Implantable device head, method of manufacturing said head, and plug assembly fittable within said head - Patents.com

Abstract

An implantable device head, a method for manufacturing the same, and a plug assembly fittable within the head are described. The head includes a head housing having at least one blind-hole plug contact socket having a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening. At least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable seal ring are joined together in coaxial and axially consecutive order and surrounded by solidified cast material. The present invention is characterized in that at least one second blind hole type plug contact socket is arranged in the head, and the at least one second blind hole type plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base arranged axially opposite to the socket opening, along which at least one conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring are joined to each other in a coaxial arrangement and axially consecutive order, and the at least one conductive contact ring element and the electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring are surrounded by the solidified cast material, and the socket bases of both plug contact sockets are each limited by connecting means at least partially surrounded by the solidified cast material, and the connecting means include a through channel, and the through channel opens at both ends into each of the blind hole type plug contact sockets.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an implantable device head, a method for manufacturing the same, and a plug assembly fittable within the head, the head comprising a head housing having at least one blind-hole plug contact socket with a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening, along which at least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring (surrounded by solidified cast material) are joined to one another in axially consecutive order in a coaxial arrangement. [Background technology]

[0002] Implantable medical devices for the electrical stimulation of localized body tissues or nerve regions, or implantable pulse generators (IPGs) for short (e.g., for cardiac procedures, defibrillation, pacemakers, resynchronization applications, neurostimulation means (spinal cord stimulation, brain stimulation, or vagus nerve stimulation), to name a few), generally comprise a self-contained housing that houses the components for generating the electrical pulses (and thus at least one power source and the electrical circuitry connected thereto). In addition, adjacent to the housing is a so-called head, which houses an electrical contact arrangement connected to the power source and the electrical circuitry, into which a socket assembly (which closes the head fluid-tightly) can be inserted to contact electrical supply lines and outlet leads for the application of localized electrical stimulation signals within the body (and, if necessary, for supplying electrical signals picked up locally within the body to the electrical circuitry present in the housing).

[0003] EP 2 134 418 B1 describes a head for an implantable medical device of this type. It comprises two head housing halves joinable to one another along a joining seam, into which semi-cylindrical recesses separated by an intermediate wall are introduced in succession, into which electrically conductive contact ring elements and electrically insulating sealing rings are inserted in succession, alternating order. The head thus comprises an arrangement of electrically insulating contact ring elements arranged coaxially with respect to one another, for electrical contact of which lateral access is provided into the head, through which an electrical plug assembly can be inserted in a fluid-tight manner into the hollow space surrounded by the all-around contact ring elements.

[0004] German Patent Application No. 10 2012 010 901 A1 discloses a method for positioning and holding electrical contacts and seals in a head for electrical contact with a medical implantable device. A blind bore is made on one side of a head housing made of a biocompatible, electrically insulating material, into which conductive and circumferential seal elements are inserted in alternating order, enclosing a hollow space into which a pin-shaped plug assembly can be inserted. Within the head, each of the circumferential contact rings is connected by an electrical connection line to an electrical component located in the housing of the medical implantable device.

[0005] German Utility Model Application Publication No. 20 2013 012 073 A1 describes a plug boring module assembly in which several contact rings and seal elements are arranged in alternating order along a pin-shaped assembly tool for assembly. A clamping device clamps all of the contact rings and seal elements along the assembly tool together by applying an axial joining force. To preserve the joining force, a sleeve element is used, which is axially fixedly attached to the assembly tool by a grub screw. Together with the assembly tool head at its end, this axially restricts the arrangement of the contact rings and seal elements on both sides. In this clamped state, the arrangement is cast into a hardenable casting material, which, when solidified, takes up the joining force.

[0006] Instead of grub screws as fixing aids at the ends to preserve the axial joining forces acting on the series of contact ring and seal ring elements arranged along a pin-shaped assembly tool, WO 2019 / 115176 proposes using an assembly plate provided with an opening and an internal thread, into whose internally threaded opening a pin-shaped assembly tool is inserted, the pin-shaped assembly tool having an external thread arranged at its end.

[0007] US 2008 / 0077190 A1 suggests a head with two parallel, laterally offset plug contact sockets for the insertion of coaxial plug parts. Coaxial with each socket, a front end of a glass fiber assembly opens into the end of the socket base, which is connected at its other fiber end to an optical pulse generator.

