US20180214035A1 - Side-loading connectors for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods - Google Patents
Side-loading connectors for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20180214035A1 US20180214035A1 US15/933,254 US201815933254A US2018214035A1 US 20180214035 A1 US20180214035 A1 US 20180214035A1 US 201815933254 A US201815933254 A US 201815933254A US 2018214035 A1 US2018214035 A1 US 2018214035A1
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- connector
- intravascular device
- connection portion
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- intravascular
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/0205—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
- A61B5/02055—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0033—Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus classified in A61B5/00, e.g. for MRI, optical tomography or impedance tomography apparatus; arrangements of imaging apparatus in a room
- A61B5/0035—Features or image-related aspects of imaging apparatus classified in A61B5/00, e.g. for MRI, optical tomography or impedance tomography apparatus; arrangements of imaging apparatus in a room adapted for acquisition of images from more than one imaging mode, e.g. combining MRI and optical tomography
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
- A61B5/0062—Arrangements for scanning
- A61B5/0066—Optical coherence imaging
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
- A61B5/0082—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes
- A61B5/0084—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/021—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
- A61B5/0215—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by means inserted into the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
- A61B5/021—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
- A61B5/0215—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by means inserted into the body
- A61B5/02158—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by means inserted into the body provided with two or more sensor elements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
- A61B8/12—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
- H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
- H01R13/453—Shutter or cover plate opened by engagement of counterpart
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
- H01R13/631—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/717—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in light source
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
- A61B2562/22—Arrangements of medical sensors with cables or leads; Connectors or couplings specifically adapted for medical sensors
- A61B2562/225—Connectors or couplings
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
- A61B2562/22—Arrangements of medical sensors with cables or leads; Connectors or couplings specifically adapted for medical sensors
- A61B2562/225—Connectors or couplings
- A61B2562/227—Sensors with electrical connectors
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
- A61B2562/22—Arrangements of medical sensors with cables or leads; Connectors or couplings specifically adapted for medical sensors
- A61B2562/225—Connectors or couplings
- A61B2562/228—Sensors with optical connectors
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/193—Means for increasing contact pressure at the end of engagement of coupling part, e.g. zero insertion force or no friction
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/12—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for medicine and surgery
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/20—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for testing or measuring purposes
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to intravascular devices, systems, and methods.
- the intravascular devices are guidewires that include one or more electronic components.
- Heart disease is very serious and often requires emergency operations to save lives.
- a main cause of heart disease is the accumulation of plaque inside the blood vessels, which eventually occludes the blood vessels.
- Common treatment options available to open up the occluded vessel include balloon angioplasty, rotational atherectomy, and intravascular stents.
- surgeons have relied on X-ray fluoroscopic images that are planar images showing the external shape of the silhouette of the lumen of blood vessels to guide treatment.
- X-ray fluoroscopic images there is a great deal of uncertainty about the exact extent and orientation of the stenosis responsible for the occlusion, making it difficult to find the exact location of the stenosis.
- restenosis can occur at the same place, it is difficult to check the condition inside the vessels after surgery with X-ray.
- FFR fractional flow reserve
- the proximal connector portion of the guidewire i.e., the connector(s) that facilitate communication between the electronic component(s) of the guidewire and an associated controller or processor
- the proximal connector portion of the guidewire is fragile and prone to kinking, which destroys the functionality of the guidewire. For this reason, surgeons are reluctant to remove the proximal connector from the guidewire during a procedure for fear of breaking the guidewire when reattaching the proximal connector.
- having the guidewire coupled to the proximal connector further limits the maneuverability and handling of the guidewire.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to intravascular devices, systems, and methods.
- an intravascular system in one embodiment, includes an intravascular device comprising a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, at least one electronic component secured to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, and at least one electrical connector secured to the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the at least one electrical connector is electrically coupled to the at least one electronic component secured to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the at least one electrical connector has a first diameter and a section of the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member adjacent the at least one electrical connector has a second diameter less than the first diameter.
- the system also includes a connector having at least one electrical contact configured to interface with the at least one electrical connector of the intravascular device, the connector including a first connection piece and a second connection piece.
- the first connection piece is translatable relative to the second connection piece between an open position and a closed position.
- the second connection piece is configured to receive the at least one electrical connector of the intravascular device in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device such that an alignment feature of the second connection piece engages the section of the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member adjacent the at least one electrical connector to align the at least one electrical connector of the intravascular device with the at least one electrical contact of the connector.
- the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector.
- the connector includes a bias element, such as a spring, that urges the first and second connection pieces towards the closed position.
- the second connection piece includes a recess sized and shaped to receive a portion of the intravascular device that includes the at least one electrical connector.
- the at least one electrical contact is secured to the first connection piece such that the at least one electrical contact is spaced from the recess of the second connection piece in the open position and extends across the recess of the second connection piece in the closed position in some implementations.
- the at least one electrical connector consists of three electrical connectors.
- the at least one electronic component includes at least one of a pressure sensing component, an intravascular imaging component, an ultrasound transducer, and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging element.
- the second connection piece includes at least one opening and the first connection piece includes at least one projection for movably engaging the at least one opening of the second connection piece such that the at least one opening guides translation of the first connection piece relative to the second connection piece.
- the at least one electrical contact comprises a split open comb electrical contact in some instances.
- the connector comprises at least two electrical contacts and includes at least one element positioned between the at least two electrical contacts that is configured to remove fluid from a surface of the intravascular device when the first connection piece is moved between the open position and the closed position.
- the at least one element for removing fluid is a sponge.
- the surface of the intravascular device that fluid is removed from is a surface of a non-conductive material positioned between two electrical connectors.
- a method in another embodiment, includes 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 proximal portion of the flexible elongate member to align the connection portion of the intravascular device with the at least one electrical contact of the connector; 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 connector of the connection portion of the intravascular device.
- the at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to an electronic component positioned at a distal portion of the intravascular device such that the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the electronic component when the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector of the connection portion of the intravascular device.
- a connector for an intravascular system in another embodiment, includes a first connection piece having at least one electrical contact secured thereto; a second connection piece coupled to the first connection piece, wherein the first connection piece is translatable relative to the second connection piece between an open position and a closed position.
- the second connection piece In the open position, the second connection piece is configured to receive at least one electrical connector of an intravascular device in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device such that an alignment feature of the second connection piece engages a proximal portion of the flexible elongate member adjacent the at least one electrical connector to align the at least one electrical connector of the intravascular device with the at least one electrical contact of the first connection piece.
- the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an intravascular system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of an intravascular device of the intravascular system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a proximal connector portion of an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of a proximal connector portion of an intravascular device similar to that of FIG. 3 , but illustrating another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of a connector of the intravascular system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of the connector similar to that of FIG. 5 , but with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector.
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector of FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector similar to that of FIG. 7 , but with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector.
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector of FIGS. 5-8 .
- FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector similar to that of FIG. 9 , but with the inner components of the connector illustrated.
- FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic rear view of the connector of FIGS. 5-10 .
- FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic front view of the connector of FIGS. 5-11 .
- FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic front view of the connector similar to that of FIG. 13 , but illustrating only an upper portion of the connector and inner components of the upper portion.
- FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector of FIGS. 5-13 .
- FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector similar to that of FIG. 14 , but illustrating only a lower portion of the connector.
- FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector of FIGS. 5-15 similar to that of FIG. 14 , but from the opposite side of the connector.
- FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector similar to that of FIG. 15 , but illustrating only a lower portion of the connector and showing the intravascular device positioned proximate to the lower portion of the connector.
- FIG. 18 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of a part of the lower portion of the connector of FIGS. 5-16 .
- FIG. 19 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of an alignment feature of the part of the lower portion of the connector shown in FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 20 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of a part of the lower portion of the connector similar to that of FIG. 17 , but showing an intravascular device positioned within the lower portion.
- FIG. 21 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of the alignment feature of the part of the lower portion of the connector similar to that of FIG. 18 , but showing an intravascular device positioned within the lower portion.
- FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector of FIGS. 5-21 shown in an open position and receiving an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector of FIGS. 5-22 shown in a closed position and receiving an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector of FIG. 24 .
- FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector similar to that of FIG. 25 , but with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector.
- FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector of FIGS. 24-26 .
- FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector of FIGS. 24-27 .
- FIG. 29 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of a part of the lower portion of the connector of FIGS. 24-29 .
- FIG. 30 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of an alignment feature of the part of the lower portion of the connector shown in FIG. 29 .
- FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector of the intravascular system of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector of FIG. 31 .
- flexible elongate member or “elongate flexible member” includes at least any thin, long, flexible structure that can be inserted into the vasculature of a patient. While the illustrated embodiments of the “flexible elongate members” of the present disclosure have a cylindrical profile with a circular cross-sectional profile that defines an outer diameter of the flexible elongate member, in other instances all or a portion of the flexible elongate members may have other geometric cross-sectional profiles (e.g., oval, rectangular, square, elliptical, etc.) or non-geometric cross-sectional profiles. Flexible elongate members include, for example, intravascular catheters and intravascular guidewires.
- intravascular catheters may or may not include a lumen extending along its length for receiving and/or guiding other instruments. If the intravascular catheter includes a lumen, the lumen may be centered or offset with respect to the cross-sectional profile of the device.
- the flexible elongate members of the present disclosure include one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical components.
- a flexible elongate member may include one or more of the following types of components: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an fro electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof.
- these components are configured to obtain data related to a vessel or other portion of the anatomy in which the flexible elongate member is disposed.
- the components are also configured to communicate the data to an external device for processing and/or display.
- embodiments of the present disclosure include imaging devices for imaging within the lumen of a vessel, including both medical and non-medical applications.
- imaging devices for imaging within the lumen of a vessel, including both medical and non-medical applications.
- some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly suited for use in the context of human vasculature. Imaging of the intravascular space, particularly the interior walls of human vasculature can be accomplished by a number of different techniques, including ultrasound (often referred to as intravascular ultrasound (“IVUS”) and intracardiac echocardiography (“ICE”)) and optical coherence tomography (“OCT”). In other instances, infrared, thermal, or other imaging modalities are utilized.
- IVUS intravascular ultrasound
- ICE intracardiac echocardiography
- OCT optical coherence tomography
- infrared, thermal, or other imaging modalities are utilized.
- the flexible elongate member includes multiple electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, imaging elements, optical fibers, ultrasound transducers, reflectors, mirrors, prisms, ablation elements, fro electrodes, conductors, etc.).
- electro-optical components e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, imaging elements, optical fibers, ultrasound transducers, reflectors, mirrors, prisms, ablation elements, fro electrodes, conductors, etc.
- distal portion of the flexible elongate member includes any portion of the flexible elongate member from the mid-point to the distal tip.
- flexible elongate members can be solid, some embodiments of the present disclosure will include a housing portion at the distal portion for receiving the electronic components.
- housing portions can be tubular structures attached to the distal portion of the elongate member.
- Some flexible elongate members are tubular and have one or more lumens in which the electronic components can be positioned within the distal portion.
- the electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components and the associated communication lines are sized and shaped to allow for the diameter of the flexible elongate member to be very small.
- the outside diameter of the elongate member, such as a guidewire or catheter, containing one or more electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components as described herein are between about 0.0007′′ (0.0178 mm) and about 0.118′′ (3.0 mm), with some particular embodiments having outer diameters of approximately 0.014′′ (0.3556 mm) and approximately 0.018′′ (0.4572 mm)).
- the flexible elongate members incorporating the electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical component(s) of the present application are suitable for use in a wide variety of lumens within a human patient besides those that are part or immediately surround the heart, including veins and arteries of the extremities, renal arteries, blood vessels in and around the brain, and other lumens.
- Connected and variations thereof as used herein includes direct connections, such as being glued or otherwise fastened directly to, on, within, etc. another element, as well as indirect connections where one or more elements are disposed between the connected elements.
- “Secured” and variations thereof as used herein includes methods by which an element is directly secured to another element, such as being glued or otherwise fastened directly to, on, within, etc. another element, as well as indirect techniques of securing two elements together where one or more elements are disposed between the secured elements.
- the intravascular system includes an intravascular device 102 and a connector 104 .
- FIG. 2 a side view of the intravascular device 102 is provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the intravascular device 102 includes a flexible elongate member 106 having a distal portion 107 adjacent a distal end 108 and a proximal portion 109 adjacent a proximal end 110 .
