Head portion of an implantable medical device, method for manufacturing a head portion, and plug assembly engageable into the head portion

Abstract

A header part of an implantable medical device, a method for manufacturing the header part and a plug assembly which can be joined into the header part are described. The header part has a header part housing with at least one blind-hole-like plug contact socket with a socket opening and a socket bottom axially opposite the socket opening, at least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring are joined in a coaxial arrangement and in axially successive order along the second plug contact socket, which contact ring element and which sealing ring are surrounded by a hardened casting material. The invention is characterized in that at least one second blind-hole-like plug contact socket is arranged inside the header part, which second plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket bottom axially opposite the socket opening, at least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring are joined in a coaxial arrangement and in axially successive order along the second plug contact socket, which contact ring element and which sealing ring are surrounded by a hardened casting material, the socket bottoms of the two plug contact sockets are each delimited by a connection which is at least partially surrounded by hardened casting material, and the connection contains a through channel which opens on both sides into the blind-hole-like plug contact socket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a head portion of an implantable medical device, a method of manufacturing the head portion, and a plug assembly capable of engaging the head portion. The head portion has a head portion housing having at least one blind-hole-shaped plug contact socket, the plug contact socket having a socket opening and a socket bottom axially opposite the socket opening, at least one conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring being engaged along the plug contact socket in a coaxial arrangement and axially sequential order, the contact ring element and the sealing ring being surrounded by a hardened casting material. Background Technology

[0002] Implantable medical devices for the electrical stimulation of localized tissue or nerve regions within the body, such as defibrillators, pacemakers, and resynchronization devices for cardiac treatment, and transiently implantable pulse generators (IPGs) for neurostimulation therapies such as spinal cord stimulation, brain stimulation, or vagus nerve stimulation (to name just a few), typically have a closed housing containing components for generating electrical pulses, thereby at least one electrical energy source, and a circuit structure connected to said energy source. Furthermore, the housing is connected to a so-called head portion, which contains electrical contact components connected to the energy source or circuit structure. A plug assembly, fluid-tightly sealed to the head portion, can engage with these electrical contact components, the plug assembly contacting input and output wires for the local application of electrical stimulation signals within the body and, if necessary, the delivery of locally tapped electrical signals to the circuit structure present on the housing side.

[0003] This type of head portion for an implantable medical device is described in document EP 2 134 418 B1. The head portion includes two head portion housing halves that can be joined together along a seam. Semi-cylindrical recesses are machined in each head portion housing half in a serial sequence, separated by partitions. Conductive contact ring elements and electrically insulating sealing rings are inserted into these recesses in a serially alternating sequence. The head portion thus includes an arrangement of electrically insulating contact ring elements oriented coaxially to each other. Lateral inlets are provided in the head portion for electrical contact with the contact ring elements, through which an electrical plug assembly can fluid-tightly engage with a cavity surrounded by all the annular contact ring elements.

[0004] Document DE 10 2012 010 901 A1 discloses a method for positioning and retaining electrical contacts and seals within a head portion for electrical contact with an implantable medical device. A blind-hole-like aperture is machined on one side of a head portion housing made of a biocompatible and electrically insulating material. Conductive contact rings and annular sealing elements are inserted into the aperture in an alternating sequence, the contact rings and sealing elements collectively surrounding a cavity into which a pin-shaped plug assembly can engage. Each of the annular contact rings is connected within the head portion to electrical components located within the housing of the implantable medical device via an electrical connection wire.

[0005] Document DE 20 2013 012 073 U1 discloses a socket module assembly in which multiple contact rings and sealing elements are arranged in an alternating sequence along a pin-shaped assembly tool for assembly. A clamping device clamps all the contact rings and sealing elements arranged along the assembly tool together by applying an axial engagement force. A sleeve element, axially fixed to the assembly tool by means of a countersunk screw, is used to maintain the engagement force; the sleeve element, together with the end face of the assembly tool head, axially defines the boundaries of the assembly consisting of the contact rings and sealing elements on both sides. In this clamped state, the assembly is cast with a hardenable casting material, which bears the engagement force in a hardened state.

[0006] The document WO 2019 / 115176 A1 proposes to replace countersunk screws as end-side fixing accessories to maintain axial engagement force acting on a sequence of contact rings and sealing elements arranged along a pin-shaped assembly tool, using an assembly plate provided with an opening and internal threads, in which the pin-shaped assembly tool engages in the internal thread opening of the assembly plate, the pin-shaped assembly tool having external threads arranged on its end.