[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0004279 describes a head portion through which two electrical plug portions can be electrically connected to one another via coaxial insertion into a common socket channel by means of two axially opposed socket channel openings. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to modify the head of an implantable medical device, its manufacturing method, and a plug assembly that can fit within the head in a manner that, in addition to the known generation, transmission, and application of electrical stimulation signals, can increase the range of functions of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) without substantially changing its size.

[0010] The solution to the task forming the basis of the present invention is set forth in claim 1. The subject matter of claim 15 is an implantable plug assembly designed to be fittable into a head. A method for manufacturing the head is set forth in claim 17. Features which advantageously further develop the inventive concept form the subject matter of the respective dependent claims and can be gleaned from the present description (in particular with reference to the example embodiments illustrated).

[0011] The head of the implantable medical device according to the present solution comprises: a head housing, the head housing including at least one first blind hole type plug contact socket; the at least one first blind hole plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening; along which at least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring, surrounded by the solidified casting material, are joined together in a coaxial arrangement and in axially consecutive order; In the head, At least one second blind hole type plug contact socket is disposed within the head housing; the at least one second blind hole plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening; At least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an elastically deformable sealing ring, surrounded by a solidified casting material, are joined together in a coaxial arrangement and axially consecutive order along the length thereof; the socket bases of the at least two plug contact sockets are each limited by a connecting means at least partially surrounded by the solidified casting material; the connecting means includes a through channel, the through channel opening at both ends into each of the blind hole plug contact sockets; It is characterized by:

[0012] The idea underlying the present invention is to utilize an opening in the internally threaded assembly plate described in the aforementioned WO 2019 / 115176 A1, through which any type of media flow can be directed after the assembly tool has been removed from the finished head (which otherwise has no function). The assembly plate (which in the aforementioned prior art could be considered a kind of missing component (completely enclosed within the solidified cast material of the head and otherwise has no function for further operation of the head and the implantable pulse generator (IPG) connected to it)) forms the central component of the modified head according to this solution, which gains the additional function of a connecting channel (through which media flow can be directed from one blind-hole plug contact socket to another). This opens up several innovative applications for the implant (which is known per se), while its main function (electrical stimulation of local tissue and / or nerve areas in the body) remains unaffected.

[0013] In an embodiment according to this solution, the connection means (directly or indirectly defining the socket bases of the at least two plug contact sockets) also act as a media coupling element, via which or through which a predetermined selection of media can be transported from one plug contact socket to the region of another plug contact socket. A plug assembly modified according to this solution is insertable in a releasably fixed manner into each of the two plug contact sockets, and is suitably designed and configured for insertion into one of the blind hole plug contact sockets of the head. More specifically, the plug assembly comprises a plug body having at least one internal hollow channel (opening at one end into a distal plug body end). Furthermore, each distal plug body end has a mating contour that ensures a flush transition of the hollow channel on the plug side into a through channel located in the connection means and opening into the blind hole plug contact socket when the plug assembly is fitted into the plug contact socket. Through this, it should be possible to achieve a further conveyance or transport of the medium transported in the hollow channel or through-channel between the two plug assemblies via a connection and connecting means that is as lossless as possible.

[0014] Apart from this, each implantable plug assembly is designed in a manner known per se for the transmission of electrical signals and comprises, in the longitudinal extent of the plug, a continuous series of plug contact rings and sealing rings or electrical insulating rings along the plug contact socket, depending on the number and arrangement of the electrical contact ring elements and sealing rings.

[0015] With the implantable plug assembly mated in the plug contact socket provided on the head side, the electrical function of the implantable device for applying electrical stimulation signals is maintained without restriction despite the modified head and modified plug assembly. Through the hollow channels additionally provided and designed as medium channels on the plug side and connectable by through-channels in the connection means, intracorporeal medium transport and / or intracorporeal medium application can occur (e.g. in the form of gas or fluid transport or application or in the form of light application) as a function of the respectively selected medium.

[0016] The first embodiment envisages, as fluid lines in each case, an arrangement of hollow channels and through-channels along which or through which a gaseous or fluid medium is conveyed or transported.

[0017] A suitably fixedly designed outlet line is directly connected to each of the plug assemblies protruding from the head, along which at least one electrical line extends, through which electrical stimulation signals and / or endogenous sensor-recorded electrical signals can be transmitted (as well as at least one hollow channel for medium transmission).