- a component 112 is positioned within the distal portion 107 of the flexible elongate member 106 proximal of the distal tip 108 .
- the component 112 is representative of one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical components.
- the component 112 is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an fro electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof.
- the specific type of component or combination of components can be selected based on an intended use of the intravascular device.
- the component 112 is positioned less than 10 cm, less than 5, or less than 3 cm from the distal tip 108 .
- the component 112 is positioned within a housing of the intravascular device 102 .
- the housing is a separate component secured to the flexible elongate member 106 in some instances. In other instances, the housing is integrally formed as a part of the flexible elongate member 106 .
- the intravascular device 102 also includes a connection portion 114 adjacent the proximal portion 109 of the device.
- the connection portion 114 is spaced from the proximal end 110 of the flexible elongate member 106 by a distance 116 .
- the distance 116 is between 0% and 50% of the total length of the flexible elongate member 106 .
- the total length of the flexible elongate member can be any length, in some embodiments the total length is between about 1300 mm and about 4000 mm, with some specific embodiments having a length of 1400 mm, 1900 mm, and 3000 mm.
- the connection portion 114 is spaced from the proximal end 110 between about 0 mm and about 1400 mm.
- connection portion 114 is spaced from the proximal end by a distance of 0 mm, 300 mm, and 1400 mm. Accordingly, in some instances the connection portion 114 is positioned at the proximal end 110 . In some such embodiments, one or more aspects of the engagement and alignment features of the intravascular device 102 discussed below are positioned distal of the of the connection portion 114 instead of proximal of the connection portion 114 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- the intravascular device 102 includes a section 118 extending proximally from the connection portion 114 to another section 120 that extends to proximal end 110 .
- the section 120 is rounded to proximal end 110 .
- the section 120 has a tapered, arcuate, and/or other changing profile as it extends proximally to proximal end 110 .
- the outer profile and/or diameter of the section 120 reduces as it extends proximally to proximal end 110 such that the reduced profile and/or diameter of the proximal end facilitates easier introduction of one or more other instruments over the intravascular device.
- the section 120 has a constant profile as it extends proximally to proximal end 120 .
- connection portion 114 has a diameter 122 (or other similar measurement for outer cross-section profiles for non-circular cross-sectional embodiments) while section 118 has a diameter 124 (again, or other similar measurement for outer cross-section profiles for non-circular cross-sectional embodiments).
- the diameter 124 of section 118 is different than the diameter 122 of connection portion 114 .
- the different sizes of the diameters 122 , 124 create a structure that is configured to facilitate alignment and/or connection of the intravascular device 102 to a connector, such as connector 104 .
- the diameter 124 of section 118 is less than the diameter 122 of the connection portion 114 .
- the diameter 124 of section 118 is between about 40% and about 80% of diameter 122 , with some particular embodiments being about 42%, 64%, and/or other percentage of diameter 122 .
- the diameter 122 of connection portion 114 is between about 0.0178 mm and about 3.0 mm, with some particular embodiments being 0.3556 mm (0.014′′) and 0.4572 mm (0.018′′).
- the diameter 124 of section 118 is between about 0.007 mm and about 2.4 mm, with some particular embodiments being 0.15 mm, 0.19 mm, 0.23 mm, and 0.29 mm.
- the section 120 has a diameter that is approximately equal to diameter 122 and, therefore, greater than diameter 124 . However, in other embodiments, section 120 has a diameter that is greater than diameter 122 , less than diameter 122 , greater than diameter 124 , equal to diameter 124 , and/or less than diameter 124 . In some embodiments, section 118 is a section of a core wire extending through the connection portion 114 .
- the section 118 extends proximally from connection portion 114 a distance 126
- section 120 extends proximally from section 118 to proximal end 110 a distance 128
- distances 126 and 128 equal the distance 116 that the connection portion 114 is spaced from the proximal end 110 of the intravascular device 102 .
- the distance 126 of is between about 0.508 mm (0.020′′) and about 2.54 mm (0.10′′), with some particular embodiments being 0.762 mm (0.030′′), 1.016 mm (0.040′′), and 1.524 mm (0.060′′).
- connection portion 114 and section 118 and the transition between section 118 and section 120 are shown as being stepped in the illustrated embodiments, in other embodiments the transitions are tapered and/or otherwise make a gradual change in outer diameter along the length of the intravascular device. In some embodiments, use of tapered and/or gradual transitions results in the proximal portion of the intravascular device 102 not having any sharp edges. In some implementations, the use of tapered and/or gradual transitions for one or both of the transitions between section 118 and either the connection portion 114 or section 120 makes cleaning the proximal portion of the device (e.g., to remove any liquids or other unwanted materials on the surface of the proximal portion of the intravascular device) easier.
- connection portion 114 is configured to facilitate communication between the intravascular device 102 and another device. More specifically, in some embodiments the connection portion 114 is configured to facilitate communication of data obtained by the component 112 to another device, such as a computing device or processor. Accordingly, in some embodiments the connection portion 114 is an electrical connector. In such instances, the connection portion 114 is configured to provide an electrical connection to one or more electrical conductors that extend along the length of the flexible elongate member 102 and are electrically coupled to the component 112 . In some instances, the connection portion 114 includes one or more electrical connectors as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/665,697, titled “INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS,” filed Jun.
- connection portion 114 includes an optical connector.
- the connection portion 114 provides an optical connection to one or more optical communication pathways (e.g., fiber optic cable) that extend along the length of the flexible elongate member 106 and are optically coupled to the component 112 .
- the connection portion 114 provides both electrical and optical connections to both electrical conductor(s) and optical communication pathway(s) coupled to the component 112 .
- component 112 is comprised of a plurality of elements in some instances.
- the connection portion 114 is configured to provide a physical connection to another device, either directly or indirectly.
- connection portion 114 is configured to facilitate wireless communication between the intravascular device 102 and another device. Generally, any current or future developed wireless protocol(s) may be utilized. In yet other instances, the connection portion 114 facilitates both physical and wireless connection to another device.
- connection portion 114 provides a connection between the component 112 of the intravascular device 102 , 120 and an external device.
- one or more electrical conductors, one or more optical pathways, and/or combinations thereof extend along the length of the flexible elongate member 106 between the connection portion 114 and the component 112 to facilitate communication between the connection portion 114 and the component 112 .
- any number of electrical conductors, optical pathways, and/or combinations thereof can extend along the length of the flexible elongate member 106 between the connection portion 114 and the component 112 .
- connection portion 114 is described as having three separate electrical connections corresponding to the three electrical conductors.
- connection portion 114 includes conductive portions 132 , 134 , and 136 that are separated from one another and the main body of the flexible elongate member 106 by insulating portions 138 , 140 , 142 , and 144 .
- the conductive portions 132 , 134 , and 136 are formed of a conductive material and are portions of a hypotube, a coil, and/or combinations thereof in some instances. It is understood that the total number of communication pathways and/or the number of electrical conductors and/or optical pathways is different in other embodiments and, therefore, the number of conductive portions (or optical connectors) included in connection portion is different as well.
- the number of communication pathways and the number of electrical conductors and optical pathways extending along the length of the flexible elongate member 106 is determined by the desired functionality of the component 112 and the corresponding elements that define component 112 to provide such functionality.
- the number and type of connections provided by connection portion 114 are likewise determined by the desired functionality of the component 112 , the corresponding elements that define component 112 to provide such functionality, and the communication needs for such elements.
- one or more of the insulating portions 138 , 140 , 142 , and 144 is omitted. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 , insulating portion 144 has been omitted.
- FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of the connector
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of the connector with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector
- FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector with the inner components of the connector illustrated
- FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic rear view of the connector
- FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic front view of the connector
- FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector
- FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic side view of a lower portion of the connector
- FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector similar to that of FIG. 13 , but from the opposite side of the connector
- FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic side view of the lower portion of the connector showing the intravascular device positioned proximate to the lower portion of the connector
- FIG. 17 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of a part of the lower portion of the connector
- FIG. 18 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of an alignment feature of the part of the lower portion of the connector shown in FIG. 17
- FIG. 19 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of the part of the lower portion of the connector with an intravascular device positioned within the lower portion
- FIG. 20 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of the alignment feature of the part of the lower portion with an intravascular device positioned within the lower portion;
- FIG. 21 is a side view of the connector in an open position;
- FIG. 22 is a top view of the connector in the open position;
- FIG. 23 is a side view of the connector in a closed position; and
- FIG. 24 is a top view of the connector in a closed position.
- connectors of the present application incorporate one or more features of the connectors described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/665,706, titled “SIDE-LOADING CONNECTORS FOR USE WITH INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” filed Jun. 28, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- connector 104 is configured to interface with the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 to facilitate communication between the intravascular device 102 and a separate component, such as a processing system.
- the connector 104 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of the intravascular device 102 that are electrically coupled to the connection portion 114 and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components.
- the connector 104 includes an upper component 202 and a lower component 204 .
- the upper component 202 is movable with respect to the lower component 204 .
- the upper and lower components 202 and 204 are slidable with respect to one another to facilitate insertion of an intravascular device into the connector 104 and subsequent engagement of the connector with the received intravascular device that results in one or more electrical connections between the intravascular device and the connector.
- the upper component 202 includes an upper surface 206 with a gripping feature 208 .
- the gripping feature 208 is generally representative of any type of structure (e.g., projection(s), recess(es), combinations thereof, etc.), texture (e.g., roughened, knurled, patterned, combinations thereof, etc.) and/or combinations thereof configured to provide an interface to assist a user in translating the upper component 202 relative to the lower component 204 .
- the gripping feature 208 is a concave surface sized and shaped for interfacing with a user's thumb, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 13 for example.
- the gripping feature 208 extends across a width of the upper component 202 in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the upper component 202 , as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 for example.
- the upper component 202 is configured to translate with respect to the lower component 204 along (or parallel to) the longitudinal axis of the upper component between open and closed positions such that the connector 104 is configured to receive the connection portion of an intravascular device, such as connection portion 114 of intravascular device 102 , in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the intravascular device.
- the gripping feature 208 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intravascular device when the intravascular device is received within and engaged with the connector 104 .
- the lower component 204 includes one or more gripping features similar to gripping feature 208 of upper component 202 .
- the lower component 204 may have the same, fewer, or more gripping features than the upper component 202 , in the same or a different arrangement, and/or with the same or different structural profiles.
- a lower surface 210 of the lower component 204 includes a gripping feature 212 .
- the gripping feature 212 is a concave surface sized and shaped for interfacing with a user's finger (such as the user's index/pointer finger), as shown in FIG. 13 for example.
- the gripping feature 212 extends across a width of the lower component 204 in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the lower component 204 , such that the gripping feature 212 extends parallel to gripping feature 208 of the upper component 202 .
- the arrangement of the gripping features 208 and 212 of the illustrated embodiment are particularly well-suited to allow a user to operate the connector 104 using one hand.
- a user can advance and retract the upper component 202 relative to the lower component 204 with the user's thumb while maintaining the position of the lower component 204 relative to the user's finger to move the connector 104 between open and closed positions.
- the upper and/or lower component 202 , 204 includes projections that are received within corresponding slots or openings of the lower and/or upper component 204 , 202 , respectively.
- the slots or openings generally extend along the length of the component(s) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component.
- the projections extend from the component(s) in a manner such that when the upper and lower components 202 , 204 are assembled together the projections are received within the openings of the other component.
- the projections are sized and shaped to be slidably received within the openings such that the projections can translate along the length of the openings when the upper component 202 is translated relative to the lower component 204 .
- the opposing ends of the openings 212 serve as stops to limit travel of the upper component 202 relative to the lower component 204 .
- the projection(s) will contact a first end of the opening when the upper component 202 is in the fully opened position and will contact a second end of the opening opposite the first end when the upper component is in the fully closed position.
- the connector 104 includes a spring detent to lightly lock the mechanism in the closed position. In that regard, the spring detent biases the upper component 202 of the connector 104 toward the closed position through at least part of the sliding motion between the upper and lower components.
- the upper component 202 includes electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 .
- the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 are configured to engage corresponding electrical contacts of an intravascular device, such as conductive portions 132 , 134 , and 136 of connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 .
- electrical contact 214 is configured to be electrically coupled to conductive portion 132
- electrical contacts 216 and 218 are configured to be electrically coupled to conductive portion 134
- electrical contacts 220 and 222 are configured to be electrically coupled to conductive portion 136 .
