Implantable medical devices (IMDs) and their various components, including
flat electrolytic capacitors for same, and methods of making and using
same and providing for outgassing of gases released during capacitor
charge and discharge cycles are disclosed. A gas vent and liquid
electrolyte barrier into the electrolyte fill tube lumen that is used to
fill the interior case chamber with electrolyte and then needs to be
closed to prevent leakage of electrolyte. The fill port is shaped to
comprise a fill port tube having interior and exterior tube ends and a
fill port ferrule intermediate the ends of the fill port tube and
comprising a fill port ferrule flange extending transversely to and away
from the fill port tube. The fill port ferrule is mounted in an opening
disposed in one of the case wall and the cover wall with the ferrule
flange in sealing engagement therewith to locate the exterior tube end
extending outwardly away from the fill port ferrule flange and the
interior tube end within the interior case chamber. A microporous plug is
injected into and fills the fill port lumen, the plug formed of a
microporous material allowing the escape of gas released from the liquid
electrolyte during capacitor charging while preventing escape of liquid
or vaporized electrolyte.