Implantable device header and method
Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header core includes an electronic connection feature electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container, the electronic connection feature configured to engage with a lead. In some examples, the header core includes a tag holder configured to locate an identification tag in a selected position with respect to the header core. In some examples, the header core includes an antenna attachment feature configured to locate an antenna in a selected position with respect to the header core. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container.
1. An implantable medical device comprising:
a device container including an electronic module within the device container;
a header core including an electronic connection feature electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container, the electronic connection feature configured to engage with a lead, the header core including a tag holder, the tag holder including:
an external surface;
an internal surface;
a first slot in the header core;
a second slot in the header core substantially perpendicular to the first slot; and
an opening along the first slot extending from the external surface to the internal surface such that the second slot is capable of being in fluid communication with the external surface via the first slot and the opening to allow material, during overmolding, to enter the second slot via the opening and the first slot;
an identification tag including at least one cutout, the first slot configured to frictionally retain the identification tag such that a portion of the identification tag extends from the header core, the tag holder configured to locate the identification tag in a selected position with respect to the header core; and
a molded header shell disposed around the header core and attached to the device container.
2. The implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the identification tag is configured to be x-ray readable.
3. The implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the identification tag includes tungsten.
4. The implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the header core is formed from a first material and the header shell is formed from a second material, the first material being different from the second material.
5. The implantable medical device of claim 1 , wherein the header core is configured to inhibit mold defects in the header shell.
6. An implantable medical device comprising:
a device container including an electronic module within the device container;
a header core including an electronic connection feature electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container, the electronic connection feature configured to engage with a lead, the header core including a tag holder, the tag holder including:
an external surface;
an internal surface;
a first slot in the header core; and
a second slot in the header core substantially perpendicular to the first slot, the second slot positioned along a surface of the first slot, wherein the internal surface defines the first slot and the second slot, and wherein a cross-section of the tag holder extending through the first slot and the second slot includes an opening such that the second slot is in fluid communication with the external surface via the first slot and the opening;
an identification tag frictionally retained within the first slot of the tag holder, the tag holder configured to locate the identification tag in a selected position with respect to the header core; and
a molded header shell disposed around the header core and attached to the device container.
7. A method, comprising:
obtaining or providing a device container including an electronic module within the device container;
obtaining or providing a header core configured to engage with a lead, the header core including a tag holder, the tag holder including:
an external surface;
an internal surface;
a first slot in the header core; and
a second slot in the header core substantially perpendicular to the first slot, wherein the internal surface defines the first slot and the second slot, and wherein a cross-section of the tag holder extending through the first slot and the second slot includes an opening such that the second slot is in fluid communication with the external surface via the first slot and the opening;
frictionally retaining an identification tag within the first slot of the tag holder such that a portion of the identification tag extends from the header core, the identification tag including at least one cutout; and
forming a molded header shell disposed around the header core including the identification tag and attached to the device container.