation device 202. Alternatively or additionally, a balancing clock conductor may be present in the proximal end 118' of an embodiment of the implantable medical lead 200 to reduce the bending tendency in the proximal end 118', thereby facilitating insertion of the proximal end 118' into the lead hole 310 of the implantable medical lead extension 300.

[0026] Figure 4 A perspective view of an example of the proximal ends 118, 118' of an implantable medical lead device 104 is shown, regardless of whether the implantable medical lead device is a lead extension 300 or a lead 200. It is shown here in a semi-transparent manner. Figure 1 The lead body 105 is shown to reveal details within it. Here, the proximal portions of the conductors of the lead assembly 104 are linear and are shown as balanced clock positions present within the lead assembly 104. As described above, balanced clock positions can be achieved relative to any two conductors of the lead assembly 104 that have the most similar length to each other, measured from a given reference point along the lead assembly 104 to the corresponding proximal electrical connectors of the two conductors.

[0027] In this example, it can be seen that, starting from a reference point 502 located at a given longitudinal position along the lead assembly body 105 containing all eight conductors, each conductor has a length 504 measured from this given reference point 502 to the corresponding electrical connector (in this case, the proximal electrical connector located on the proximal ends 118, 118' of the lead assembly 104). Each conductor length 504 is referenced to conductors numbered "0" through "7". It can be seen that, starting with conductor "7" corresponding to conductor 404 with attachments 402 to electrodes 120, 120', the conductor with the length most similar to the length of conductor "7" measured from the given point 502 is conductor "6" corresponding to conductor 406 with attachments 406 to electrode 121. Therefore, to provide balanced clocked positions for conductors "7" and "6", these conductors are separated from each other by a certain balance amount.

[0028] It can also be seen that other conductors can be paired similarly. Conductor "5" is most similar to conductors "4" and "6" in length measured from the given reference point 502, but since conductor "6" is paired with conductor "7" for positioning purposes to achieve a balanced clocked position, conductor "5" can be paired with conductor "4" and positioned to achieve a balanced clocked position. Conductor "3" is most similar to conductors "2" and "4" in length measured from the given reference point 502, but since conductor "4" can be paired with conductor "5" and positioned to achieve a balanced clocked position, conductor "3" can be paired with conductor "2" and positioned to achieve a balanced clocked position. Continuing this scheme, conductors "1" and "0" can also be paired for positioning to achieve a balanced clocked position.

[0029] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The example shown includes a total of eight separate conductors and corresponding connectors. Figure 1 Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand that the number of conductors and corresponding connectors may differ. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Those shown, while still achieving balanced clock conductor positions within the lead assembly 104.

[0030] As described above, it is possible to establish a balanced angular spacing in various ways and for different numbers of conductors that may be present within the lead assembly 104. Figure 5 The transverse section of the lead wire assembly 104 further illustrates... Figure 4 The example of this angular spacing, the transverse section is along Figure 4 Line 5-5 is intercepted near reference point 502, at which all eight conductors exist and are linear in their balanced clocked positions. Note that in Figure 5In the example, lead assembly 104 includes a lead body 105 providing an outer layer, an inner body 602 containing a conductor and surrounded by the lead body 105, and an inner cavity body 604 surrounded by the inner body 602 and the conductor and forming an inner cavity 606. Those skilled in the art will understand that lead assembly 104 may omit one or more of these layers and still provide a balanced clock conductor position.

[0031] In one example, when measured from a given reference point, Figure 5 The angular spacing 608 between two conductors with the most similar lengths can range from 135 degrees to 180 degrees, the maximum possible angular spacing, regardless of the number of conductors. For example, in a specific example of a medical lead 104 with at least four conductors, the angular spacing 608 between two conductors (e.g., conductors "7" and "6" with the most similar lengths measured from a given reference point) can range from any value from 135 degrees to 180 degrees. Figure 5 As shown in the example, the angular distance 608 from the center of conductor "7" to the center of conductor "6" is a full 180 degrees. It can be seen that the same applies to the other three conductor pairs mentioned above.