[0007] Document US 2008 / 0077190 A1 discloses a head portion having two plug contact sockets extending parallel to each other and laterally offset for insertion into correspondingly coaxial plug portions. One end of a glass fiber assembly extends coaxially with the socket to the bottom end of the socket, and the glass fiber assembly is coupled to an optical pulse generator at its other fiber end.

[0008] Document US 2011 / 0004279 A1 describes a head portion that allows two electrical plug portions to be coaxially connected to each other in a common socket channel through corresponding axially opposed socket channel openings to make electrical contact. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The objective of this invention is to modify the head portion of an implantable medical device, the method of manufacturing the head portion, and the plug assembly that can be engaged in the head portion, so that in addition to generating electrical stimulation signals as previously known, it should also be able to transmit and apply electrical stimulation signals, thereby expanding the functional range of the implantable pulse generator (IPG) without inadvertently altering the structural dimensions of the pulse generator.

[0010] This invention provides a solution to the problem. The subject of this invention is an implantable plug assembly configured to be adapted for engagement with a head portion. A method for manufacturing the head portion is also provided. Features that further refine the inventive concept in an advantageous manner will become apparent from the contents of the specification, and particularly with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0011] An implantable medical device, according to a solution, has a head portion housing having at least one blind-hole-shaped first plug contact socket having a socket opening and a socket bottom axially opposed to the socket opening. At least one conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring are engaged along the first plug contact socket in a coaxial arrangement and axially serial sequence, the contact ring element and the sealing ring being surrounded by a hardened casting material. The head portion is characterized in that at least one blind-hole-shaped second plug contact socket is arranged inside the head portion, the second plug contact socket having a socket opening and a socket bottom axially opposed to the socket opening. At least one conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring are engaged along the second plug contact socket in a coaxial arrangement and axially serial sequence, the contact ring element and the sealing ring being surrounded by a hardened casting material. The socket bottoms of at least two plug contact sockets are respectively limited by connectors at least partially surrounded by hardened casting material, and the connectors include through channels that open on both sides into the blind-hole-shaped plug contact sockets.

[0012] The present invention utilizes an internally threaded opening within an assembly plate to direct the flow of any type of medium, as described in the aforementioned document WO 2019 / 115176 A1, where it remains inactive after the assembly tool is removed from the completed head portion. The assembly plate, considered a disposable component in the prior art, is entirely surrounded by the casting material of the head portion and remains inactive within the hardened casting material for the further operation of the head portion and the implantable pulse generator (IPG) also connected to it. The assembly plate forms a modified, solution-specific central component of the head portion, which acquires the additional function of a connection channel through which the flow of medium can be directed from one blind-hole plug contact to another. This discloses several novel applications for known implants that do not negatively affect the implant's primary function, namely, in vivo electrical stimulation of local tissue and / or nerve regions.

[0013] The connector at the bottom boundary of at least two plug-contact sockets is indirectly or directly used as a medium coupling element according to the solution, through which a predetermined medium can be transferred from one plug-contact socket to the area of ​​another plug-contact socket. Each plug assembly, modified according to the solution, can be releasably and securely engaged in the two plug-contact sockets, the plug assemblies being respectively constructed and adapted for engagement in one of the blind-hole-shaped plug-contact sockets of the aforementioned head portion. In particular, the plug assembly has a plug body with at least one hollow channel located internally, the hollow channel correspondingly opening to a distal end of the plug body on one side. Furthermore, the distal end of the plug body has an engagement profile that, in the engaged state within the plug-contact socket, ensures that the hollow channel on the plug side transitions aligned with a through channel arranged inside the connector and respectively open to the blind-hole-shaped plug-contact socket. This should enable coupling and transmission, or transfer, of the medium guided within the hollow channel or through channel between the two plug assemblies with minimal loss via the connector.

[0014] The implantable plug assembly is further constructed in a known manner for transmitting electrical signals and has a serial sequence of plug contact rings and sealing rings or electrical insulating rings along the longitudinal extension of the plug, the plug contact rings and sealing rings or electrical insulating rings corresponding to the number and arrangement of electrical contact ring elements and sealing rings along the plug contact socket.

