Ferrule for implantable medical device

Abstract

A ferrule for an implantable medical device (IMD) can employ stamped metal portion including an electrically-conductive ferrule portion. The stamped ferrule portion can be affixed to a wall of a housing of the IMD. The resulting ferrule can provide cost savings or higher production throughput over a ferrule employing machined ferrule portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for providing electrical communication through a housing that is metallic and hermetically sealed, the apparatus comprising:
 a one-piece ferrule that is biocompatible, the ferrule configured to be located at least partially within a passage into an implantable medical device housing, the ferrule including:   an exterior flange configured to abut an exterior surface of the metallic housing, the exterior flange defining an exit opening;   a tunnel extending from the exterior flange, the tunnel defining a tunnel interior extending away from the exit opening and terminating at inlet opening of the ferrule;   at least one interior tab extending away from an interior of the tunnel, the at least one interior tab configured to exert a bias against the metallic housing while the exterior flange abuts the metallic housing;   an electrically insulative insert disposed at least partially inside the tunnel; and   a hermetic seal disposed between the electrically insulative insert and the tunnel.