- the connector 104 may include any number of electrical contacts (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more electrical contacts), may include a single contact for each of one or more conductive portions of the intravascular device, may include multiple contacts for each of one or more conductive portions of the intravascular device, and/or combinations thereof.
- the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 are split, open-comb electrical contacts.
- each of the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 is configured to receive a conductive portion of an intravascular device therein such that some of the teeth of the open-comb electrical contact will be positioned above the conductive portion and others of the teeth of the open-comb electrical contact will be positioned below the conductive portion.
- This arrangement provides a secure and reliable electrical connection between the electrical contact of the connector 104 and the corresponding conductive portion of the intravascular device.
- the open-comb electrical contacts are particularly well-suited to facilitate proper electrical connection between the connector 104 and an intravascular device positioned within the lower component 204 when the upper component 202 is translated relative to the lower component 204 from the open position towards the closed position.
- the open-comb configuration allows for the intravascular device to be rotated with respect to the connector while maintaining a proper connection.
- the open-comb configuration allows a user (e.g., surgeon) to keep the connector 104 connected to the intravascular device while the intravascular device is moved or advanced through the vasculature with little resistance to rotational movement of the intravascular device.
- the intravascular device can be moved through the vasculature, undergoing various twists and turns, without the connector 104 needing to move with the rotations of the intravascular device.
- the open-comb configuration helps ensure good electrical contact due to the multiple fingers for each of the contacts.
- the open end of the open-comb configuration provides a good guide for ensuring that the intravascular device is correctly positioned when the upper component is closed onto the intravascular. While various advantages of the open-comb configuration have been described, it is understood that any appropriately sized electrical contacts can be utilized, including a single contact or a plurality of contacts.
- the connector 104 is configured to interface with a connection portion of an intravascular device to facilitate communication between the intravascular device and a separate component.
- the connector 104 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of the intravascular device (that are electrically coupled to the connection portion) and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components.
- the connector 104 includes a communication cable 224 that is configured to carry signals between the connector 104 and the separate component.
- the cable 224 is configured to carry electrical signals and includes one or more electrical conductors extending along its length to facilitate such electrical communication.
- the type of communication cable utilized is dependent on the type of electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components that are incorporated into the intravascular device.
- the communication cable may include one or more of an electrical conductor, an optical fiber, and/or combinations thereof
- the cable is configured to be plugged into an interface of a processing system.
- the interface is a patient interface module (PIM) in some instances.
- PIM patient interface module
- the cable 224 has a set of conductors 226 .
- the set of conductors 226 consists of five conductors such that each of the conductors is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 ,
- the electrical conductors 226 of the cable are soldered to the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 of the upper connection piece.
- any type of electrical connection may be used to electrically couple the conductors 226 of the cable 224 to the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 including, without limitation soldering, crimping, and/or insulation displacement connector (IDC).
- IDC insulation displacement connector
- the conductors 226 of the cable 224 are coupled to the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 by IDC.
- a back portion of the upper component 202 includes an opening 228 extending therethrough to facilitate passage of the cable 224 therethrough.
- the opening 228 is configured to allow the cable 224 to extend through the upper component 202 from the coupling of the electrical conductors 226 of the cable to the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 .
- the opening 228 is generally aligned with a larger opening 230 (See, e.g., FIG. 6 ) of the lower component 204 .
- the cable 224 extends through opening 230 in some embodiments.
- the arrangement of the openings 228 and 230 allows the upper component 202 to translate with respect to the lower component 204 without damaging the electrical couplings between the electrical conductors 226 of the cable 224 and the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 of the upper component and without creating unwanted kinking/bending of the cable.
- the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 are fixedly secured to the upper component 202
- the electrical contacts are fixedly secured to the lower component 204 and the lower component includes necessary recesses, openings, and/or passages to facilitate connection of the communication cable to the contacts and passing of the cable out of the connector.
- the lower component 204 includes a recess 232 that is sized and shaped to receive an intravascular device.
- the recess 232 is sized and shaped to receive a connection portion of the intravascular device.
- the width of the recess 232 tapers from wider to narrower as the recess extends into the lower component 204 .
- the recess 232 includes a surface 234 and an opposing surface 236 that generally define the recess 232 .
- the recess 232 is configured to maintain the connection portion of the intravascular device in position within the connector 104 .
- the surface 236 is configured to maintain the intravascular device within the recess 232 as the upper component 202 is advanced relative to the lower component 204 and into engagement with the intravascular device. Accordingly, in some embodiments the surface 236 extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower component to prevent the intravascular device from sliding up surface 236 and out of the recess 232 as the electrical contacts of the upper component 202 are advanced into electrical engagement with the intravascular device. In some particular embodiments, the surface 236 extends at an angle between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component 204 . In other embodiments, the surface 236 extends at an angle outside of this range (either smaller or larger).
- the surface 236 extends at an angle of about 85 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component, while the surface 234 extends at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component (See, e.g., FIGS. 14 and 16 ).
- the recess 232 has discontinuities as it extends across the width of the lower component.
- the lower component 204 includes a plurality of supports 238 , 240 , 242 , 244 , 246 , and 248 that collectively define the recess 232 .
- each of the supports 238 , 240 , 242 , 244 , 246 , and 248 includes surface portions similar to surfaces 234 and 236 discussed above.
- the supports 238 and 248 are outer supports that define the outer boundaries of the recess relative to lower component 204 , while supports 240 , 242 , 244 , and 246 are positioned between supports 238 and 248 .
- the supports 240 , 242 , 244 , and 246 include tapered surfaces similar to surfaces 234 and 236 discussed above.
- the supports 240 , 242 , 244 , and 246 comprise only the bottom portion of the recess 232 that is sized and shaped to receive the intravascular device. It is understood that, in other embodiments, the arrangement of the recess 232 as defined by outer portions 238 , 248 is similar to that defined by supports 242 , 244 , and 246 and/or vice versa.
- the upper and/or lower component(s) 202 , 204 may include one or more visual markers (active and/or passive) and/or be at least partially formed of a clear or translucent material.
- one or more visual markers as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0005573, titled “SIDE-LOADING CONNECTORS FOR USE WITH INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS” and filed on the same day as the present application, are utilized in some instances.
- the lower component 204 includes structure 250 configured to facilitate proper alignment of the intravascular device 102 with the connector 104 .
- the structure 250 defines a recess or opening 252 that is generally aligned with recess or opening 232 extending across the lower component 204 .
- opposing outer portions 254 and 256 of support 248 taper into side surfaces 258 and 260 that define recess 252 .
- Surfaces 258 and 260 are bounded by bottom surface 262 .
- the bottom surface 262 is concave. In some instances, the curvature of the bottom surface is sized and shaped to receive section 118 of the intravascular device 102 .
- surfaces 258 and 260 extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower component 204 in the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, one or both of the surfaces 258 , 260 extend at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lower component 204 .
- the recess 252 has a width 264 between the surfaces 258 and 260 . As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18 , for example, the width 264 of recess 252 is less than the width of the recess 232 . In that regard, in some embodiments the width 264 of recess 252 is sized such that the section 118 of the intravascular device 102 can be received within the recess 252 , but connection portion 114 and section 120 cannot be received within the recess 252 .
- the width 264 of recess 252 is between about 0.0254 mm (0.001′′) and about 0.254 mm (0.01′′) greater than the diameter 124 of section 118 , with some particular embodiments between about 0.0254 mm (0.001′′) and about 0.0508 mm (0.002′′) greater than the diameter 124 of section 118 .
- the inability of the connection portion 114 and section 120 to be received within recess 252 can be utilized to align the intravascular device 102 with the connector 104 .
- the structure 250 also includes a surface 266 positioned adjacent the recess 252 . The surface 266 is recessed into an outer surface 267 of the lower component 204 .
- cutout surface 268 extends between surface 266 and the outer surface 267 .
- the cutout 268 is sized and shaped such that the resulting surface 266 is configured to engage with a distal portion of section 120 of the intravascular device 102 .
- the structure 250 is utilized to align the intravascular device 102 with the connector 104 as follows.
- the user positions the intravascular device 102 within the lower component 204 such that section 118 is received within recess 252 , the connection portion 114 is positioned at least partially within recess 232 , and section 120 is positioned outside of the lower component adjacent outer surface 267 and recessed surface 266 .
- the intravascular device 102 is advanced or translated such that the connection portion 114 is moved away from structure 250 while a distal surface of section 120 is brought into contact with surface 266 , as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 .
- the spacing of the supports 238 , 240 , 242 , 244 , 246 , and 248 of the lower component 204 and the corresponding spacing defined for the electrical contacts of the connection portion 114 to be engaged by the electrical contacts of the connector 104 are configured to be properly aligned with the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 when the distal portion of the section 120 is in contact with an outer surface of the connector 104 , such as surface 266 or surface 267 .
- the lower component 204 does not include a recessed surface 266 .
- section 120 contacts the outer surface 267 to facilitate proper alignment of the intravascular device 102 relative to the connector 104 .
- the simplicity of loading arrangement allows a user to place the proximal end of the intravascular device with section 118 past the connector feature 250 . With the intravascular device angled slightly so that the proximal portion of the intravascular device is in contact with the opening of the slot section 118 will automatically drop into the slot. The intravascular device can then be pulled with slight tension and laid into the recess 232 .
- the connector 104 includes one or more wiping elements.
- the connector 104 includes wiping element 270 and 272 .
- the wiping elements 270 , 272 are configured to remove liquid on the surface of the intravascular device 102 that can cause bridging between adjacent conductors.
- the wiping elements 270 and 272 are positioned such that when the upper component 202 is translated relative to the lower component 204 to engage a properly aligned intravascular device 102 , wiping element 270 will remove liquid between conductive portions 132 and 134 and wiping element 272 will remove liquid between conductive portions 134 , and 136 . Accordingly, in some such instances the wiping elements 270 , 272 are configured to engage insulating portions 140 , 142 , respectively. As best shown in FIGS.
- the wiping elements 270 , 272 of the illustrated embodiment each comprise two opposed pieces (upper and lower) such that the intravascular device 102 passes between the two pieces when the upper component 202 is moved to engage the intravascular device as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 22 and 23 .
- each of the upper and lower pieces has a generally semi-cylindrical profile.
- any structural arrangement of wiping element may be utilized, including a single element, multiple elements, geometrical, and/or non-geometrical profiles.
- the wiping elements can be formed of any suitable material, including without limitation sponge, polyurethane, silicone, polyethylene, EPDM, and/or vinyl.
- FIGS. 22 and 23 shown therein is a transition of the connector 104 from the open positioned to the closed position.
- the connector 104 is shown in the open position in FIG. 22 and the closed position in FIG. 23 .
- the connector 104 is configured to receive the intravascular device 102 in a side-loading fashion. More specifically, the recesses 232 and 252 in the lower component 204 are revealed when the upper component 202 is retracted to the open position such that the intravascular device 102 can be seated within the recesses by moving the intravascular device 102 in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis.
- the connector 104 may be moved relative to the intravascular device 102 , the intravascular device 102 may be moved relative to the connector 104 , and/or combinations thereof In some instances, with the intravascular device 102 positioned within the recesses 232 and 252 of the lower component 204 , the intravascular device 102 is moved to engage section 120 with recessed surface 266 to properly align the intravascular device relative to the lower component while in the open position. In other instances, the intravascular device 102 is not moved to engage section 120 with the recessed surface 266 until after transitioning the upper component 202 to the closed position.
- the upper component 202 is translated with respect to the lower component 204 , as indicated by arrow 274 in FIG. 22 , to the closed position illustrated in FIG. 23 .
- the intravascular device 102 is held between the upper and lower components 202 and 204 such that the connector 104 is in electrical communication with the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device.
- the split teeth of the open-comb electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 and the wiping elements 270 , 272 engage the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 .
- the bottom of the recess 232 is positioned relative to the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 such that the intravascular device will be aligned with the electrical contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and 222 in the vertical direction when the intravascular device is seated within the recess.
- the intravascular device 102 seated in the recess such that the conductive portions 132 , 134 , and 136 of the connection portion 114 are aligned horizontally (e.g., by using visual markers, engaging section 120 with surface 266 , or otherwise) and vertically with respect to the electrical contacts of the connector 104 .
- advancement of the upper component 202 to the closed position electrically couples the connector 104 to the intravascular device 102 .
- the wiping elements 270 , 272 remove fluid from between the conductive portions 132 , 134 , and 136 to help prevent any bridging between the conductive portions.
- the upper component 202 is translated with respect to the lower component 204 , as indicated by arrow 276 in FIG. 23 , back to the open position of FIG. 22 .