[0032] In another example, the range of balanced angular spacing can be from a certain amount of angular spacing 612 (which is at least equal to: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus the average angular spacing of a single clock position 610) up to the maximum possible angular spacing of 180 degrees. The average angular spacing of a single clock position can be determined as a second amount by dividing the entire 360 ​​degrees by the number of conductors present. For example, in a specific example of a medical lead 104 with at least five conductors, the range of balanced angular spacing can be from a certain amount of angular spacing 612 (equal to 180 degrees minus the angular spacing of an average angular spacing of a single clock position 610) up to the maximum possible angular spacing of 180 degrees. Figure 5 In the example shown with eight conductors “0”-“7”, the range of angular spacing balances can be from an angular spacing of 612 equal to [180 degrees - (360 degrees / 8 = 45 degrees) = 135 degrees] up to the maximum possible angular spacing of 180 degrees. Therefore, for example, conductor “1” can be interchanged with conductor “2” or conductor “7”, and the pairing of conductors “0” and “1” will remain within a proper balance, as will the pairing of conductors “2” and “3” and the pairing of conductors “6” and “7”.

[0033] Although Figure 4 and Figure 5The diagram shows a conductor sequence of “7”, “1”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “0”, “3”, “5” viewed from the far side and clockwise. However, many other conductor sequences are also applicable and allow for balanced clockwise conductor positions. For example, an alternative conductor sequence viewed from the far side and clockwise could be “7”, “3”, “5”, “1”, “6”, “2”, “4”, “0”. It should be understood that in both examples, “7” is paired with “6” to have a balanced clockwise position, while “5” is paired with “4”, “3” with “2”, and “1” with “0”.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be understood that not all conductors present in the lead assembly 104 need to have a balanced clocked position. For example, in some cases, multiple pairs of conductors with balanced clocked positions can provide sufficient resistance to end bending, even if one or more other conductors may not have a balanced clocked position.

[0035] Therefore, the lead assembly 104, such as the lead 200 and / or lead extension 300, can be constructed by forming one or more conductor pairs of these conductor pairs with the most similar lengths, measured from a given reference point, at which the two conductors in the pair are given a sufficiently balanced clocked position. The sufficiently balanced clocked position of one or more of these pairs then reduces the tendency of the end of the lead assembly 104 to bend, thereby improving the ability of the end of the lead assembly 104 to be inserted into the lead hole.

[0036] It should be understood that Figure 1 The implantable medical system 100 utilizing a lead device with a conductor at a balanced clock position can take many different forms. For example, the implantable medical system 100 can be a neuromodulation device capable of generating stimulation signals that provide neurotherapy, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, etc. The implantable medical system 100 can be a cardiac device capable of providing pacing signals, defibrillation signals, etc. For any of these examples, and other examples not explicitly mentioned, the lead device 104 can utilize a balanced clock conductor position as disclosed herein.

[0037] An exemplary method of providing an implantable medical lead device includes: providing a lead device body; and providing at least four proximal electrical connectors located on a proximal end of the lead device body and longitudinally separated. The method includes: providing at least four distal electrical contacts located on a distal end of the lead device body; and inserting at least four conductors into the lead device body. According to these methods, each of the at least four conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least four proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least four distal electrical connectors, and each of the at least four conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead device body where the at least four conductors are present to its corresponding proximal electrical connector. Further according to these methods, the length of a first conductor among the at least four conductors is most similar to the length of a second conductor among the at least four conductors, and the first and second conductors are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the first and second conductors.

[0038] An exemplary method of providing an implantable medical lead device includes: providing a lead device body; and providing at least five proximal electrical connectors located on a proximal end of the lead device body and longitudinally separated. The method also includes: providing at least five distal electrical connectors located on a distal end of the lead device body; and inserting at least five conductors into the lead device body. According to these methods, each of the at least five conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least five proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least five distal electrical connectors, and the at least five conductors have a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the lead device body where the at least five conductors are present to the corresponding proximal electrical connector of each conductor. Further according to these methods, the length of a first conductor among the at least five conductors is most similar to the length of a second conductor among the at least five conductors, and the first and second conductors are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing between the first and second conductors, the angular spacing being at least: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus a second amount equal to 360 degrees divided by the total number of conductors present within the lead device body.

