Implantable connector with contact-containing feedthrough pins

An implantable connector electrically connects multi-conductor leads to an implantable medical device such as a neurostimulator. The connector is assembled directly into a hermetic feedthrough of the device and utilizes the feedthrough housing as a sustaining structure for connector pressurization. The feedthrough pins are adapted to directly connect, confine, protect, and precisely position respective resilient compressible contacts. The compressible contacts can be coil springs, metal-particle-filled elastomer buttons, and fuzz buttons, and can be used with rigid tips where a contact preload and/or an enhanced contact tip robustness is desired. In one method of connector assembly an iso-diametric lead proximal terminal is first inserted into a seal without significant interference, and the resulting lead-seal assembly is subsequently installed in a clamping cover. Connector pressurization means include space-efficient latching clips and cam actuated clamping covers which support contact forces and the seal compression by engaging undercuts on the feedthrough housing side walls.