Importance

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Abstract

A method of joining a longitudinally extending wound element, or coiled wire strand, and a mating component, or post, of a body implantable lead assembly wherein the former has a longitudinally extending interior passage and an end portion adapted to be received by the latter. In one embodiment, the post is formed with an integral collar spaced from a terminal end thereof. The wound element is placed about the receiving portion and over the terminal end of the mating component and against the collar. The components are then joined by thermally fusing them together, preferably by means of a laser. If the collar and the wound element are fabricated of the same alloy, the thickness of the collar and the diameter of the coiled wire strand are designed to be substantially equal. If the components are fabricated of dissimilar alloys, then the thickness of the collar is relatively dimensioned with respect to the diameter of the strand in proportion to the relative square roots of thermal diffusivity of the alloy of the collar and of the alloy of the coiled wire strand. In another embodiment, a ring member is placed about, and in engagement with, the receiving portion of the mating component. Then the components are joined, by thermally fusing them together, preferably by targeting a laser beam directly on the ring member, without regard to whether the components are fabricated of the same alloy or of different alloys.

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First Claim