System and method for implanting a physiologic sensor assembly

• US 9,241,638 B2
• Filed: 05/04/2012
• Issued: 01/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pacesetter Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Pacesetter Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Bornzin, Gene A., Poore, John W., Somogyi, Zoltan
• Primary Examiner(s): Kahelin, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Alter, Mitchell E
• Application Number:
  US13/464,590
• Publication Number:
  US 20130296661A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,362 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0215 by means inserted into the body catheters A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1116 Determining posture transitions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/283 Invasive

Abstract

An implantable physiologic sensor assembly is configured to be implanted within a patient. The assembly includes a module that houses an internal operative chamber, and a flexible pressure-detecting member connected to the module. The module and the pressure-detecting member are separated before implantation into the patient. At least a first end of the pressure-detecting member is configured to be inserted into an artery of the patient and a second end of the pressure-detecting member is connected to the module. The module is configured to be subcutaneously positioned within the patient.

Claims

1. An implantable physiologic sensor assembly configured to be implanted within a patient, the assembly comprising:

a module that houses an internal operative chamber having a processing unit configured to sense at least one physiological attribute of the patient, wherein the module is configured to be subcutaneously positioned within the patient; and

a pressure-detecting member having a first end portion configured to be inserted into vasculature of the patient, and a second end portion having a connector configured to be coupled to a connector port of the module, the connector port having a membrane configured to retain a pressure-transmitting fluid within the connector port prior to the connector port receiving and retaining the connector.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal operative chamber comprises a flexible diaphragm that abuts the second end portion of the pressure-detecting member when the second end portion is connected to the module.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the internal operative chamber further comprises a transducer operatively connected to the diaphragm, wherein the transducer is configured to detect pressure pulses from pumping blood within the vasculature of the patient that are transmitted into the pressure-detecting member.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a connector connected to a sheath.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the sheath comprises a cannula.

6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the connector port is configured to receive and securely retain the connector of the pressure-detecting member.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein one of the connector port or the connector comprises a detent, and wherein the other of the connector port or the connector comprises a reciprocal groove configured to securely retain the detent so that the module is secured to the pressure-detecting member.

8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the connector port further comprises:

a needle tip.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one electrode extending from the module, wherein the at least one electrode is configured for use in connection with an electrocardiogram.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal operative chamber houses a blood analyzer configured to monitor the glucose level of a blood sample.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the module comprises a blood inlet port and a blood outlet port connected by a channel, wherein the blood analyzer is disposed within the channel.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to detect pressure pulses transmitted from the pressure-detecting member.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal operative chamber comprises a memory configured to store one or more of blood pressure data, electrocardiogram data, or blood glucose data.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal operative chamber comprises at least one telemetry coil configured to communicate with an external device.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one telemetry coil is configured to receive electromagnetic RF power signals to provide power to the assembly.

16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal operative chamber comprises a posture-detecting device configured to detect a posture of the patient.