- connector 300 includes many features similar to those described above with respect to connector 104 . Accordingly, the following description will focus on features of connector 300 that are different than those of connector 104 . However, it is understood that the various features of both connectors 104 and 300 may be combined in any of a variety of manners consistent with the present disclosure. In that regard, unless otherwise noted, it should be presumed that any feature of connector 104 may be implemented within connector 300 and vice versa.
- the connector 300 includes an upper component 302 and a lower component 304 .
- the upper component 302 is movable with respect to the lower component 304 .
- the upper and lower components 302 and 304 are slidable with respect to one another to facilitate insertion of an intravascular device into the connector 300 and subsequent engagement of the connector with the received intravascular device that results in one or more electrical connections between the intravascular device and the connector.
- the upper component 302 includes an upper surface 306 with a gripping feature 308 .
- the gripping feature 308 is generally representative of any type of structure (e.g., projection(s), recess(es), combinations thereof, etc.), texture (e.g., roughened, knurled, patterned, combinations thereof, etc.) and/or combinations thereof configured to provide an interface to assist a user in translating the upper component 302 relative to the lower component 304 .
- the gripping feature 308 is a raised surface portion.
- the lower component 304 includes one or more gripping features similar to gripping feature 308 of upper component 302 .
- the lower component 304 may have the same, fewer, or more gripping features than the upper component 302 , in the same or a different arrangement, and/or with the same or different structural profiles.
- the lower surface 310 of the lower component 304 includes a plurality of projections or ridges 312 as gripping features.
- the upper component 302 includes electrical contacts 314 , 316 , 318 , 320 , and 322 .
- the electrical contacts 314 , 316 , 318 , 320 , and 322 are configured to engage corresponding electrical contacts of an intravascular device, such as conductive portions 132 , 134 , and 136 of connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 .
- electrical contact 314 is configured to be electrically coupled to conductive portion 132
- electrical contacts 316 and 318 are configured to be electrically coupled to conductive portion 134
- electrical contacts 320 and 322 are configured to be electrically coupled to conductive portion 136 .
- the connector 300 may include any number of electrical contacts (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more electrical contacts), may include a single contact for each of one or more conductive portions of the intravascular device, may include multiple contacts for each of one or more conductive portions of the intravascular device, and/or combinations thereof.
- the electrical contacts 314 , 316 , 318 , 320 , and 322 are split, open-comb electrical contacts.
- each of the electrical contacts 314 , 316 , 318 , 320 , and 322 is configured to receive a conductive portion of an intravascular device therein such that some of the teeth of the open-comb electrical contact will be positioned above the conductive portion and others of the teeth of the open-comb electrical contact will be positioned below the conductive portion.
- This arrangement provides a secure and reliable electrical connection between the electrical contact of the connector 300 and the corresponding conductive portion of the intravascular device.
- the open-comb electrical contacts are particularly well-suited to facilitate proper electrical connection between the connector 300 and an intravascular device positioned within the lower component 304 when the upper component 302 is translated relative to the lower component 304 from the open position towards the closed position.
- the open-comb configuration allows for the intravascular device to be rotated with respect to the connector while maintaining a proper connection.
- the open-comb configuration allows a user (e.g., surgeon) to keep the connector 300 connected to the intravascular device while the intravascular device is moved or advanced through the vasculature with little resistance to rotational movement of the intravascular device.
- the intravascular device can be moved through the vasculature, undergoing various twists and turns, without the connector 300 needing to move with the rotations of the intravascular device.
- the open-comb configuration helps ensure good electrical contact due to the multiple fingers for each of the contacts.
- the open end of the open-comb configuration provides a good guide for ensuring that the intravascular device is correctly positioned when the upper component is closed onto the intravascular. While various advantages of the open-comb configuration have been described, it is understood that any appropriately sized electrical contacts can be utilized, including a single contact or a plurality of contacts.
- the connector 300 is configured to interface with a connection portion of an intravascular device to facilitate communication between the intravascular device and a separate component.
- the connector 300 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of the intravascular device (that are electrically coupled to the connection portion) and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components.
- the connector 300 includes a communication cable 324 that is configured to carry signals between the connector 300 and the separate component.
- the cable 324 is configured to carry electrical signals and includes one or more electrical conductors extending along its length to facilitate such electrical communication.
- the type of communication cable utilized is dependent on the type of electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components that are incorporated into the intravascular device.
- the communication cable may include one or more of an electrical conductor, an optical fiber, and/or combinations thereof
- the cable is configured to be plugged into an interface of a processing system.
- the interface is a patient interface module (PIM) in some instances.
- PIM patient interface module
- the lower component 304 includes a recess 332 that is sized and shaped to receive an intravascular device.
- the recess 332 is sized and shaped to receive a connection portion of the intravascular device.
- the width of the recess 332 tapers from wider to narrower as the recess extends into the lower component 304 .
- the recess 332 includes a surface 334 and an opposing surface 336 that generally define the recess 332 .
- the recess 332 is configured to maintain the connection portion of the intravascular device in position within the connector 300 .
- the surface 336 is configured to maintain the intravascular device within the recess 332 as the upper component 302 is advanced relative to the lower component 304 and into engagement with the intravascular device. Accordingly, in some embodiments the surface 336 extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower component to prevent the intravascular device from sliding up surface 336 and out of the recess 332 as the electrical contacts of the upper component 302 are advanced into electrical engagement with the intravascular device. In some particular embodiments, the surface 336 extends at an angle between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component 304 . In other embodiments, the surface 336 extends at an angle outside of this range (either smaller or larger). As shown in FIG.
- a lower portion of the surface 336 extends at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component, an upper portion of the surface 336 extends at an angle of about 70 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component, and the surface 334 extends at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component.
- the recess 332 has discontinuities as it extends across the width of the lower component.
- the lower component 304 includes a plurality of supports 338 , 340 , 342 , 344 , 346 , and 348 that collectively define the recess 332 .
- each of the supports 338 , 340 , 342 , 344 , 346 , and 348 includes surface portions similar to surfaces 334 and 336 discussed above.
- the supports 338 and 348 are outer supports that define the outer boundaries of the recess relative to lower component 304 , while supports 340 , 342 , 344 , and 346 are positioned between supports 338 and 348 .
- the supports 340 , 342 , 344 , and 346 include tapered surfaces similar to surfaces 334 and 336 discussed above.
- the supports 340 , 342 , 344 , and 346 comprise only the bottom portion of the recess 332 that is sized and shaped to receive the intravascular device. It is understood that, in other embodiments, the arrangement of the recess 332 as defined by outer portions 338 , 348 is similar to that defined by supports 342 , 344 , and 346 and/or vice versa.
- the upper and/or lower component(s) 302 , 304 may include one or more visual markers (active and/or passive) and/or be at least partially formed of a clear or translucent material.
- one or more visual markers as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0005573, titled “SIDE-LOADING CONNECTORS FOR USE WITH INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS” and filed on the same day as the present application, are utilized in some instances.
- the lower component 304 includes structure 350 configured to facilitate proper alignment of the intravascular device 102 with the connector 300 .
- the structure 350 defines a recess or opening 352 that is generally aligned with recess or opening 332 extending across the lower component 304 .
- opposing outer portions 354 and 356 of structure 350 taper into side surfaces 358 and 360 that define recess 352 .
- Surfaces 358 and 360 are bounded by bottom surface 362 .
- the bottom surface 362 is concave. In some instances, the curvature of the bottom surface 362 is sized and shaped to receive section 118 of the intravascular device 102 .
- surfaces 358 and 360 extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower component 304 in the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, one or both of the surfaces 358 , 360 extend at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lower component 304 .
- the recess 352 has a width between the surfaces 358 and 360 that is less than the width of the recess 232 .
- the width of recess 352 is sized such that the section 118 of the intravascular device 102 can be received within the recess 352 , but connection portion 114 and section 120 cannot be received within the recess 352 .
- the width of recess 352 is between about 0.0254 mm (0.001′′) and about 0.254 mm (0.01′′) greater than the diameter 124 of section 118 , with some particular embodiments between about 0.0254 mm (0.001′′) and about 0.0508 mm (0.002′′) greater than the diameter 124 of section 118 .
- connection portion 114 and section 120 can be utilized to align the intravascular device 102 with the connector 300 .
- the structure 350 is utilized to align the intravascular device 102 with the connector 104 as follows.
- the user positions the intravascular device 102 within the lower component 304 such that section 118 is received within recess 352 , the connection portion 114 is positioned at least partially within recess 332 , and section 120 is positioned outside of the lower component structure 350 .
- the intravascular device 102 is advanced or translated such that the connection portion 114 is moved away from structure 350 while a distal surface of section 120 is brought into contact with an outer surface of structure 350 .
- the simplicity of loading arrangement allows a user to place the proximal end of the intravascular device with section 118 past the connector feature 350 . With the intravascular device angled slightly so that the proximal portion of the intravascular device is in contact with the opening of the slot section 118 will automatically drop into the slot. The intravascular device can then be pulled with slight tension and laid into the recess 332 .
- connector 170 includes some features similar to connector 104 described above. However, connector 170 includes an active element for indicating a connection state of the connector 170 .
- Connector 170 is configured to interface with the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 to facilitate communication between the intravascular device 102 and a separate component, such as a processing system.
- the connector 170 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of the intravascular device 102 that are electrically coupled to the connection portion 114 and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components. As shown in FIG.
- the connector 170 includes an upper connection piece 180 and a lower connection piece 182 .
- the upper connection piece 180 is movable with respect to the lower connection piece 182 about a pivot pin 184 .
- the pivot pin 184 is fixedly secured to the lower connection piece 182 .
- the pivot pin 184 extends through a portion of the upper connection piece 180 and/or engages a structural feature of the upper connection piece (e.g., recess(es), clamp(s), snap-fit element(s), projection(s), etc.) to ensure that the upper connection piece 180 pivots about the pivot pin 184 .
- the upper connection piece 180 is biased towards either an open position (for receiving the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 ) or closed position (for electrically coupling to the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 ) by a bias element.
- the bias element is configured to bias the connection piece 180 towards a closed position such that a user can release the connector 170 after insertion of the intravascular device and the bias element will maintain the connector 170 in electrical contact with the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device.
- the bias element is a spring. In some particular instances, at least a portion of the spring is wrapped around the pivot pin 184 . In that regard, the pivoting motion of the upper connection piece 180 relative to the lower connection piece 182 , and the structural arrangements to facilitate such motion, operates in a manner to a clothes pin or a chip clip.
- the connector 170 is configured to interface with the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 to facilitate communication between the intravascular device 102 and a separate component, and, in particular, the connector 104 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of the intravascular device 102 (that are electrically coupled to the connection portion 114 ) and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components.
- the connector 170 includes a communication cable 186 extending therefrom.
- the communication cable 186 is configured to carry signals between the connector 170 and the separate component.
- the cable 186 is configured to carry electrical signals and includes one or more electrical conductors extending along its length to facilitate such electrical communication.
- the type of communication cable utilized is dependent on the type of electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components that are incorporated into the intravascular device 102 .
- the communication cable 186 may include one or more of an electrical conductor, an optical fiber, and/or combinations thereof
- the cable 186 is configured to be plugged into an interface of a processing system.
- the interface is a patient interface module (PIM) in some instances.
- PIM patient interface module
- the cable 186 extends through an opening on the back side of the lower connection piece 182 .
- the upper connection piece 180 includes a projection or protrusion 188 in its upper surface that defines a corresponding recess or opening thereunder for receiving at least a portion of the cable 186 .
- one or more electrical conductors of the cable 186 are positioned within the recess or opening defined by the protrusion 188 .
- the one or more electrical conductors of the cable 186 are electrically coupled to one or more electrical contacts associated with the connector 170 . In that regard, in some embodiments the electrical contacts are fixedly secured to the upper connection piece 180 .
- the one or more electrical conductors of the cable 186 are soldered to the electrical contacts of the upper connection piece.
- the electrical contacts are fixedly secured to the lower connection piece 182 .
- gold plated copper alloy contacts are utilized.
- any suitable electrical contacts can be utilized by the connector 170 .
- the cable 186 is replaced with a wireless connection (e.g., a wireless antenna).
- a wireless connection e.g., a wireless antenna
- various communication pathways between the connector 170 and another component of the intravascular system may be utilized, including physical connections (including electrical, optical, and/or fluid connections), wireless connections, and/or combinations thereof.
