Technical Ceramics
Medical Ceramic Feedthroughs for Implantable Devices
With over four decades of experience, Morgan Technical Ceramics has produced a wide array of implantable ceramic feedthroughs.
Designed to provide superior reliability and durability, our medical implants feature innovative ceramic-to-metal seal assembly technology.
Utilising our application engineering expertise, we custom manufacture these ceramic feedthroughs to meet the specific needs of the active implant market.
What is a medical feedthrough?
A medical feedthrough is a hermetic component that allows electrical signals to pass into or out of an implantable device while maintaining a sealed barrier against bodily fluids.
- The feedthrough connects the packaged electronics to the stimulator/probes
- Hermetic sealing (~ 10–9 mbar-l/sec ; Helium) – No bodily fluid ingress
- Ceramic barrier between pins for isolation – No shorting (up to 10GΩ at 100V DC)
- All materials interfacing with the human body are be biocompatible – including gold braze
Key benefits of Morgan medical feedthroughs
- Customised design - consultative design discussions leading to optimised footprint and design
- Hermicity - Hermetic sealing protects electronics from body fluids
- Miniaturisation - High-density pin configurations reduce device size
- Biocompatible - Our materials, including gold braze, support long-term implantation reliability
- Verified signal integrity - Stable electrical insulation for signal integrity
- Multiple insulating options available - including alumina, synthetic ruby and sapphire
Specialists in miniaturisation and reliability
We specialise in placing multiple leads in a single ceramic to optimise the feedthrough footprint in the device. This ceramic-to-metal design allows for cost competitive manufacturing through a repeatable, validated manufacturing process.
Our vertically integrated facility gives us complete control over the entire feedthrough production process, from ceramic powder through final testing. Our medical feedthroughs are 100% traceable and are produced in our ISO 13485 certified facility.
For maximum reliability, our medical implantable feedthroughs feature robust gold brazed designs that minimise the risk of device failure. The superior electrical properties of the ceramic allow for smaller feedthroughs and for more compact solutions.
Why work with Morgan?
From concept to production we will work with you to create an optimised solution
- Co-development with OEMs
- High-density miniaturisation - optimised placement of multiple leads within a single ceramic body
- Rapid prototyping
- Ability to scale to high-volume production
- Proven hermetic reliability - validated manufacturing processes and leak testing
- Vertically integrated manufacturing
- Medical quality systems - ISO 13485 certified manufacturing
- Full traceability of materials and manufacturing processes
Expertise across multiple active implant technologies
Cardiac Rhythm Management
Pacemakers
Rhythm management (CRM)
Left ventricular assist (LVAD)
Monitoring/recording
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs)
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRTs)
Neuromodulation - Brain Interface
Brain-machine interface (BMI)
Brain-computer interface (BCI)
Drug resistant depression
Cancer treatment
Epilepsy
Hearing
Cochlear implants
Auditory brainstem
Middle ear
Bone conduction
Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive (hypoglossal nerve)
Diaphragm pacing (phrenic nerve)
Pain Management
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
Sciatic nerve stimulation
Incontinence
Sacral nerve
Tibial nerve
Ambulatory
Mobility
Sensing/Touch
Emerging Implantable Technologies
Bioelectronic medicine
Closed-loop stimulation systems
Next-generation neuromodulation
Implantable Ceramic Feedthroughs FAQs
Why is hermetic sealing important in implants?
It prevents moisture ingress that can damage electronics and compromise patient safety.
How are feedthroughs tested?
Typically using helium leak testing, electrical testing and thermal cycling to ensure long-term reliability of sensitive implant electronics.
Why are ceramic feedthroughs used in implantable devices?
Ceramics provide excellent electrical insulation, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance and long-term hermetic performance, making them ideal for active implantable medical devices.
What information is required to start a feedthrough design project?
Typical requirements include device application, pin count, electrical requirements, package dimensions, material preferences and production volumes. Contact our team today to start your project.