Optical window for implantable medical devices
US5902326A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 11, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/1459
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical window assembly for use in implantable medical devices includes a generally U-shaped ferrule having a strain relief channel to accommodate residual stresses remaining in the ferrule after welding the ferrule to the housing of an implantable medical device. The assembly may be used to transmit optical energy and/or electrically insulate a feedthrough. The assembly can be mounted in a window opening in a housing. The ferrule can include a ferrule body forming a lens opening, the ferrule body having a generally U-shaped cross-section with an inner leg, an outer leg, and a strain relief channel in the ferrule body between the inner leg and the outer leg. A lens is mounted in the lens opening of the ferrule. The ferrule can also include a lens flange on the inner leg of the ferrule body, a support flange on the outer leg of the ferrule body, and/or a braze stop to control flow of the braze. The ferrule and housing can be constructed of titanium. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the optical window assemblies and implantable medical devices including the optical window assemblies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.