- the lower connection piece 182 includes a recess 190 that is sized and shaped to receive the intravascular device 102 therein.
- the recess 190 is sized and shaped to receive the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 .
- the width of the recess 190 is typically sized to be slightly larger than the diameter of the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 .
- the recess 190 helps to maintain the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 in position within the connector 170 .
- the upper connection piece 180 includes visual markers 192 , 194 , and 196 that provide an indication of the location of the electrical contacts and, therefore, where the electrical contacts or connectors of the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 should be aligned.
- visual markers 192 , 194 , and 196 that provide an indication of the location of the electrical contacts and, therefore, where the electrical contacts or connectors of the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 should be aligned.
- the visual markers 192 , 194 , and 196 are configured to be aligned with the conductive portions 122 , 124 , and 126 , respectively, of connection portion 114 to facilitate connection of the connector 170 to the intravascular device 102 .
- the visual markers 192 , 194 , and 196 are arrows. However, it is understood that any type of visual markers may be utilized including, without limitation, projections, recesses, colors, shapes, and/or combinations thereof In that regard, in some embodiments the visual markers are color-coded to match correspondingly colored visual markers associated with the electrical contacts or connectors of the intravascular device 102 .
- the connector 170 includes an active element 198 to provide an indication of whether a proper connection between the connector 170 and the connection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102 has been achieved. The active element may provide a visual signal, an audible signal, and/or combinations thereof representing a connection between the connector 170 and the connection portion 114 .
- active element 198 is a light emitting diode (LED) that illuminates when a proper connection is achieved between the connector 170 and the connection portion 114 .
- LED light emitting diode
- the active element 198 is off when no connection or an improper connection and illuminates when a proper connection is made.
- the active element 198 illuminates a first color (e.g., red) when no connection or an improper connection is made and illuminates a second, different color (e.g., green) when a proper connection is made.
- the active element 198 illuminates a first color (e.g., red) when no connection or an improper connection is made, illuminates a second, different color (e.g., yellow) when a partial connection is made, and illuminates a third, different color (e.g., green) when a full proper connection is made.
- the active element 198 has been described as being applicable to the overall connection between the connector 170 and the connection portion 114 . However, in other embodiments, a separate active element is provided for each connection between a conductor of the connector 170 and a conductor of the connection portion 114 .
Abstract
Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, side-loading electrical connectors for use with intravascular devices are provided. The side-loading electrical connector has at least one electrical contact configured to interface with an electrical connector of the intravascular device. A first connection piece of the side-loading electrical connector is movable relative to a second connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position an elongated opening is formed between the first and second connection pieces to facilitate insertion of the electrical connector between the first and second connection pieces in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector received between the first and second connection pieces.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 15/418,415, filed Jan. 27, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/250,549, filed Aug. 29, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,710, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/930,636, filed Jun. 28, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,427,163, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/665,748, filed Jun. 28, 2012, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The present disclosure relates to intravascular devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guidewires that include one or more electronic components.
- Heart disease is very serious and often requires emergency operations to save lives. A main cause of heart disease is the accumulation of plaque inside the blood vessels, which eventually occludes the blood vessels. Common treatment options available to open up the occluded vessel include balloon angioplasty, rotational atherectomy, and intravascular stents. Traditionally, surgeons have relied on X-ray fluoroscopic images that are planar images showing the external shape of the silhouette of the lumen of blood vessels to guide treatment. Unfortunately, with X-ray fluoroscopic images, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the exact extent and orientation of the stenosis responsible for the occlusion, making it difficult to find the exact location of the stenosis. In addition, though it is known that restenosis can occur at the same place, it is difficult to check the condition inside the vessels after surgery with X-ray.
- A currently accepted technique for assessing the severity of a stenosis in a blood vessel, including ischemia causing lesions, is fractional flow reserve (FFR). FFR is a calculation of the ratio of a distal pressure measurement (taken on the distal side of the stenosis) relative to a proximal pressure measurement (taken on the proximal side of the stenosis). FFR provides an index of stenosis severity that allows determination as to whether the blockage limits blood flow within the vessel to an extent that treatment is required. The normal value of FFR in a healthy vessel is 1.00, while values less than about 0.80 are generally deemed significant and require treatment.
- Often intravascular catheters and guidewires are utilized to measure the pressure within the blood vessel. To date, guidewires containing pressure sensors or other electronic components have suffered from reduced performance characteristics compared to standard guidewires that do not contain electronic components. For example, the handling performance of previous guidewires containing electronic components have been hampered, in some instances, by the limited space available for the core wire after accounting for the space needed for the conductors or communication lines of the electronic component(s), the stiffness of the rigid housing containing the electronic component(s), and/or other limitations associated with providing the functionality of the electronic components in the limited space available within a guidewire. Further, due to its small diameter, in many instances the proximal connector portion of the guidewire (i.e., the connector(s) that facilitate communication between the electronic component(s) of the guidewire and an associated controller or processor) is fragile and prone to kinking, which destroys the functionality of the guidewire. For this reason, surgeons are reluctant to remove the proximal connector from the guidewire during a procedure for fear of breaking the guidewire when reattaching the proximal connector. However, having the guidewire coupled to the proximal connector further limits the maneuverability and handling of the guidewire.
- Accordingly, there remains a need for improved connectors for use with intravascular devices (e.g., catheters and guidewires) that include one or more electronic components.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to intravascular devices, systems, and methods.
- In one embodiment, an intravascular system is provided. The system includes an intravascular device comprising a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, at least one electronic component secured to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, and at least one electrical connector secured to the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the at least one electrical connector is electrically coupled to the at least one electronic component secured to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, wherein the at least one electrical connector has a first diameter and a section of the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member adjacent the at least one electrical connector has a second diameter less than the first diameter. The system also includes a connector having at least one electrical contact configured to interface with the at least one electrical connector of the intravascular device, the connector including a first connection piece and a second connection piece. The first connection piece is translatable relative to the second connection piece between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the second connection piece is configured to receive the at least one electrical connector of the intravascular device in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device such that an alignment feature of the second connection piece engages the section of the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member adjacent the at least one electrical connector to align the at least one electrical connector of the intravascular device with the at least one electrical contact of the connector. In the closed position, the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector.
- In some embodiments, the connector includes a bias element, such as a spring, that urges the first and second connection pieces towards the closed position. In some instances, the second connection piece includes a recess sized and shaped to receive a portion of the intravascular device that includes the at least one electrical connector. The at least one electrical contact is secured to the first connection piece such that the at least one electrical contact is spaced from the recess of the second connection piece in the open position and extends across the recess of the second connection piece in the closed position in some implementations. In some instances, the at least one electrical connector consists of three electrical connectors. In some embodiments, the at least one electronic component includes at least one of a pressure sensing component, an intravascular imaging component, an ultrasound transducer, and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging element. In some embodiments, the second connection piece includes at least one opening and the first connection piece includes at least one projection for movably engaging the at least one opening of the second connection piece such that the at least one opening guides translation of the first connection piece relative to the second connection piece. The at least one electrical contact comprises a split open comb electrical contact in some instances. In some embodiments, the connector comprises at least two electrical contacts and includes at least one element positioned between the at least two electrical contacts that is configured to remove fluid from a surface of the intravascular device when the first connection piece is moved between the open position and the closed position. In some implementations, the at least one element for removing fluid is a sponge. In some instances, the surface of the intravascular device that fluid is removed from is a surface of a non-conductive material positioned between two electrical connectors.
- In another embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes 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 proximal portion of the flexible elongate member to align the connection portion of the intravascular device with the at least one electrical contact of the connector; 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 connector of the connection portion of the intravascular device. In some instances, the at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to an electronic component positioned at a distal portion of the intravascular device such that the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the electronic component when the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector of the connection portion of the intravascular device.
- In another embodiment, a connector for an intravascular system is provided. The connector includes a first connection piece having at least one electrical contact secured thereto; a second connection piece coupled to the first connection piece, wherein the first connection piece is translatable relative to the second connection piece between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the second connection piece is configured to receive at least one electrical connector of an intravascular device in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device such that an alignment feature of the second connection piece engages a proximal portion of the flexible elongate member adjacent the at least one electrical connector to align the at least one electrical connector of the intravascular device with the at least one electrical contact of the first connection piece. In the closed position, the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector.
- Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description.
- Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
-
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an intravascular system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of an intravascular device of the intravascular system ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a proximal connector portion of an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of a proximal connector portion of an intravascular device similar to that ofFIG. 3 , but illustrating another embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of a connector of the intravascular system ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 5 , but with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector. -
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector ofFIGS. 5 and 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 7 , but with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector. -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector ofFIGS. 5-8 . -
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 9 , but with the inner components of the connector illustrated. -
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic rear view of the connector ofFIGS. 5-10 . -
FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic front view of the connector ofFIGS. 5-11 . -
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic front view of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 13 , but illustrating only an upper portion of the connector and inner components of the upper portion. -
FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector ofFIGS. 5-13 . -
FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 14 , but illustrating only a lower portion of the connector. -
FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector ofFIGS. 5-15 similar to that ofFIG. 14 , but from the opposite side of the connector. -
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 15 , but illustrating only a lower portion of the connector and showing the intravascular device positioned proximate to the lower portion of the connector. -
FIG. 18 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of a part of the lower portion of the connector ofFIGS. 5-16 . -
FIG. 19 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of an alignment feature of the part of the lower portion of the connector shown inFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 20 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of a part of the lower portion of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 17 , but showing an intravascular device positioned within the lower portion. -
FIG. 21 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of the alignment feature of the part of the lower portion of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 18 , but showing an intravascular device positioned within the lower portion. -
FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector ofFIGS. 5-21 shown in an open position and receiving an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector ofFIGS. 5-22 shown in a closed position and receiving an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector ofFIG. 24 . -
FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 25 , but with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector. -
FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector ofFIGS. 24-26 . -
FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector ofFIGS. 24-27 . -
FIG. 29 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of a part of the lower portion of the connector ofFIGS. 24-29 . -
FIG. 30 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of an alignment feature of the part of the lower portion of the connector shown inFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector of the intravascular system ofFIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector ofFIG. 31 . - For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It is nevertheless understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, systems, and methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated and included within the present disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, however, the numerous iterations of these combinations will not be described separately.
- As used herein, “flexible elongate member” or “elongate flexible member” includes at least any thin, long, flexible structure that can be inserted into the vasculature of a patient. While the illustrated embodiments of the “flexible elongate members” of the present disclosure have a cylindrical profile with a circular cross-sectional profile that defines an outer diameter of the flexible elongate member, in other instances all or a portion of the flexible elongate members may have other geometric cross-sectional profiles (e.g., oval, rectangular, square, elliptical, etc.) or non-geometric cross-sectional profiles. Flexible elongate members include, for example, intravascular catheters and intravascular guidewires. In that regard, intravascular catheters may or may not include a lumen extending along its length for receiving and/or guiding other instruments. If the intravascular catheter includes a lumen, the lumen may be centered or offset with respect to the cross-sectional profile of the device.
- In most embodiments, the flexible elongate members of the present disclosure include one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical components. For example, without limitation, a flexible elongate member may include one or more of the following types of components: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an fro electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof. Generally, these components are configured to obtain data related to a vessel or other portion of the anatomy in which the flexible elongate member is disposed. Often the components are also configured to communicate the data to an external device for processing and/or display. In some aspects, embodiments of the present disclosure include imaging devices for imaging within the lumen of a vessel, including both medical and non-medical applications. However, some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly suited for use in the context of human vasculature. Imaging of the intravascular space, particularly the interior walls of human vasculature can be accomplished by a number of different techniques, including ultrasound (often referred to as intravascular ultrasound (“IVUS”) and intracardiac echocardiography (“ICE”)) and optical coherence tomography (“OCT”). In other instances, infrared, thermal, or other imaging modalities are utilized. Further, in some instances the flexible elongate member includes multiple electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, imaging elements, optical fibers, ultrasound transducers, reflectors, mirrors, prisms, ablation elements, fro electrodes, conductors, etc.).
- The electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components of the present disclosure are often disposed within a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. As used herein, “distal portion” of the flexible elongate member includes any portion of the flexible elongate member from the mid-point to the distal tip. As flexible elongate members can be solid, some embodiments of the present disclosure will include a housing portion at the distal portion for receiving the electronic components. Such housing portions can be tubular structures attached to the distal portion of the elongate member. Some flexible elongate members are tubular and have one or more lumens in which the electronic components can be positioned within the distal portion.
