Side-Loading Connectors for Use With Intravascular Devices and Associated Systems and Methods

A connector for an intravascular device, comprising:

• a first connection piece having a recess and an alignment feature positioned adjacent the recess, wherein the recess is sized and shaped to receive a proximal connection portion of an intravascular device and the alignment feature is configured to engage a section of the proximal connection portion having a reduced diameter;
• a second connection piece movably coupled to the first connection piece;
• and
• at least one electrical contact secured to the second connection piece;
• wherein the second connection piece is movable relative to the first connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the second connection piece is spaced from the recess of the first connection piece to allow insertion of the proximal connection portion of the intravascular device into the recess in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the second connection piece is positioned such that the at least one electrical contact extends at least partially across the recess of the first connection piece.

A method, comprising:

• providing a connector having a first component, a second component, and at least one electrical contact;
• moving the connector to an open position such an elongated opening of the second component of the connector is exposed;
• inserting a connection portion of an intravascular device into the elongated opening in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device such that an alignment feature of the second connection piece engages a first section of the connection portion having a diameter less than a second section of the connection portion adjacent to the first section;
• and
• moving the connector to a closed position to electrically couple the at least one electrical contact of the connector to at least one electrical contact of the connection portion of the intravascular device.