[0018] Depending on the placement and location within the body of the outlet lines from the plug assembly, various regions within the body can be fluidly connected to one another via hollow channels connected to both the through channel connecting the two hollow channels and the plug assembly.

[0019] In a simple variant, the fluid connection may occur purely passively (ie without the intervention of a fluid transfer unit).

[0020] A preferred embodiment envisages a fluid pump along the through-channel in the connecting channel, the control of which is connected to electrical components disposed in the implantable device for generating electrical pulses. Thus, a fluid pump operable in a controlled manner can cause a flow of fluid within the body, conveying the fluid from one region of the body (where the hollow channel connected to one of the two plug assemblies opens) to another region of the body (where the hollow channel connected to the other of the two plug assemblies opens). Activation of the fluid pump and determination of the direction and rate of flow can be defined in an appropriate manner by electrical components contained in the implantable device.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the implantable device comprises a fluid reservoir, which is connectable via a connecting line to a through channel in the connecting means, whereby additional fluid (in the form of a gas or fluid active substance) can be mixed into the fluid flowing through the through channel, preferably via a controllable valve unit along the connecting line.

[0022] Instead of or in combination with creating hollow channels and through-channels as fluid lines, further embodiments envision providing optical guide media along the hollow channels and through-channels. In this way, two spatially separated intrabody regions can be optically connected to each other. For this purpose, at least one optical guide is fitted along each of the hollow channels connected to the plug assembly, with its end opening into the plug body end of the plug assembly and coupled to the optical guide disposed in the through-channel in as lossless a manner as possible when the plug assembly is inserted into the head. Preferably, an optical unit capable of influencing the light transmitted along each optical guide is also arranged along the through-channels in the connecting means. For example, optical input and / or output coupling elements are provided along the through-channels, so that light from a light source provided in the implantable device can be coupled into the optical guide and / or light for transmission to a photodetector provided in the implantable device can be coupled out of the optical guide.

[0023] Alternatively or in addition to providing optical coupling input and / or output elements, optical amplifiers and optical filters or switches may be disposed along the through channels of the connection means, which are connected to corresponding electrical control components disposed within the implantable device.

[0024] Alternatively or in combination with the above-mentioned components for medium transmission along the hollow channel and through-channel, it is also appropriate to provide a conductive medium (for example in the form of at least one electrical connection lead), along which an additional transmission of an electrical signal between two spatially separated regions of the body is possible in addition to the electrical lead that is somehow connected to the electrical contact ring element for tissue / nerve stimulation. Advantageously, in this case it is preferable to arrange electrical components (for example adjustable electrical resistances, electrical amplifiers or equivalent electrical components) in the connection means along the through-channel in order to influence the current flow along the hollow channel in this way.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, at least one sensor is arranged in the head, in particular on or in the connection means, which is able to detect or record in a sensor-based manner the medium being conveyed in the through-channel at least quantitatively in terms of conveyed volume, conveyance rate or light intensity. Depending on the type and design of this at least one sensor, it should be appropriately arranged in the head; for example, it is advantageous to electrically and / or mechanically connect the at least one sensor directly or indirectly to one of the conductive contact ring elements applied in the head. As possible sensors, sensors from the following groups may be considered: ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, pressure sensors, Hall effect sensors, flow sensors, stylus sensors, fluorescence sensors, pressure sensors, etc.

[0026] The at least one sensor is preferably connected to an electrical energy source that supplies electrical energy to a pulse generator within the medical device. Furthermore, the at least one sensor is connected to an evaluation and control unit (connected to additional memory units and / or components arranged in the connecting means along the through-channel for influencing the flow of fluid passing through the through-channel). This makes it possible to record the actual state of the sensor-detected medium flowing or conveyed along the through-channel and to control or adjust at least one component arranged along the through-channel for influencing the fluid flow as a function of a comparison between the target and actual.

[0027] The head assembled according to the present solution and the functionally modified plug assembly for the transmission of a medium in the form of a fluid, a light beam or an electric current do not generally change the shape and size of known medical implants of the type in question, but substantially extend their functionality and the therapeutic mode of operation of comparable implants related thereto, allowing the application of fluid, light or voltage in addition to electrical stimulation of local tissues and / or nerve areas in the body.

