Pressure-Sensing Intravascular Devices, Systems, and Methods
AssigneeVulcano Corporation
InventorsBret C. Millett, David H. Burkett, Paul Douglas Corl
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electrical, electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical pressure-sensing components is secured to an elongated substrate such that the pressure-sensing component is mounted perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the device. In some implementations, the elongated substrate has a cylindrical profile. Methods of making, assembling, and/or using such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.
Claims31
An intravascular sensor assembly comprising:
- a flexible elongate member having a longitudinal axis (LA);
- a core member disposed inside the flexible elongate member;
- and
- an elongated substrate disposed distal to the core member and inside the flexible elongate member, the elongated substrate comprising:
- at least one electrode disposed within at least one recess in an outer surface of the elongated substrate, the at least one recess extending in a longitudinal direction;
- and
- a sensor circuit disposed on a distal surface of the elongated substrate, the sensor circuit coupled to the at least one electrode.
A sensor structure for use in an intravascular device assembly, the sensor structure comprising:
- a substrate having an elongated shape with a length defined along a longitudinal axis (LA) and a width extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the shape further comprising:
- a proximal surface and an opposing distal surface, each extending substantially perpendicular to the LA;
- and
- an outer surface extending substantially parallel to the LA between the proximal and distal surfaces;
- at least one electrode disposed longitudinally within at least one recess in the outer surface of the substrate, and
- a sensor circuit disposed on the distal surface, the sensor circuit having at least one lead coupled to the at least one electrode.
A system for performing measurements using a sensor exposed to an intravascular environment, the system comprising:
- an intravascular device having:
- a flexible elongate member having a longitudinal axis (LA);
- a core member disposed inside the flexible elongate member;
- and
- an elongated substrate disposed distal to the core member and inside the flexible elongate member, the elongated substrate comprising:
- at least one electrode disposed within at least one recess in an outer surface of the elongated substrate, the at least one recess extending in a longitudinal direction;
- and
- a sensor circuit disposed on a distal surface of the elongated substrate, the sensor circuit coupled to the at least one electrode;
- and
- a control console coupled to the intravascular device.
A method of forming a pressure-sensing guide wire, the method comprising:
- forming an elongated substrate;
- forming a plurality of recesses in an outer surface of the elongated substrate;
- filling at least a portion of each of the recesses with a conductive material to form a plurality of electrodes;
- placing a sensor circuit on a front surface of the elongated substrate, the front surface extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated substrate;
- electrically coupling the plurality of electrode to terminals of the sensor circuit;
- electrically coupling a plurality of conductors of a communication cable to the plurality of electrodes;
- and
- securing the elongated substrate to a distal portion of a flexible elongate member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.