[0039] Although embodiments have been specifically shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various other changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An implantable medical lead device, the implantable medical lead device comprising: The main body of the lead wire assembly; At least four proximal electrical connectors are located on the proximal end of the lead assembly body and are longitudinally separated; At least four distal electrical connectors are located on the distal end of the lead assembly body; and At least four conductors, said at least four conductors being located within the body of the lead assembly, Each of the at least four conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector among the at least four proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector among the at least four distal electrical connectors. Each of the at least four conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the body of the lead assembly where the at least four conductors are present to the corresponding proximal electrical connector of each conductor. Wherein the length of the first conductor among the at least four conductors is most similar to the length of the second conductor among the at least four conductors, Furthermore, the first conductor and the second conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the first conductor and the second conductor.

2. The implantable medical lead device of claim 1, wherein the length of the third conductor among the at least four conductors is most similar to the length of the fourth conductor among the at least four conductors, and wherein the third conductor and the fourth conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the third conductor and the fourth conductor.

3. The implantable medical lead device of claim 2, wherein the at least four conductors comprise at least six conductors, and wherein the length of the fifth conductor among the at least six conductors is most similar to the length of the sixth conductor among the at least six conductors, and wherein the fifth conductor and the sixth conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the fifth conductor and the sixth conductor.

4. The implantable medical lead device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal electrical connector is a ring.

5. The implantable medical lead device of claim 1, wherein the implantable medical lead device is an implantable lead extension including a distal housing, and wherein the distal electrical connector is an electrical contact located within the distal housing and configured to receive a proximal electrical connector of the lead.

6. The implantable medical lead device of claim 1, wherein each of the at least four conductors is linear at least with respect to the proximal portion.

7. An implantable medical system, the implantable medical system comprising: An implantable medical stimulator device, the implantable medical stimulator device comprising a head having a lead hole and an electrical contact located within the lead hole; and An implantable medical lead device, the implantable medical lead device comprising: - Main body of the lead wire assembly; - At least four proximal electrical connectors, the at least four proximal electrical connectors being located on the proximal end of the lead assembly body and longitudinally separated, the proximal end being located within the lead hole, such that the at least four proximal electrical connectors are in contact with corresponding electrical contacts present within the lead hole; - At least four distal electrical connectors, said at least four distal electrical connectors being located on the distal end of the lead assembly body; and - At least four conductors, said at least four conductors being located within the body of the lead assembly. - wherein each of the at least four conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector of the at least four proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector of the at least four distal electrical connectors. - wherein the at least four conductors have a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the body of the lead assembly in which the at least four conductors are present to the corresponding proximal electrical connector of each conductor. - wherein the length of the first conductor among the at least four conductors is most similar to the length of the second conductor among the at least four conductors. - and wherein the first conductor and the second conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the first conductor and the second conductor.

8. The implantable medical system of claim 7, wherein the length of the third conductor among the at least four conductors is most similar to the length of the fourth conductor among the at least four conductors, and wherein the third conductor and the fourth conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the third conductor and the fourth conductor.

9. The implantable medical system of claim 8, wherein the at least four conductors comprise at least six conductors, and wherein the length of the fifth conductor among the at least six conductors is most similar to the length of the sixth conductor among the at least six conductors, and wherein the fifth conductor and the sixth conductor are clocked at a location providing an angular spacing of at least 135 degrees between the fifth conductor and the sixth conductor.

10. The implantable medical system of claim 7, wherein the implantable medical lead device is an implantable lead extension having a distal housing, wherein the proximal electrical connector is a ring, wherein the distal electrical connector is a distal electrical contact present within the distal housing, and wherein each of the at least four conductors is linear at least with respect to the proximal portion, the implantable medical system further comprising an implantable medical lead having a proximal end having an electrical connector present within the distal housing and engaging the distal electrical contact.

11. An implantable medical lead device, the implantable medical lead device comprising: The main body of the lead wire assembly; At least five proximal electrical connectors, said at least five proximal electrical connectors being located on the proximal end of the lead assembly body and longitudinally separated; At least five distal electrical connectors, said at least five distal electrical connectors being located on the distal end of the lead assembly body; and At least five conductors, said at least five conductors being located within the body of the lead assembly, Each of the at least five conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector among the at least five proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector among the at least five distal electrical connectors. The at least five conductors have a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the body of the lead assembly where the at least five conductors are present to the corresponding proximal electrical connector of each conductor. The length of the first conductor among the at least five conductors is most similar to the length of the second conductor among the at least five conductors. Furthermore, the first conductor and the second conductor are clocked at a position providing a certain angular spacing between the first conductor and the second conductor, the angular spacing being at least: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus a second amount, the second amount being equal to 360 degrees divided by the total number of conductors present in the lead assembly body.

