Implantable medical device having flat electrolytic capacitor with laser welded cover

US6459566B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kurt J. Casby · Elbow Lake, US
• Mark D. Breyen · Plymouth, US
• William L. Johnson · Vadnais Heights, US
• Thomas M. Nutzman · Andover, US
• Anthony W. Rorvick · Brooklyn Park, US
• Thomas P. Miltich · Maple Grove, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 19, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 1, 2002
• Expiry date: May 19, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/3968
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.