- The electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components and the associated communication lines are sized and shaped to allow for the diameter of the flexible elongate member to be very small. For example, the outside diameter of the elongate member, such as a guidewire or catheter, containing one or more electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components as described herein are between about 0.0007″ (0.0178 mm) and about 0.118″ (3.0 mm), with some particular embodiments having outer diameters of approximately 0.014″ (0.3556 mm) and approximately 0.018″ (0.4572 mm)). As such, the flexible elongate members incorporating the electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical component(s) of the present application are suitable for use in a wide variety of lumens within a human patient besides those that are part or immediately surround the heart, including veins and arteries of the extremities, renal arteries, blood vessels in and around the brain, and other lumens.
- “Connected” and variations thereof as used herein includes direct connections, such as being glued or otherwise fastened directly to, on, within, etc. another element, as well as indirect connections where one or more elements are disposed between the connected elements.
- “Secured” and variations thereof as used herein includes methods by which an element is directly secured to another element, such as being glued or otherwise fastened directly to, on, within, etc. another element, as well as indirect techniques of securing two elements together where one or more elements are disposed between the secured elements.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , shown therein is anintravascular system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard, the intravascular system includes anintravascular device 102 and aconnector 104. Referring now toFIG. 2 , a side view of theintravascular device 102 is provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, theintravascular device 102 includes a flexibleelongate member 106 having adistal portion 107 adjacent adistal end 108 and aproximal portion 109 adjacent aproximal end 110. Acomponent 112 is positioned within thedistal portion 107 of the flexibleelongate member 106 proximal of thedistal tip 108. Generally, thecomponent 112 is representative of one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical components. In that regard, thecomponent 112 is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an fro electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof. The specific type of component or combination of components can be selected based on an intended use of the intravascular device. In some instances, thecomponent 112 is positioned less than 10 cm, less than 5, or less than 3 cm from thedistal tip 108. In some instances, thecomponent 112 is positioned within a housing of theintravascular device 102. In that regard, the housing is a separate component secured to the flexibleelongate member 106 in some instances. In other instances, the housing is integrally formed as a part of the flexibleelongate member 106. - The
intravascular device 102 also includes aconnection portion 114 adjacent theproximal portion 109 of the device. In that regard, theconnection portion 114 is spaced from theproximal end 110 of the flexibleelongate member 106 by adistance 116. Generally, thedistance 116 is between 0% and 50% of the total length of the flexibleelongate member 106. While the total length of the flexible elongate member can be any length, in some embodiments the total length is between about 1300 mm and about 4000 mm, with some specific embodiments having a length of 1400 mm, 1900 mm, and 3000 mm. In some instances theconnection portion 114 is spaced from theproximal end 110 between about 0 mm and about 1400 mm. In some specific embodiments, theconnection portion 114 is spaced from the proximal end by a distance of 0 mm, 300 mm, and 1400 mm. Accordingly, in some instances theconnection portion 114 is positioned at theproximal end 110. In some such embodiments, one or more aspects of the engagement and alignment features of theintravascular device 102 discussed below are positioned distal of the of theconnection portion 114 instead of proximal of theconnection portion 114 as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . - In that regard, in the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 2 theintravascular device 102 includes asection 118 extending proximally from theconnection portion 114 to anothersection 120 that extends toproximal end 110. In the illustrated embodiment, thesection 120 is rounded toproximal end 110. In other embodiments, thesection 120 has a tapered, arcuate, and/or other changing profile as it extends proximally toproximal end 110. In that regard, in some instances the outer profile and/or diameter of thesection 120 reduces as it extends proximally toproximal end 110 such that the reduced profile and/or diameter of the proximal end facilitates easier introduction of one or more other instruments over the intravascular device. In other embodiments, thesection 120 has a constant profile as it extends proximally toproximal end 120. - As shown, the
connection portion 114 has a diameter 122 (or other similar measurement for outer cross-section profiles for non-circular cross-sectional embodiments) whilesection 118 has a diameter 124 (again, or other similar measurement for outer cross-section profiles for non-circular cross-sectional embodiments). Thediameter 124 ofsection 118 is different than the diameter 122 ofconnection portion 114. In that regard, the different sizes of thediameters 122, 124 create a structure that is configured to facilitate alignment and/or connection of theintravascular device 102 to a connector, such asconnector 104. In the illustrated embodiment, thediameter 124 ofsection 118 is less than the diameter 122 of theconnection portion 114. In some embodiments, thediameter 124 ofsection 118 is between about 40% and about 80% of diameter 122, with some particular embodiments being about 42%, 64%, and/or other percentage of diameter 122. In that regard, in some embodiments the diameter 122 ofconnection portion 114 is between about 0.0178 mm and about 3.0 mm, with some particular embodiments being 0.3556 mm (0.014″) and 0.4572 mm (0.018″). Accordingly, in some embodiments thediameter 124 ofsection 118 is between about 0.007 mm and about 2.4 mm, with some particular embodiments being 0.15 mm, 0.19 mm, 0.23 mm, and 0.29 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, thesection 120 has a diameter that is approximately equal to diameter 122 and, therefore, greater thandiameter 124. However, in other embodiments,section 120 has a diameter that is greater than diameter 122, less than diameter 122, greater thandiameter 124, equal todiameter 124, and/or less thandiameter 124. In some embodiments,section 118 is a section of a core wire extending through theconnection portion 114. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thesection 118 extends proximally from connection portion 114 adistance 126, whilesection 120 extends proximally fromsection 118 to proximal end 110 adistance 128. Together, distances 126 and 128 equal thedistance 116 that theconnection portion 114 is spaced from theproximal end 110 of theintravascular device 102. In some instances, thedistance 126 of is between about 0.508 mm (0.020″) and about 2.54 mm (0.10″), with some particular embodiments being 0.762 mm (0.030″), 1.016 mm (0.040″), and 1.524 mm (0.060″). Further, while the transition betweenconnection portion 114 andsection 118 and the transition betweensection 118 andsection 120 are shown as being stepped in the illustrated embodiments, in other embodiments the transitions are tapered and/or otherwise make a gradual change in outer diameter along the length of the intravascular device. In some embodiments, use of tapered and/or gradual transitions results in the proximal portion of theintravascular device 102 not having any sharp edges. In some implementations, the use of tapered and/or gradual transitions for one or both of the transitions betweensection 118 and either theconnection portion 114 orsection 120 makes cleaning the proximal portion of the device (e.g., to remove any liquids or other unwanted materials on the surface of the proximal portion of the intravascular device) easier. - The
connection portion 114 is configured to facilitate communication between theintravascular device 102 and another device. More specifically, in some embodiments theconnection portion 114 is configured to facilitate communication of data obtained by thecomponent 112 to another device, such as a computing device or processor. Accordingly, in some embodiments theconnection portion 114 is an electrical connector. In such instances, theconnection portion 114 is configured to provide an electrical connection to one or more electrical conductors that extend along the length of the flexibleelongate member 102 and are electrically coupled to thecomponent 112. In some instances, theconnection portion 114 includes one or more electrical connectors as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/665,697, titled “INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS,” filed Jun. 28, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, theconnection portion 114 includes an optical connector. In such instances, theconnection portion 114 provides an optical connection to one or more optical communication pathways (e.g., fiber optic cable) that extend along the length of the flexibleelongate member 106 and are optically coupled to thecomponent 112. Further, in some embodiments theconnection portion 114 provides both electrical and optical connections to both electrical conductor(s) and optical communication pathway(s) coupled to thecomponent 112. In that regard, it should again be noted thatcomponent 112 is comprised of a plurality of elements in some instances. In some instances, theconnection portion 114 is configured to provide a physical connection to another device, either directly or indirectly. In other instances, theconnection portion 114 is configured to facilitate wireless communication between theintravascular device 102 and another device. Generally, any current or future developed wireless protocol(s) may be utilized. In yet other instances, theconnection portion 114 facilitates both physical and wireless connection to another device. - As noted above, in some instances the
connection portion 114 provides a connection between thecomponent 112 of theintravascular device elongate member 106 between theconnection portion 114 and thecomponent 112 to facilitate communication between theconnection portion 114 and thecomponent 112. Generally, any number of electrical conductors, optical pathways, and/or combinations thereof can extend along the length of the flexibleelongate member 106 between theconnection portion 114 and thecomponent 112. In some instances, between one and ten electrical conductors and/or optical pathways extend along the length of the flexibleelongate member 106 between theconnection portion 114 and thecomponent 112. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, the embodiments of the present disclosure described below include three electrical conductors and, therefore, theconnection portion 114 is described as having three separate electrical connections corresponding to the three electrical conductors. - For example, as shown in
FIG. 3 , in some instances theconnection portion 114 includesconductive portions elongate member 106 by insulatingportions conductive portions elongate member 106 is determined by the desired functionality of thecomponent 112 and the corresponding elements that definecomponent 112 to provide such functionality. As a result, the number and type of connections provided byconnection portion 114 are likewise determined by the desired functionality of thecomponent 112, the corresponding elements that definecomponent 112 to provide such functionality, and the communication needs for such elements. Further still, in some instances, one or more of the insulatingportions FIG. 4 , insulatingportion 144 has been omitted. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5-24 , shown therein are additional details of theconnector 104. In that regard,FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of the connector;FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective rear view of the connector with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector;FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector;FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top view of the connector with portions of the connector removed to illustrate inner components of the connector;FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector;FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the connector with the inner components of the connector illustrated;FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic rear view of the connector;FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic front view of the connector;FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector;FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic side view of a lower portion of the connector;FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side view of the connector similar to that ofFIG. 13 , but from the opposite side of the connector;FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic side view of the lower portion of the connector showing the intravascular device positioned proximate to the lower portion of the connector;FIG. 17 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of a part of the lower portion of the connector;FIG. 18 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of an alignment feature of the part of the lower portion of the connector shown inFIG. 17 ;FIG. 19 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of the part of the lower portion of the connector with an intravascular device positioned within the lower portion;FIG. 20 is a close up diagrammatic side perspective view of the alignment feature of the part of the lower portion with an intravascular device positioned within the lower portion;FIG. 21 is a side view of the connector in an open position;FIG. 22 is a top view of the connector in the open position; andFIG. 23 is a side view of the connector in a closed position; andFIG. 24 is a top view of the connector in a closed position. - In some instances, the connectors of the present application incorporate one or more features of the connectors described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/665,706, titled “SIDE-LOADING CONNECTORS FOR USE WITH INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” filed Jun. 28, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In that regard,
connector 104 is configured to interface with theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102 to facilitate communication between theintravascular device 102 and a separate component, such as a processing system. In particular, theconnector 104 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of theintravascular device 102 that are electrically coupled to theconnection portion 114 and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , theconnector 104 includes anupper component 202 and alower component 204. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper component 202 is movable with respect to thelower component 204. In particular, the upper andlower components connector 104 and subsequent engagement of the connector with the received intravascular device that results in one or more electrical connections between the intravascular device and the connector. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper component 202 includes anupper surface 206 with agripping feature 208. In that regard, thegripping feature 208 is generally representative of any type of structure (e.g., projection(s), recess(es), combinations thereof, etc.), texture (e.g., roughened, knurled, patterned, combinations thereof, etc.) and/or combinations thereof configured to provide an interface to assist a user in translating theupper component 202 relative to thelower component 204. In the illustrated embodiment, thegripping feature 208 is a concave surface sized and shaped for interfacing with a user's thumb, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 13 for example. In that regard, thegripping feature 208 extends across a width of theupper component 202 in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of theupper component 202, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7 for example. - As discussed below, the
