REMOVABLE ENERGY SOURCE FOR SENSOR GUIDEWIRE

• US 20100268038A1
• Filed: 08/22/2008
• Published: 10/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: St Jude Medical Systems AB (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: St. Jude Medical Coordination Center BVBA (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Smith, Leif
• Granted Patent: US 8,974,398 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/225 Connectors or couplings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0215 by means inserted into the body catheters A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6851 Guide wires
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/09 Guide wires
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/622 Screw-ring or screw-casing H01R13/623 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6683 with built-in sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6691 with built-in signalling means H01R13/717 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/66 with pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/76 with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall

Abstract

A transmitter unit with an attachable energy source is provided for a sensor guidewire. The transmitter unit is adapted to be connected to a proximal end of a sensor guidewire provided, at its distal end, with a sensor to measure a physiological parameter inside a patient. In some embodiments, the transmitter unit is adapted to wirelessly communicate by a communication signal with a communication unit, arranged in connection with an external device, in order to transfer measured physiological data to the external device. The attachable energy source can be a battery pack or battery holder provided with connecting electrical connecting surfaces. Preferably, the connection is protected from penetrating fluids by a protective seal.

Claims

1-25. -25. (canceled)

26. A transmitter unit, comprising:

a portion adapted to be connected to an elongated member provided at its distal end with a sensor, wherein the elongated member is adapted to be inserted into a patient and therein measure a physiological parameter, in order to transfer measured physiological data to an external device,

wherein the transmitter unit comprises a separate attachable energy source and the attachable energy source is enclosed in a holder comprising electrical connecting members for connection to the transmitter unit.

27. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit comprises circuitry to prevent re-powering of the sensor after a completed measurement procedure measuring said physiological parameter.

28. A transmitter unit according to claim 27, wherein said circuitry to prevent re-powering of the sensor comprises an attachment mechanism which prevents subsequent detachment of the energy source after completed attachment.

29. A transmitter unit according to claim 27, wherein said circuitry to prevent re-powering of the sensor comprises software programming designed to prohibit re-use of the sensor after one completed measurement procedure.

30. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the elongated member is a catheter or a guide wire.

31. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit further comprises a receiver module, to form a transceiver unit.

32. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit is adapted to wirelessly communicate by a communication signal with a communication unit, arranged in connection with the external device.

33. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the attachable energy source functions as an auxiliary energy source.

34. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the attachable energy source comprises at least one battery.

35. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein connection between the transmitter unit and attachable energy source comprises a protective seal.

36. A transmitter unit according to claim 35, wherein the protective seal provides an attachment mechanism between the transmitter unit and the attachable energy source.

37. A transmitter unit according to claim 36, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises one of the following types:

threads, screws, snaps or barbs.

38. A transmitter unit according to claim 35, wherein the protective seal functions as a shield against accidental contact by a living being with live electrical circuitry.

39. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit is activated automatically upon connection of the attachable energy source.

40. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit is calibrated automatically upon connection of the attachable energy source.

41. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit automatically establishes a communication link with a communication unit of the external device upon connection of the attachable energy source.

42. A transmitter unit according to claim 39, wherein a successful outcome is indicated by a light or sound signal.

43. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the energy source is a rechargeable energy source.

44. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the energy source is selected from the group of lithium primary battery, lithium ion battery, alkaline manganese battery, other alkaline batteries, nickel cadmium battery, nickel metal hydride battery, mercury oxide battery, silver oxide battery, lead battery, zinc-air battery, carbon zinc battery, zinc manganese battery, manganese dioxide battery, and a capacitor cell.

45. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the physiological parameter is one or more of pressure, temperature and flow.

46. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the holder includes a battery compartment for holding at least one battery such that the battery can be readily replaced by a user.

47. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit is adapted to communicate via a wired connection with a communication unit, arranged in connection with the external device.

48. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the portion is configured to be attached to a proximal end of the elongated member.

49. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the portion comprises an aperture adapted to receive the elongated member.

50. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit includes an antenna.

51. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit includes sensor signal adapting circuitry.

52. A transmitter unit according to claim 26, wherein the transmitter unit includes a communication module.

53. A transmitter unit according to claim 40, wherein a successful outcome is indicated by a light or sound signal.

54. A transmitter unit according to claim 41, wherein a successful outcome is indicated by a light or sound signal.