Side-loading compact crimp termination

Abstract

An implantable medical lead comprising a conductor extending along the lead and a crimp connector secured to the conductor comprising a body with an outer surface, an inner surface, proximal and distal ends, and first and second lateral edges, the lateral edges having edge features extending there from, the edge features adapted to opposingly interleave with one another. Methods of assembling a crimp connector with a cable conductor including parallel and cross-wise assembly are also encompassed.

1 . A method of attaching a crimp connector to a cable conductor on an implantable medical lead comprising:
 positioning the crimp connector adjacent to the cable conductor;   displacing the crimp connector perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cable conductor thereby receiving the cable conductor with the crimp connector; and   crimping the crimp connector with a crimp tool.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the crimp connector includes a body having first and second lateral edges and edge features extending from the lateral edges. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the edge features comprise opposing, staggered, and complimentary projections, the projections each having a free end. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein crimping the connector causes the free end of each of the projections to abut the opposing first or second lateral edge of the body. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising orienting the crimp connector parallel to the cable conductor. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising orienting the crimp connector perpendicular to the cable conductor. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising pivoting the crimp connector from a perpendicular position to a parallel position. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein crimp conductor further comprises an electrode portion, the crimp conductor and electrode portion forming a single-piece unitary body.