[0015] In the engaged state of the implantable plug assembly within the plug contact socket located on the head portion side, the electrical functionality of the implantable device for applying electrical stimulation signals is maintained unrestricted despite the altered head portion and the altered plug assembly. In vivo media delivery and / or application, associated with a correspondingly selected media, can be achieved through hollow channels additionally provided on the plug side and configured as media channels, for example, in the form of gas or liquid delivery or application, or in the form of light application. These hollow channels can be connected to each other via through-channels within the connector.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the hollow channel and the through channel are respectively constructed as fluid pipelines, and gaseous or liquid media can flow or be transported along the fluid pipelines.

[0017] Each of the following leads, preferably flexibly constructed leads, is directly connected to a plug assembly extending from the head portion. This includes at least one wire that can transmit electrical stimulation signals or electrical signals detected by sensors from the body itself, and at least one hollow channel for medium transmission that extends along the lead.

[0018] The arrangement and layout of the lines derived from the plug assembly within the body allows different areas within the body to be fluidly coupled to each other through hollow lines connected to the two plug assemblies and through channels connecting the two hollow lines to each other.

[0019] Fluid coupling can be performed purely passively in the simplest variant, i.e. without intermediate fluid transport units.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a fluid pump is disposed within the connector along a through-channel. To control the fluid pump, it is connected to an electrical component arranged within an implantable device for generating electrical pulses. This controllable fluid pump thus enables fluid flow within the body, transferring fluid from one body region to another. A hollow wire connected to one of the two plug assemblies opens into said one body region, and a hollow wire connected to the other plug assembly opens into said other body region. Activation of the fluid pump, as well as the pre-determining of the flow direction and intensity, can also be pre-defined in a suitable manner by means of the electrical component contained within the implantable device.

[0021] In another embodiment, the implantable device includes a fluid reservoir that is fluidly coupled via a connection line to a through channel within the connector, thereby enabling, preferably via a valve unit controllable along the connection line, to mix additional fluid, preferably in the form of a gaseous or liquid active ingredient, into the fluid flow flowing through the through channel.

[0022] An alternative implementation, combining hollow lines and through channels as fluid conduits, involves arranging light-guiding media along the hollow and through channels. This allows two spatially separated body regions to be optically coupled to each other. Accordingly, at least one optical conductor is arranged along the hollow lines connected to the plug assembly, with its open ends coupled as losslessly as possible to the optical conductors arranged within the through channels in the engaged state within the head portion. Preferably, optical units are additionally arranged along the through channels within the connector, capable of influencing the light transmitted along the respective optical conductors. For example, optical input and / or output coupling elements are arranged along the through channels, through which light from a light source disposed within the implantable device can be input-coupled along the optical conductors, and / or through which light can be output-coupled from the optical conductors for transmission to a photodetector disposed within the implantable device.

[0023] Alternatives or supplements to the arrangement of optical input and / or output coupling elements may be provided by arranging optical amplifiers, optical filters, or switches along a through channel within the connector, the optical amplifiers, optical filters, or switches being connected to corresponding electrical control components arranged within the implantable device.

[0024] Similarly, alternatives to or in combination with the aforementioned components for media transmission, it is suitable to provide a conductive medium, for example in the form of at least one electrical connection line, along the hollow channel and the through channel. Along this electrical connection line, in addition to wires for stimulating tissues and / or nerves that are generally connected to electrical contact ring elements, additional electrical signals can be transmitted between two spatially separated body regions. In this case, it is advantageous to arrange electrical components, such as adjustable resistors, electrical amplifiers, or similar electrical components, along the through channel in the connector to influence the current along the hollow channel in the aforementioned manner.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, at least one sensor is arranged inside the head portion, particularly on or within the connector, capable of detecting or being detected by the sensor of the quantity of medium guided within the through channel in relation to the conveying volume, conveying rate, or light intensity, etc. Depending on the type and embodiment of the at least one sensor, the arrangement of the sensor inside the head portion is suitable for, for example, implementing, electrical and / or mechanical direct or indirect coupling of the at least one sensor to at least one conductive contact ring element disposed inside the head portion. Sensors from the group consisting of: ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, pressure sensors, Hall effect sensors, flow sensors, needle sensors, fluorescence sensors, pressure sensors, etc., are considered as possible sensors.