[0028] The combined use of a connecting means, which originally acts as a support structure and as a type of connecting flange, as an assembly plate, enables an innovative manufacturing method for such a head. Thus, in a first process step, the connecting means functions as a support plate in the conventional sense, i.e., it is placed along a first rod-shaped assembly tool together with at least one contact ring element and at least one seal ring, and functions as a mechanical counter-bearing for generating an axial clamping force. For this purpose, the connecting means has a first opening with an internal thread, into which an external thread applied to the end of the assembly tool can be fitted. By twisting the assembly tool relative to the connecting means, the contact ring element and seal ring placed along the assembly tool are tensioned relative to each other. Similarly, the connecting means functions as a mechanical counter-bearing and support structure for generating a clamping force along the seal ring and contact ring element placed on a second assembly tool. For this purpose, the connecting means has a second opening with an internal thread connected to the first opening by a through-channel.

[0029] In the next step, to create the head, the connecting means (to which the two assembly tools are attached and which are equipped with an axial sequence of at least one contact ring element and at least one seal ring element) is covered with a solidifiable casting material present in a fluid form. After solidification of the casting material, the rod-shaped assembly tools are released and removed from the connecting means. By removing the assembly tools, through-channels through the connecting means open at both ends into the blind-hole plug contact sockets of the head formed by removing the assembly tools.

[0030] [Brief description of the invention] The invention will now be described, without limiting the general inventive concept, by way of example of embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1]1 shows a head with an implantable device for generating electrical pulses as a connector variant. [Figure 2] 1 shows a head having an implantable device for generating electrical stimulation signals at components in the connection means that affect the medium flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] [Methods for carrying out the present invention, industrial applications] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a head 1 to be combined with an implantable medical device 2, which is designed as a pulse generator for forming components. A plurality of electrically insulating, electrically deformable sealing rings 3 and electrically conductive contact ring elements 4 are arranged in alternating, axially consecutive order within the head 1, which is made of a solidifiable, cast material. The sealing rings 3 and the electrical contact ring elements 4 surround blind-hole plug contact sockets 51 and 52, which have accessible socket openings 61 and 62 on the outer wall of the head 1. Opposite the socket openings 71 and 72 are bounded by a common connecting means 8, which serves as a mechanical counterbearing for two assembly tools used for assembly purposes (for the manufacture of the head 1 and, in particular, for axially aligning the plurality of sealing rings 3 and electrical contact ring elements 4). For this purpose, the connecting means 8 includes a through-channel 9 that passes completely through the connecting means 8, along which, at least partially on the through-channel opening, an internal peripheral thread 10 is incorporated.

[0033] Also fitted into the blind hole plug contact sockets 51, 52 are plug assemblies 12, 13 completed according to the invention, each comprising a plug body adapted to the dimensions and shape of the plug contact sockets 51, 52, on whose outer periphery corresponding counter contact elements 15 are arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of the electrical contact ring elements 4. Electrically insulating plug body regions are provided between the counter contact elements 15. With regard to the electrical contact of the plug contact assemblies 12, 13 inside the respective blind hole plug contact sockets 51, 52 of the head, the device shown in Figure 1 does not differ from comparable plug assemblies of the type in question.

[0034] According to this solution, the plug contact assemblies 12, 13 have a media channel in the form of a hollow channel 17, 18 that protrudes centrally through the plug body and, in the region of the socket bases 71, 72, is flush with the media channel 9, which opens into the blind-hole plug contact sockets 51, 52, in the form of abutting contact. Depending on the type and design of the hollow channels 17, 18 and the through-channels 9, the connection between the through-channels 9 and the respective hollow channels 17, 18 on the plug side should be designed and implemented for low-loss or lossless connection and transmission of the media passing through the respective hollow channels. For this purpose, additional seals and / or joining profiles 19 are optionally introduced into the connection means 8 for a seamless transition between the hollow channels 17, 18 and the through-channels 9.

[0035] The plug contact assemblies 12, 13 are connected to outlet lines 20, 21, respectively, which contain hollow channels 17, 18 as well as at least one electrical line (not shown) for electrical stimulation signal transmission.

[0036] In the first example, the head 1 shown in Figure 1 acts as a connector or connection between two plug assemblies 12, 13, whose hollow channels 17, 18 connect to each other via a through channel 19 in a flush and lossless manner for possible media transmission.

