A feedthrough filter capacitor assembly includes a capacitor having first
and second sets of conductive electrode plates embedded within a
dielectric body and mounted to the hermetic terminal of an implantable
medical device. A laminar delamination gap is provided between the
capacitor sealing materials and the hermetic terminal assembly to
facilitate helium leak detection. At least one feedthrough terminal pin
extends through the capacitor in conductive relation with the first set
of electrode plates, and an outer ferrule is mounted about the capacitor
in conductive relation with the second set of electrode plates. The
mounting washer is spaced against the hermetic seal and is adhesively
connected to the feedthrough capacitor. The mounting washer forms a
laminar flow delamination through which helium molecules can flow during
a helium leak detection test. Provision is made for a pre-connection to
the gold braze so that the capacitor inside diameter termination is not
electrically isolated from the lead wire.