An electrical contact assembly comprises an annular housing defining an interior space, the housing including a tubular wall having an outer surface facing the interior space and an inner surface defining a central opening adapted to receive an electrical contact, the wall defining at least one aperture. Contained within the interior space of the housing is a garter spring having an inner diameter, the garter spring encircling the outer surface of the wall under preload so that a portion of the inner diameter of the spring projects through the at least one aperture into the central opening of the housing for engaging an electrical contact received within the central opening. An implantable medical device incorporating such an electrical contact assembly is also disclosed.