[0037] The example embodiment shown in Figure 1 shows two parallel, axially oriented plug contact sockets 51, 52, whose openings 61, 62 open out on diametrically opposite sides of the housing of the head 1. It is likewise possible to provide two plug contact sockets arranged parallel and next to each other in the head (their openings open out on the same side of the head 1). In this case, the through-channel 9 passing through the connection means is in the form of a half arc in order to connect the respective media channels on the plug side, which open out flush with each other in the corresponding socket base.

[0038] It is also conceivable to provide three or more plug contact sockets in the head, which are connected to each other by a through-channel that branches three or more times.

[0039] In order to detect a medium (e.g. gaseous or liquid fluid, light or electric current) passing through the hollow channels 17, 18, a preferred variant of the embodiment provides for providing at least one sensor 23 in the head 1. Depending on the type and design of the sensor 23, it is arranged directly on or integrated into the connection means 8 and / or on at least one of the sealing rings 3 or on at least one of the electrical contact ring elements 4. The type and application of the at least one sensor 23 is guided by the medium being transmitted along the hollow channels 17, 18. The sensor 23 may be suitably selected from the following sensor types: Hall effect sensors, optical sensors, flow sensors, ultrasonic sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.

[0040] In Figure 2, unlike the head 1 shown in Figure 1, an additional component 24 is arranged in the connecting means 8 along the through channel 9, which influences the hollow channels 17, 18 and the medium passing through the through channel 9. In Figure 2, structurally and functionally equivalent components to those already described with respect to the example embodiment shown in Figure 1 are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0041] In the case of hollow channels 17, 18 designed as fluid lines, the component arranged along through-channel 9 is preferably a fluid pump. The fluid pump can be used, for example, to transport bodily fluids from one region A of the body to another region B of the body. In addition, component 24 may include a filter for purifying the fluid that fills through-channel 9.

[0042] It is also possible to provide light guides in the hollow channels 17, 18 and through-channel 9. In this case, component 24 can be designed as an optical unit (e.g., in the form of an optical amplifier, an optical filter or switch, or an optically coupled input and / or output element). In this context, in addition to the electrical stimulation provided by the implant, optical stimulation of the body regions A, B by light is conceivable. For this purpose, at least one light source is provided in implantable device 2, which is optically coupled to unit 24. Likewise, a photodetector can be included in implantable device 2, capable of detecting an internal optical signal that can be transmitted via the light guide.

[0043] Finally, in the case of electrical leads along the hollow channels 17, 18 and through-channel 9, the components 24 can be designed in the form of adjustable electrical resistances or electrical amplifiers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 head 2 Implantable Devices, IPG 3 Seal ring 4 contact ring elements 51,52 Plug contact socket 61,62 aperture 71,72 Socket base 8 Connection Methods 9 Through Channel 10 Inner circumference thread 12,13 Plug assembly 14 NN 15 opposing contact elements 16 Plug body area 17,18 Hollow channel 19 Seal and / or joint geometry 20,21 Exit Line 23 Sensors 24 Fluidic, optical or electrical components

Claims

1. A head portion of an implantable medical device, comprising: a head housing, the head housing including at least one first blind hole type plug contact socket; the at least one first blind hole type plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening; along which at least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring, surrounded by the solidified casting material, are joined together in a coaxial arrangement and in axially consecutive order; In the head, At least one second blind hole plug contact socket is disposed within the head; the at least one second blind hole type plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening; At least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating elastically deformable sealing ring, surrounded by the solidified casting material, are joined together in a coaxial arrangement and axially consecutive order along the length thereof; the socket bases of the at least two plug contact sockets are each limited by a connecting means at least partially surrounded by the solidified casting material; the connecting means includes a through channel, the through channel opening at both ends into each of the blind hole plug contact sockets; The head, wherein the through channel is partially filled with a light guiding medium, or the through channel is filled with a conductive medium.

2. A head as described in claim 1, characterized in that the through channel has a space inside for receiving the light guide medium or the conductive medium.