upper component 202 is configured to translate with respect to thelower component 204 along (or parallel to) the longitudinal axis of the upper component between open and closed positions such that theconnector 104 is configured to receive the connection portion of an intravascular device, such asconnection portion 114 ofintravascular device 102, in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the intravascular device. In that regard, thegripping feature 208 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intravascular device when the intravascular device is received within and engaged with theconnector 104. In some embodiments, thelower component 204 includes one or more gripping features similar togripping feature 208 ofupper component 202. In that regard, thelower component 204 may have the same, fewer, or more gripping features than theupper component 202, in the same or a different arrangement, and/or with the same or different structural profiles. In the illustrated embodiment, alower surface 210 of thelower component 204 includes agripping feature 212. In the illustrated embodiment, thegripping feature 212 is a concave surface sized and shaped for interfacing with a user's finger (such as the user's index/pointer finger), as shown inFIG. 13 for example. In that regard, thegripping feature 212 extends across a width of thelower component 204 in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of thelower component 204, such that thegripping feature 212 extends parallel togripping feature 208 of theupper component 202. To that end, the arrangement of the grippingfeatures connector 104 using one hand. In that regard, a user can advance and retract theupper component 202 relative to thelower component 204 with the user's thumb while maintaining the position of thelower component 204 relative to the user's finger to move theconnector 104 between open and closed positions. - To guide the movement of the
upper component 202 with respect to thelower component 204, in some embodiments the upper and/orlower component upper component lower components upper component 202 is translated relative to thelower component 204. In some instances, the opposing ends of theopenings 212 serve as stops to limit travel of theupper component 202 relative to thelower component 204. In that regard, the projection(s) will contact a first end of the opening when theupper component 202 is in the fully opened position and will contact a second end of the opening opposite the first end when the upper component is in the fully closed position. In some embodiments, theconnector 104 includes a spring detent to lightly lock the mechanism in the closed position. In that regard, the spring detent biases theupper component 202 of theconnector 104 toward the closed position through at least part of the sliding motion between the upper and lower components. - As shown in
FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 22, and 23 , theupper component 202 includeselectrical contacts electrical contacts conductive portions connection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102. For example, in the illustrated embodimentelectrical contact 214 is configured to be electrically coupled toconductive portion 132,electrical contacts conductive portion 134, andelectrical contacts conductive portion 136. It is understood, however, that any arrangement of electrical connection between theconnector 104 and an intravascular device may be utilized. In that regard, theconnector 104 may include any number of electrical contacts (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more electrical contacts), may include a single contact for each of one or more conductive portions of the intravascular device, may include multiple contacts for each of one or more conductive portions of the intravascular device, and/or combinations thereof. Further, in the illustrated embodiment theelectrical contacts electrical contacts connector 104 and the corresponding conductive portion of the intravascular device. - Further, as discussed below with respect to
FIGS. 22 and 23 , the open-comb electrical contacts are particularly well-suited to facilitate proper electrical connection between theconnector 104 and an intravascular device positioned within thelower component 204 when theupper component 202 is translated relative to thelower component 204 from the open position towards the closed position. Further still, the open-comb configuration allows for the intravascular device to be rotated with respect to the connector while maintaining a proper connection. Thus, the open-comb configuration allows a user (e.g., surgeon) to keep theconnector 104 connected to the intravascular device while the intravascular device is moved or advanced through the vasculature with little resistance to rotational movement of the intravascular device. In other words, the intravascular device can be moved through the vasculature, undergoing various twists and turns, without theconnector 104 needing to move with the rotations of the intravascular device. Also, the open-comb configuration helps ensure good electrical contact due to the multiple fingers for each of the contacts. In addition, the open end of the open-comb configuration provides a good guide for ensuring that the intravascular device is correctly positioned when the upper component is closed onto the intravascular. While various advantages of the open-comb configuration have been described, it is understood that any appropriately sized electrical contacts can be utilized, including a single contact or a plurality of contacts. - As noted above, the
connector 104 is configured to interface with a connection portion of an intravascular device to facilitate communication between the intravascular device and a separate component. In particular, theconnector 104 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of the intravascular device (that are electrically coupled to the connection portion) and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components. To that end, theconnector 104 includes acommunication cable 224 that is configured to carry signals between theconnector 104 and the separate component. In particular, thecable 224 is configured to carry electrical signals and includes one or more electrical conductors extending along its length to facilitate such electrical communication. However, the type of communication cable utilized is dependent on the type of electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components that are incorporated into the intravascular device. In that regard, the communication cable may include one or more of an electrical conductor, an optical fiber, and/or combinations thereof In some instances, the cable is configured to be plugged into an interface of a processing system. In that regard, the interface is a patient interface module (PIM) in some instances. - As best shown in
FIGS. 6 and 10 , thecable 224 has a set ofconductors 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the set ofconductors 226 consists of five conductors such that each of the conductors is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of theelectrical contacts electrical conductors 226 of the cable are soldered to theelectrical contacts conductors 226 of thecable 224 to theelectrical contacts conductors 226 of thecable 224 are coupled to theelectrical contacts - As best seen in
FIG. 11 , a back portion of theupper component 202 includes anopening 228 extending therethrough to facilitate passage of thecable 224 therethrough. In particular, theopening 228 is configured to allow thecable 224 to extend through theupper component 202 from the coupling of theelectrical conductors 226 of the cable to theelectrical contacts opening 228 is generally aligned with a larger opening 230 (See, e.g.,FIG. 6 ) of thelower component 204. In that regard, thecable 224 extends throughopening 230 in some embodiments. The arrangement of theopenings upper component 202 to translate with respect to thelower component 204 without damaging the electrical couplings between theelectrical conductors 226 of thecable 224 and theelectrical contacts electrical contacts upper component 202, in other embodiments, the electrical contacts are fixedly secured to thelower component 204 and the lower component includes necessary recesses, openings, and/or passages to facilitate connection of the communication cable to the contacts and passing of the cable out of the connector. - As best shown in
FIGS. 14, 16, 17, and 19 , thelower component 204 includes arecess 232 that is sized and shaped to receive an intravascular device. In particular, therecess 232 is sized and shaped to receive a connection portion of the intravascular device. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of therecess 232 tapers from wider to narrower as the recess extends into thelower component 204. In that regard, therecess 232 includes asurface 234 and an opposingsurface 236 that generally define therecess 232. Therecess 232 is configured to maintain the connection portion of the intravascular device in position within theconnector 104. In particular, thesurface 236 is configured to maintain the intravascular device within therecess 232 as theupper component 202 is advanced relative to thelower component 204 and into engagement with the intravascular device. Accordingly, in some embodiments thesurface 236 extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower component to prevent the intravascular device from sliding upsurface 236 and out of therecess 232 as the electrical contacts of theupper component 202 are advanced into electrical engagement with the intravascular device. In some particular embodiments, thesurface 236 extends at an angle between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of thelower component 204. In other embodiments, thesurface 236 extends at an angle outside of this range (either smaller or larger). In the illustrated embodiment, thesurface 236 extends at an angle of about 85 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component, while thesurface 234 extends at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component (See, e.g.,FIGS. 14 and 16 ). - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the
recess 232 has discontinuities as it extends across the width of the lower component. In particular, as shown inFIGS. 17 and 19 , thelower component 204 includes a plurality ofsupports recess 232. In that regard, in the illustrated embodiment each of thesupports surfaces supports component 204, whilesupports supports supports surfaces supports recess 232 that is sized and shaped to receive the intravascular device. It is understood that, in other embodiments, the arrangement of therecess 232 as defined byouter portions supports - To help ensure that the connection portion of the intravascular device is properly aligned with the electrical contacts of the
connector 104, the upper and/or lower component(s) 202, 204 may include one or more visual markers (active and/or passive) and/or be at least partially formed of a clear or translucent material. In that regard, one or more visual markers as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0005573, titled “SIDE-LOADING CONNECTORS FOR USE WITH INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS” and filed on the same day as the present application, are utilized in some instances. - Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the
lower component 204 includesstructure 250 configured to facilitate proper alignment of theintravascular device 102 with theconnector 104. In that regard, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19 , for example, thestructure 250 defines a recess or opening 252 that is generally aligned with recess oropening 232 extending across thelower component 204. In that regard, opposingouter portions support 248 taper intoside surfaces 258 and 260 that definerecess 252.Surfaces 258 and 260 are bounded bybottom surface 262. In the illustrated embodiment, thebottom surface 262 is concave. In some instances, the curvature of the bottom surface is sized and shaped to receivesection 118 of theintravascular device 102. As shown, surfaces 258 and 260 extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thelower component 204 in the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, one or both of thesurfaces 258, 260 extend at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of thelower component 204. - As shown in
FIG. 19 , therecess 252 has a width 264 between thesurfaces 258 and 260. As shown inFIGS. 15 and 18 , for example, the width 264 ofrecess 252 is less than the width of therecess 232. In that regard, in some embodiments the width 264 ofrecess 252 is sized such that thesection 118 of theintravascular device 102 can be received within therecess 252, butconnection portion 114 andsection 120 cannot be received within therecess 252. Accordingly, in some instances the width 264 ofrecess 252 is between about 0.0254 mm (0.001″) and about 0.254 mm (0.01″) greater than thediameter 124 ofsection 118, with some particular embodiments between about 0.0254 mm (0.001″) and about 0.0508 mm (0.002″) greater than thediameter 124 ofsection 118. The inability of theconnection portion 114 andsection 120 to be received withinrecess 252 can be utilized to align theintravascular device 102 with theconnector 104. In that regard, thestructure 250 also includes asurface 266 positioned adjacent therecess 252. Thesurface 266 is recessed into anouter surface 267 of thelower component 204. In that regard,cutout surface 268 extends betweensurface 266 and theouter surface 267. In some instances, thecutout 268 is sized and shaped such that the resultingsurface 266 is configured to engage with a distal portion ofsection 120 of theintravascular device 102. - For example, in some implementations the
structure 250 is utilized to align theintravascular device 102 with theconnector 104 as follows. The user positions theintravascular device 102 within thelower component 204 such thatsection 118 is received withinrecess 252, theconnection portion 114 is positioned at least partially withinrecess 232, andsection 120 is positioned outside of the lower component adjacentouter surface 267 and recessedsurface 266. While maintainingsection 118 within therecess 232, theintravascular device 102 is advanced or translated such that theconnection portion 114 is moved away fromstructure 250 while a distal surface ofsection 120 is brought into contact withsurface 266, as shown inFIGS. 20 and 21 . The spacing of thesupports lower component 204 and the corresponding spacing defined for the electrical contacts of theconnection portion 114 to be engaged by the electrical contacts of theconnector 104 are configured to be properly aligned with theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102 when the distal portion of thesection 120 is in contact with an outer surface of theconnector 104, such assurface 266 orsurface 267. In that regard, it is understood that in some embodiments thelower component 204 does not include a recessedsurface 266. In such embodiments,section 120 contacts theouter surface 267 to facilitate proper alignment of theintravascular device 102 relative to theconnector 104. The simplicity of loading arrangement allows a user to place the proximal end of the intravascular device withsection 118 past theconnector feature 250. With the intravascular device angled slightly so that the proximal portion of the intravascular device is in contact with the opening of theslot section 118 will automatically drop into the slot. The intravascular device can then be pulled with slight tension and laid into therecess 232. - Alignment of the
intravascular device 102 with respect to theconnector 104 also facilitates use of an optional feature of theconnector 104. In that regard, in some embodiments theconnector 104 includes one or more wiping elements. For example, as shown inFIGS. 6, 8, 10, 13, and 22 , theconnector 104 includes wipingelement elements intravascular device 102 that can cause bridging between adjacent conductors. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the wipingelements upper component 202 is translated relative to thelower component 204 to engage a properly alignedintravascular device 102, wipingelement 270 will remove liquid betweenconductive portions element 272 will remove liquid betweenconductive portions elements portions FIGS. 13 and 22 , the wipingelements intravascular device 102 passes between the two pieces when theupper component 202 is moved to engage the intravascular device as discussed below with respect toFIGS. 22 and 23 . Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the upper and lower pieces has a generally semi-cylindrical profile. However, it is understood that any structural arrangement of wiping element may be utilized, including a single element, multiple elements, geometrical, and/or non-geometrical profiles. Further, it is understood that the wiping elements can be formed of any suitable material, including without limitation sponge, polyurethane, silicone, polyethylene, EPDM, and/or vinyl. - Referring more specifically to
FIGS. 22 and 23 , shown therein is a transition of theconnector 104 from the open positioned to the closed position. In that regard, theconnector 104 is shown in the open position inFIG. 22 and the closed position inFIG. 23 . As shown inFIG. 22 , theconnector 104 is configured to receive theintravascular device 102 in a side-loading fashion. More specifically, therecesses lower component 204 are revealed when theupper component 202 is retracted to the open position such that theintravascular device 102 can be seated within the recesses by moving theintravascular device 102 in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis. To load the intravascular device within theconnector 104, theconnector 104 may be moved relative to theintravascular device 102, theintravascular device 102 may be moved relative to theconnector 104, and/or combinations thereof In some instances, with theintravascular device 102 positioned within therecesses lower component 204, theintravascular device 102 is moved to engagesection 120 with recessedsurface 266 to properly align the intravascular device relative to the lower component while in the open position. In other instances, theintravascular device 102 is not moved to engagesection 120 with the recessedsurface 266 until after transitioning theupper component 202 to the closed position. - In that regard, with the