12. The implantable medical lead device of claim 11, wherein the length of the third conductor among the at least five conductors is most similar to the length of the fourth conductor among the at least five conductors, and wherein the third conductor and the fourth conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing between the third conductor and the fourth conductor, the angular spacing being at least: the amount equal to 180 degrees minus the second amount.

13. The implantable medical lead device of claim 12, wherein the at least five conductors comprise at least six conductors, wherein the length of the fifth conductor among the at least six conductors is most similar to the length of the sixth conductor among the at least six conductors, and wherein the fifth conductor and the sixth conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing between the fifth conductor and the sixth conductor, the angular spacing being at least: the amount equal to 180 degrees minus the second amount.

14. The implantable medical lead device of claim 11, wherein the proximal electrical connector is a ring.

15. The implantable medical lead device of claim 11, wherein the implantable medical lead device is an implantable medical lead extension having a distal housing, and wherein the distal electrical connector is a distal electrical contact located within the distal housing and configured to receive a proximal electrical connector of the implantable medical lead.

16. The implantable medical lead device of claim 11, wherein each of the at least five conductors is linear at least with respect to the proximal portion.

17. An implantable medical system, the implantable medical system comprising: An implantable medical stimulation device, the implantable medical stimulation device comprising a head having a lead hole and an electrical contact located within the lead hole; and An implantable medical lead device, the implantable medical lead device comprising: - Main body of the lead wire assembly; - At least five proximal electrical connectors, the at least five proximal electrical connectors being located on the proximal end of the lead assembly body and longitudinally separated, the proximal end being located within the lead hole, such that the at least five proximal electrical connectors are in contact with corresponding electrical contacts present within the lead hole; - At least five distal electrical connectors, said at least five distal electrical connectors being located on the distal end of the lead assembly body; and - At least five conductors, said at least five conductors being located within the body of the lead assembly. - wherein each of the at least five conductors interconnects a corresponding proximal electrical connector among the at least five proximal electrical connectors to a corresponding distal electrical connector among the at least five distal electrical connectors. - Each of the at least five conductors has a length measured from a given longitudinal position along the body of the lead assembly in which the at least five conductors are present to the corresponding proximal electrical connector of each conductor. - wherein the length of the first conductor among the at least five conductors is most similar to the length of the second conductor among the at least five conductors. - And wherein the first conductor and the second conductor are clocked at a position providing a certain angular spacing between the first conductor and the second conductor, the angular spacing being at least: an amount equal to 180 degrees minus a second amount, the second amount being equal to 360 degrees divided by the total number of conductors present in the lead assembly body.

18. The implantable medical system of claim 17, wherein the length of the third conductor among the at least five conductors is most similar to the length of the fourth conductor among the at least five conductors, and wherein the third conductor and the fourth conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing between the third conductor and the fourth conductor, the angular spacing being at least: the amount equal to 180 degrees minus the second amount.

19. The implantable medical system of claim 18, wherein the at least five conductors comprise at least six conductors, wherein the length of the fifth conductor among the at least six conductors is most similar to the length of the sixth conductor among the at least six conductors, and wherein the fifth conductor and the sixth conductor are clocked at a position providing an angular spacing between the fifth conductor and the sixth conductor, the angular spacing being at least: the amount equal to 180 degrees minus the second amount.

20. The implantable medical system of claim 17, wherein the implantable medical lead device is an implantable medical lead extension having a distal housing, wherein the proximal electrical connector is a ring, wherein the distal electrical connector is a distal electrical contact located within the housing, wherein each of the at least five conductors is linear at least with respect to the proximal portion, and the implantable medical system further includes an implantable medical lead having a proximal end having a proximal electrical contact located within the distal housing and engaging a corresponding distal electrical contact.

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