3. The head of claim 1 , wherein a fluid pump is disposed along the through channel.

4. Along said through channel, one optical unit of the following type: optical amplifiers, optical filters or switches, optically coupled input and / or output elements; 2. The head according to claim 1, wherein:

5. Along said through channel, an electrical component of one of the following types: Adjustable electrical resistance, electrical amplifier, 2. The head according to claim 1, wherein:

6. A head portion of an implantable medical device, comprising: a head housing, the head housing including at least one first blind hole type plug contact socket; the at least one first blind hole type plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening; along which at least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring, surrounded by the solidified casting material, are joined together in a coaxial arrangement and in axially consecutive order; In the head, At least one second blind hole plug contact socket is disposed within the head; the at least one second blind hole type plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening; At least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating elastically deformable sealing ring, surrounded by the solidified casting material, are joined together in a coaxial arrangement and axially consecutive order along the length thereof; the socket bases of the at least two plug contact sockets are each limited by a connecting means at least partially surrounded by the solidified casting material; said connecting means including a through channel, said through channel opening at both ends into each of said blind hole plug contact sockets; A head, characterized in that at least one sensor, at least partially surrounded by the solidified cast material, is arranged on the connection means for sensor-based detection of a medium contained therein or of an electric current present in the through channel.

7. A head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one sensor is electrically and / or mechanically connected to said at least one electrically conductive contact ring element.

8. The at least one sensor Ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, pressure sensors, Hall effect sensors, flow sensors 8. A head according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the sensors can be selected from the group consisting of:

9. Head according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the at least one sensor is connected to an evaluation and control unit.

10. A head portion of an implantable medical device, comprising: a head housing, the head housing including at least one first blind hole type plug contact socket; the at least one first blind hole type plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening; along which at least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating, elastically deformable sealing ring, surrounded by the solidified casting material, are joined together in a coaxial arrangement and in axially consecutive order; In the head, At least one second blind hole plug contact socket is disposed within the head; the at least one second blind hole type plug contact socket has a socket opening and a socket base disposed axially opposite the socket opening; At least one electrically conductive contact ring element and an electrically insulating elastically deformable sealing ring, surrounded by the solidified casting material, are joined together in a coaxial arrangement and axially consecutive order along the length thereof; the socket bases of the at least two plug contact sockets are each limited by a connecting means at least partially surrounded by the solidified casting material; said connecting means including a through channel, said through channel opening at both ends into each of said blind hole plug contact sockets; The head, characterized in that the connection means have, on both sides, respectively facing the socket base, mating contours surrounding the through-channel, which are designed and arranged so that one media channel respectively arranged in the plug contact socket is coupled to the through-channel in a lossless manner.

11. Head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the head housing is mechanically and electrically connected to an implantable medical device designed as a pulse generator.

12. A head according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the longitudinal axes of the first blind hole plug contact socket and the second blind hole plug contact socket are oriented parallel to each other and their socket openings open on the same side or on opposite sides of the head housing.

13. An implantable plug assembly designed and adapted for insertion into one of the blind hole contact sockets in a head according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: the plug assembly comprises a plug body having at least one internal hollow channel, the at least one internal hollow channel opening at one end at a distal plug body end; the distal plug body end has a mating profile; when the plug assembly is fitted into the plug contact socket, the mating contour ensures a flush fit within the connection means of the internal hollow channel to the through channel; An implantable plug assembly comprising:

14. 14. A plug assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the internal hollow channel comprises a medium channel of the type of the through channel included in the connecting means.

15. A method for producing a head according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: the connecting means, the at least one contact ring element, and the at least one seal ring are arranged along a first rod-shaped assembly tool along the first blind hole plug contact socket, and are joined to each other in a positive manner along the first rod-shaped assembly tool through the generation of a joining force; the connecting means, the at least one contact ring element and the at least one seal ring are arranged along the second blind hole plug contact socket and a second rod-shaped assembly tool, and are joined to each other in a positive manner along the second rod-shaped assembly tool through the generation of a joining force; the connecting means arranged along and positively joined to the first and second rod-shaped assembly tools, and the at least one contact ring element and the at least one seal ring of the first and second blind hole plug contact sockets are at least partially surrounded by a solidifiable casting material in a flowable form; after the casting material has solidified, the first and second rod-shaped assembly tools are released and removed from the connecting means and the at least one contact ring element and the at least one seal ring of the first and second blind hole plug contact sockets, and the casting material supports the axial joining force in the form of a dimensionally stable matrix forming at least a portion of the head housing.

Images