[0026] At least one sensor is preferably connected to an electrical power source for supplying power to a pulse generator within the medical device. Furthermore, at least one sensor is connected to an evaluation and control unit, which is configured with additional storage units and / or components arranged along a through-channel within the connector for influencing the flow of media through the through-channel. In this manner, it is possible to detect the actual state of the medium flowing or being conducted along the through-channel, as detected by the sensor, and to control or adjust at least one component arranged along the through-channel in the connector for influencing the medium flow based on a comparison of nominal and actual values.

[0027] The head portion manufactured according to the solution, along with the functionally modified plug assembly for transmitting media in the form of fluid, optical flow, or electric current, largely retains the shape and size of this type of known medical implant, while significantly expanding the functionality of the medical implant and implants with the same associated therapeutic mechanisms. This makes it possible to additionally apply fluid, light, or voltage in addition to electrical stimulation of local tissues and / or nerve regions within the body.

[0028] A novel manufacturing method for this head section is achieved by combining the connector, originally used as an assembly plate, as a load-bearing structure and a connecting flange. Thus, in the first method step, the connector functions as a load-bearing plate in the conventional sense; that is, the connector, together with at least one contact ring element and at least one sealing ring, is arranged along a rod-shaped first assembly tool and serves as a support for the machine to generate axial clamping force. For this purpose, the connector is provided with a first opening having internal threads, into which external threads disposed on the end side of the assembly tool can engage. By rotating the assembly tool relative to the connector, the contact ring element and sealing ring disposed along the assembly tool are axially clamped together. Similarly, the connector is used as a load-bearing structure and a support for the machine to generate clamping force along the contact ring element and sealing ring disposed on a second assembly tool. For this purpose, the connector is provided with a second opening having internal threads, which is connected to the first opening via a through channel.

[0029] In the next step, the connector and the two assembly tools fixed thereto, along with an axial sequence consisting of at least one contact ring element and at least one sealing ring element mounted on the assembly tools, are covered with a hardenable, flowable casting material to construct the head portion. After the casting material hardens, the rod-shaped assembly tools are loosened and removed from the connector. Removing the assembly tools exposes a through-channel through the connector to a blind-hole-like plug contact socket formed by removing the assembly tools, open on both sides, in the head portion. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, without limiting the general inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 A view is shown of the head portion, as a connector variant, with an implantable device for generating electrical pulses.

[0032] Figure 2 A view is shown of a head portion with an implantable device for generating electrical stimulation signals, the head portion having components that influence the flow of a medium contained within a connector. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a head portion 1 is shown, which is combined with an implantable medical device 2 configured as a pulse generator to form a structural unit. A plurality of electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing rings 3 and conductive contact ring elements 4 are arranged in an alternating sequence in an axially serial arrangement within the head portion, which is made of a hardenable casting material. The sealing rings 3 and electrical contact ring elements 4 each include blind-hole plug-in sockets 51 and 52, having socket openings 61 and 62 accessible to the outer wall of the head portion 1. Socket bottoms 71 and 72, opposite the socket openings 61 and 62, are defined by a common connector 8, which serves as a mechanical support for two assembly tools for assembly purposes, in order to manufacture the head portion 1 and, particularly, for the axial arrangement of the plurality of sealing rings 3 and electrical contact elements 4 under the applied engagement force. For this purpose, the connector 8 is provided with a through channel 9 that completely penetrates the connector 8, along which internal threads 10 are machined at least partially in its through channel opening.

[0034] According to the solution, the mass-produced plug assemblies 12 and 13 are respectively coupled into blind-hole-shaped plug contact sockets 51 and 52. Each plug assembly has a plug body that matches the size and shape of the plug contact sockets 51 and 52. Corresponding mating contact elements 15 are arranged on the outer periphery of the plug body corresponding to the arrangement of the electrical contact ring element 4. Electrically insulated plug body regions 16 are provided between the mating contact elements 15. Regarding the electrical contacts within the corresponding blind-hole-shaped plug contact sockets 51 and 52 of the plug assembly 12 and 13 in the head portion... Figure 1 The difference between the devices shown is not that they are the same type of plug assembly.

[0035] In the proposed solution, plug contact assemblies 12 and 13 are respectively provided with media channels in the form of hollow lines 17 and 18 that centrally penetrate the plug body. These media channels are mated and aligned in the region of the socket bottoms 71 and 72 with through channels 9 that are respectively open to blind-hole shaped plug contact sockets 51 and 52. Depending on the type and configuration of the hollow channels 17 and 18 and the through channels 9, the coupling between the through channels 9 and the corresponding hollow channels 17 and 18 on the plug side is adapted to achieve and carry out low-loss or lossless coupling and transmission of the medium flowing through the hollow channels. Optionally, for this purpose, additional sealing and / or engagement contours 19 are machined inside the connector 8, which ensure a seamless transition between the hollow channels 17 and 18 and the through channels 9.

