Development of a multichannel implantable connector.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) require increasingly sophisticated components.
• Higher channel counts and enhanced maintainability in AIMDs necessitate improved implantable connectors.
• Existing connectors face challenges in meeting the demands of advanced AIMD systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel concept for an implantable multichannel connector for advanced AIMDs.
• To leverage laser-structuring for creating robust contact pads within the connector.
• To assess the long-term stability and performance of the developed connector concept.

Main Methods:

• Developed an implantable multichannel connector concept using laser-structured contact pads embedded in silicone.
• Utilized specific features of two laser technologies for material cutting and 3D surface shaping of contact pads.
• Conducted long-term testing involving 6 weeks of soaking at elevated temperatures to evaluate contact and isolation properties.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed a concept for an implantable multichannel connector.
• Laser-structuring enabled the creation of 3D-shaped contact pads with precise features.
• Initial tests demonstrated stable contact and isolation properties over a 6-week period under elevated temperature conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed concept for implantable multichannel connectors shows promise for advanced AIMDs.
• Laser-structuring is an effective technique for fabricating high-performance implantable connector components.
• The demonstrated stability suggests suitability for demanding medical applications requiring reliable long-term performance.