[0036] The plug assemblies 12 and 13 are connected to the outgoing lines 20 and 21, respectively, which include hollow channels 17 and 18 in addition to at least one wire (not shown) for transmitting electrical stimulation signals.

[0037] Figure 1 The head portion 1 shown in the figure is first used as a connector or connection portion between two plug assemblies 12, 13, whose corresponding hollow channels 17, 18 are aligned and coupled to each other without loss for possible media transmission via through channels 19.

[0038] Figure 1 The embodiment shown illustrates two plug contact sockets 51, 52 positioned parallel and coaxially, with corresponding openings 61, 62 leading to radially opposing housing sides of the head portion 1. Alternatively, two plug contact sockets can be arranged in a parallel, side-by-side orientation inside the head portion, with corresponding openings leading to the same side of the head portion 1. In this case, a through-channel 9 guided within the connector 8 is semi-arched to align and connect media channels on the plug side that open to the bottom of the respective sockets.

[0039] Alternatively, three or more plug contact sockets may be provided in the head section, and the three or more plug contact sockets may be connected to each other through three or more tapped through channels.

[0040] To detect media, such as gaseous or liquid fluids, optical flows, or electric currents, flowing through the hollow channels 17, 18, a preferred embodiment provides at least one sensor 23 inside the head portion 1. Depending on the type and design of the sensor 23, the sensor is directly disposed on or integrated into the connector 8 and / or at least one sealing ring of the sealing ring 3 or at least one electrical contact ring element of the electrical contact ring element 4. The type and placement of the at least one sensor 23 are for media transported along the hollow channels 17, 18. Sensors 23 can be selected from the following types in a suitable manner: Hall effect sensors, optical sensors, flow sensors, ultrasonic sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.

[0041] exist Figure 2 In, and in Figure 1 Unlike the head portion 1 shown in the drawing, an additional component 24 is arranged inside the connector 8 along the through channel 9, which affects the medium flowing through the hollow channels 17, 18 and the through channel 9. Figure 2 In China, it has been combined Figure 1 The components that are identical in structure and function to those described in Embodiment 1 shown in the figure are given the same reference numerals.

[0042] In the case where the hollow channels 17 and 18 are constructed as fluid conduits, the component 24 arranged along the through channel 9 is preferably a fluid pump. The fluid pump enables, for example, the transfer of fluid from body region A to another body region B. In an alternative embodiment, component 24 may include a filter for cleaning the fluid flowing through the through channel 9.

[0043] Similarly, hollow channels 17 and 18, as well as through channel 9, may be provided with light conductors. In this case, component 24 is designed as an optical unit, for example, in the form of an optical amplifier, optical filter, or switch, or an optical input and / or output coupling element. Here, in addition to electrical stimulation that can be achieved by the implant, it is possible to use light to stimulate regions A and B within the body. For this purpose, at least one light source is disposed within the implantable device 2, which is optically coupled to the optical unit 24. A photodetector may also be included within the implantable device 2, capable of detecting optical signals within the body, which can be transmitted through an optical light conductor.

[0044] Finally, component 24 can be designed as an adjustable resistor or an electric amplifier in the case of wires along the hollow channels 17, 18 and through channel 9.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046] 1. Head section

[0047] 2. Implantable devices, IPG

[0048] 3. Sealing ring

[0049] 4. Contact ring element

[0050] 51, 52 Plug contacts socket

[0051] Openings at 61 and 62

[0052] 71, 72 Bottom of socket

[0053] 8 Connectors

[0054] 9 Through Passages

[0055] 10 Internal Thread

[0056] 12, 13 Plug Assembly

[0057] 14 NN (undetermined)

[0058] 15. Matching contact elements

[0059] 16. Plug body area

[0060] Hollow lines 17 and 18

[0061] 19. Sealing and / or engagement profile

[0062] The lines exported from 20 and 21

[0063] 23 Sensors

[0064] 24. Fluid components, optical components, or electrical components.

Claims

1. A head portion of an implantable medical device, comprising a head portion housing having at least one blind-hole-shaped first plug contact socket having a socket opening and a socket bottom axially opposed to the socket opening, wherein at least one conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring are engaged along the first plug contact socket in a coaxial arrangement and axially serial sequence, the contact ring element and the sealing ring being surrounded by a hardened casting material. Its features are, At least one blind-hole-shaped second plug contact socket is disposed inside the head portion. The second plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket bottom axially opposite to the socket opening. At least one conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring are engaged along the second plug contact socket in a coaxial arrangement and axially serial sequence. The contact ring element and the sealing ring are surrounded by a hardened casting material. The socket bottoms of at least two plug contact sockets are respectively limited by connectors at least partially surrounded by hardened casting material. The connector includes a through channel that opens on both sides to a blind-hole-shaped plug contact socket.

2. The head portion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The passageway is a hollow passage.

3. The head portion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through channel is at least partially filled with a light-guiding medium.

4. The head portion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through channel is filled with a conductive medium.

5. The head portion according to claim 2, characterized in that, A fluid pump is arranged along the through channel.

6. The head portion according to claim 3, characterized in that, Optical units of the following types are arranged along the through channel: optical amplifiers, optical filters or switches, optical input and / or output coupling elements.

7. The head portion according to claim 4, characterized in that, The following types of electrical components are arranged along the through channel: adjustable resistors and electrical amplifiers.

8. The head portion according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least one sensor is placed on the connector, which is at least partially surrounded by hardened casting material, to sensitively detect the medium contained within the through channel or the current present therein.

9. The head portion according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, At least one sensor is electrically and / or mechanically connected to at least one conductive contact ring element.

10. The head portion according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one sensor can be selected from the group of sensors including: ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, pressure sensors, Hall sensors, and flow sensors.

11. The head portion according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one sensor can be selected from the group of sensors including: ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, pressure sensors, Hall sensors, and flow sensors.

12. The head portion according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one sensor is connected to the evaluation and control unit.

13. The head portion according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one sensor is connected to the evaluation and control unit.

14. The head portion according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The at least one sensor is connected to the evaluation and control unit.

15. The head portion according to any one of claims 1-7 and 10-13, characterized in that, The connector has engagement contours on both sides facing the bottom of the socket, surrounding the through channel, the engagement contours being constructed and arranged such that the medium channels disposed inside the plug contact socket are coupled to the through channel without loss.

16. The head portion according to any one of claims 1-7 and 10-13, characterized in that, The head portion housing is mechanically and electrically connected to an implantable medical device configured as a pulse generator.

17. The head portion according to any one of claims 1-7 and 10-13, characterized in that, The longitudinal axes of the first and second plug contact sockets, which are blind-hole shaped, are oriented parallel to each other, and the socket openings of the first and second plug contact sockets open to opposite or the same side of the head portion housing.

18. An implantable plug assembly configured and adapted for insertion into blind-hole-shaped plug contact sockets within a head portion according to any one of claims 1 to 17. Its features are, The plug assembly has a plug body having at least one hollow channel located inside, the hollow channel extending on one side to a distal end of the plug body. The distal end of the plug body has an engagement profile that ensures, in the engaged state of the plug assembly within the plug contact socket, that the hollow channel is aligned and engaged with the through channel inside the connector.

19. The plug assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The hollow channel includes a medium channel according to the type of through channel contained in the connector.

20. A method for manufacturing a head portion according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The connector, at least one contact ring element, and at least one sealing ring are arranged along a blind-hole-shaped first plug contact socket along a rod-shaped first assembly tool and are force-fitted together by generating an engagement force along the rod-shaped first assembly tool. The connector, at least one contact ring element, and at least one sealing ring are arranged along a blind-hole-shaped second plug contact socket along a rod-shaped second assembly tool and are force-fitted together by generating an engagement force along the rod-shaped second assembly tool. At least the connectors arranged and forcefully engaged along the first and second assembly tools in the shape of rods, as well as at least one contact ring element and at least one sealing ring of the first and second plug contact sockets in the shape of blind holes, are at least partially covered with a castable material that is hardenable and in a flowable form. After the casting material has hardened, the rod-shaped first and second assembly tools are released and removed from the blind-hole-shaped first and second plug contact sockets, at least one contact ring element, and at least one sealing ring, wherein the casting material mechanically supports the axial engagement force in the form of a shape-stable base layer that constitutes at least a part of the head housing.

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