intravascular device 102 positioned within thelower component 204, theupper component 202 is translated with respect to thelower component 204, as indicated byarrow 274 inFIG. 22 , to the closed position illustrated inFIG. 23 . In the closed position, theintravascular device 102 is held between the upper andlower components connector 104 is in electrical communication with theconnection portion 114 of the intravascular device. In particular, as theupper component 202 is advanced towards the closed position the split teeth of the open-combelectrical contacts elements connection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102. In some instances, the bottom of therecess 232 is positioned relative to theelectrical contacts electrical contacts intravascular device 102 seated in the recess such that theconductive portions connection portion 114 are aligned horizontally (e.g., by using visual markers, engagingsection 120 withsurface 266, or otherwise) and vertically with respect to the electrical contacts of theconnector 104, advancement of theupper component 202 to the closed position electrically couples theconnector 104 to theintravascular device 102. Also, in the transition from the open position to the closed position, the wipingelements conductive portions intravascular device 102 from theconnector 104, theupper component 202 is translated with respect to thelower component 204, as indicated byarrow 276 inFIG. 23 , back to the open position ofFIG. 22 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 24-30 , shown therein are aspects of aconnector 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard,connector 300 includes many features similar to those described above with respect toconnector 104. Accordingly, the following description will focus on features ofconnector 300 that are different than those ofconnector 104. However, it is understood that the various features of bothconnectors connector 104 may be implemented withinconnector 300 and vice versa. - As shown in
FIG. 25 , theconnector 300 includes anupper component 302 and alower component 304. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper component 302 is movable with respect to thelower component 304. In particular, the upper andlower components 302 and304 are slidable with respect to one another to facilitate insertion of an intravascular device into theconnector 300 and subsequent engagement of the connector with the received intravascular device that results in one or more electrical connections between the intravascular device and the connector. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper component 302 includes anupper surface 306 with agripping feature 308. In that regard, thegripping feature 308 is generally representative of any type of structure (e.g., projection(s), recess(es), combinations thereof, etc.), texture (e.g., roughened, knurled, patterned, combinations thereof, etc.) and/or combinations thereof configured to provide an interface to assist a user in translating theupper component 302 relative to thelower component 304. In the illustrated embodiment, thegripping feature 308 is a raised surface portion. In some embodiments, thelower component 304 includes one or more gripping features similar togripping feature 308 ofupper component 302. In that regard, thelower component 304 may have the same, fewer, or more gripping features than theupper component 302, in the same or a different arrangement, and/or with the same or different structural profiles. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower surface 310 of thelower component 304 includes a plurality of projections orridges 312 as gripping features. - The
upper component 302 includeselectrical contacts electrical contacts conductive portions connection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102. For example, in the illustrated embodimentelectrical contact 314 is configured to be electrically coupled toconductive portion 132,electrical contacts conductive portion 134, andelectrical contacts conductive portion 136. It is understood, however, that any arrangement of electrical connection between theconnector 300 and an intravascular device may be utilized. In that regard, theconnector 300 may include any number of electrical contacts (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more electrical contacts), may include a single contact for each of one or more conductive portions of the intravascular device, may include multiple contacts for each of one or more conductive portions of the intravascular device, and/or combinations thereof. Further, in the illustrated embodiment theelectrical contacts electrical contacts connector 300 and the corresponding conductive portion of the intravascular device. - Further, the open-comb electrical contacts are particularly well-suited to facilitate proper electrical connection between the
connector 300 and an intravascular device positioned within thelower component 304 when theupper component 302 is translated relative to thelower component 304 from the open position towards the closed position. Further still, the open-comb configuration allows for the intravascular device to be rotated with respect to the connector while maintaining a proper connection. Thus, the open-comb configuration allows a user (e.g., surgeon) to keep theconnector 300 connected to the intravascular device while the intravascular device is moved or advanced through the vasculature with little resistance to rotational movement of the intravascular device. In other words, the intravascular device can be moved through the vasculature, undergoing various twists and turns, without theconnector 300 needing to move with the rotations of the intravascular device. Also, the open-comb configuration helps ensure good electrical contact due to the multiple fingers for each of the contacts. In addition, the open end of the open-comb configuration provides a good guide for ensuring that the intravascular device is correctly positioned when the upper component is closed onto the intravascular. While various advantages of the open-comb configuration have been described, it is understood that any appropriately sized electrical contacts can be utilized, including a single contact or a plurality of contacts. - As noted above, the
connector 300 is configured to interface with a connection portion of an intravascular device to facilitate communication between the intravascular device and a separate component. In particular, theconnector 300 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of the intravascular device (that are electrically coupled to the connection portion) and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components. To that end, theconnector 300 includes acommunication cable 324 that is configured to carry signals between theconnector 300 and the separate component. In particular, thecable 324 is configured to carry electrical signals and includes one or more electrical conductors extending along its length to facilitate such electrical communication. However, the type of communication cable utilized is dependent on the type of electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components that are incorporated into the intravascular device. In that regard, the communication cable may include one or more of an electrical conductor, an optical fiber, and/or combinations thereof In some instances, the cable is configured to be plugged into an interface of a processing system. In that regard, the interface is a patient interface module (PIM) in some instances. - As best shown in
FIG. 29 , thelower component 304 includes arecess 332 that is sized and shaped to receive an intravascular device. In particular, therecess 332 is sized and shaped to receive a connection portion of the intravascular device. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of therecess 332 tapers from wider to narrower as the recess extends into thelower component 304. In that regard, therecess 332 includes asurface 334 and an opposingsurface 336 that generally define therecess 332. Therecess 332 is configured to maintain the connection portion of the intravascular device in position within theconnector 300. In particular, thesurface 336 is configured to maintain the intravascular device within therecess 332 as theupper component 302 is advanced relative to thelower component 304 and into engagement with the intravascular device. Accordingly, in some embodiments thesurface 336 extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lower component to prevent the intravascular device from sliding upsurface 336 and out of therecess 332 as the electrical contacts of theupper component 302 are advanced into electrical engagement with the intravascular device. In some particular embodiments, thesurface 336 extends at an angle between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of thelower component 304. In other embodiments, thesurface 336 extends at an angle outside of this range (either smaller or larger). As shown inFIG. 29 , in the illustrated embodiment, a lower portion of thesurface 336 extends at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component, an upper portion of thesurface 336 extends at an angle of about 70 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component, and thesurface 334 extends at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower component. - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the
recess 332 has discontinuities as it extends across the width of the lower component. In particular, as shown inFIG. 29 , thelower component 304 includes a plurality ofsupports recess 332. In that regard, in the illustrated embodiment each of thesupports surfaces supports component 304, whilesupports supports supports surfaces supports recess 332 that is sized and shaped to receive the intravascular device. It is understood that, in other embodiments, the arrangement of therecess 332 as defined byouter portions supports - To help ensure that the connection portion of the intravascular device is properly aligned with the electrical contacts of the
connector 300, the upper and/or lower component(s) 302, 304 may include one or more visual markers (active and/or passive) and/or be at least partially formed of a clear or translucent material. In that regard, one or more visual markers as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0005573, titled “SIDE-LOADING CONNECTORS FOR USE WITH INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS” and filed on the same day as the present application, are utilized in some instances. - Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the
lower component 304 includesstructure 350 configured to facilitate proper alignment of theintravascular device 102 with theconnector 300. In that regard, as shown inFIGS. 29 and 30 , thestructure 350 defines a recess or opening 352 that is generally aligned with recess oropening 332 extending across thelower component 304. In that regard, opposingouter portions structure 350 taper intoside surfaces recess 352.Surfaces bottom surface 362. In the illustrated embodiment, thebottom surface 362 is concave. In some instances, the curvature of thebottom surface 362 is sized and shaped to receivesection 118 of theintravascular device 102. As shown, surfaces 358 and 360 extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thelower component 304 in the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, one or both of thesurfaces lower component 304. - The
recess 352 has a width between thesurfaces recess 232. In that regard, in some embodiments the width ofrecess 352 is sized such that thesection 118 of theintravascular device 102 can be received within therecess 352, butconnection portion 114 andsection 120 cannot be received within therecess 352. Accordingly, in some instances the width ofrecess 352 is between about 0.0254 mm (0.001″) and about 0.254 mm (0.01″) greater than thediameter 124 ofsection 118, with some particular embodiments between about 0.0254 mm (0.001″) and about 0.0508 mm (0.002″) greater than thediameter 124 ofsection 118. The inability of theconnection portion 114 andsection 120 to be received withinrecess 352 can be utilized to align theintravascular device 102 with theconnector 300. For example, in some implementations thestructure 350 is utilized to align theintravascular device 102 with theconnector 104 as follows. The user positions theintravascular device 102 within thelower component 304 such thatsection 118 is received withinrecess 352, theconnection portion 114 is positioned at least partially withinrecess 332, andsection 120 is positioned outside of thelower component structure 350. While maintainingsection 118 within therecess 352, theintravascular device 102 is advanced or translated such that theconnection portion 114 is moved away fromstructure 350 while a distal surface ofsection 120 is brought into contact with an outer surface ofstructure 350. The simplicity of loading arrangement allows a user to place the proximal end of the intravascular device withsection 118 past theconnector feature 350. With the intravascular device angled slightly so that the proximal portion of the intravascular device is in contact with the opening of theslot section 118 will automatically drop into the slot. The intravascular device can then be pulled with slight tension and laid into therecess 332. - Referring now to
FIGS. 31 and 32 , shown therein is aconnector 170 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard,connector 170 includes some features similar toconnector 104 described above. However,connector 170 includes an active element for indicating a connection state of theconnector 170.Connector 170 is configured to interface with theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102 to facilitate communication between theintravascular device 102 and a separate component, such as a processing system. In particular, theconnector 170 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of theintravascular device 102 that are electrically coupled to theconnection portion 114 and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components. As shown inFIG. 31 , theconnector 170 includes anupper connection piece 180 and alower connection piece 182. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper connection piece 180 is movable with respect to thelower connection piece 182 about apivot pin 184. In some instances, thepivot pin 184 is fixedly secured to thelower connection piece 182. Further, thepivot pin 184 extends through a portion of theupper connection piece 180 and/or engages a structural feature of the upper connection piece (e.g., recess(es), clamp(s), snap-fit element(s), projection(s), etc.) to ensure that theupper connection piece 180 pivots about thepivot pin 184. - In some embodiments, the
upper connection piece 180 is biased towards either an open position (for receiving theconnection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102) or closed position (for electrically coupling to theconnection portion 114 of the intravascular device 102) by a bias element. For example, in some instances the bias element is configured to bias theconnection piece 180 towards a closed position such that a user can release theconnector 170 after insertion of the intravascular device and the bias element will maintain theconnector 170 in electrical contact with theconnection portion 114 of the intravascular device. In some instances, the bias element is a spring. In some particular instances, at least a portion of the spring is wrapped around thepivot pin 184. In that regard, the pivoting motion of theupper connection piece 180 relative to thelower connection piece 182, and the structural arrangements to facilitate such motion, operates in a manner to a clothes pin or a chip clip. - As noted above, the
connector 170 is configured to interface with theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102 to facilitate communication between theintravascular device 102 and a separate component, and, in particular, theconnector 104 is configured to facilitate communication between one or more electronic components of the intravascular device 102 (that are electrically coupled to the connection portion 114) and a separate component, such as a processing system associated with the one or more electronic components. To that end, theconnector 170 includes acommunication cable 186 extending therefrom. Thecommunication cable 186 is configured to carry signals between theconnector 170 and the separate component. In the illustrated embodiment, thecable 186 is configured to carry electrical signals and includes one or more electrical conductors extending along its length to facilitate such electrical communication. However, the type of communication cable utilized is dependent on the type of electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components that are incorporated into theintravascular device 102. In that regard, thecommunication cable 186 may include one or more of an electrical conductor, an optical fiber, and/or combinations thereof In some instances, thecable 186 is configured to be plugged into an interface of a processing system. In that regard, the interface is a patient interface module (PIM) in some instances. - As shown in
FIG. 32 , for example, thecable 186 extends through an opening on the back side of thelower connection piece 182. Theupper connection piece 180 includes a projection orprotrusion 188 in its upper surface that defines a corresponding recess or opening thereunder for receiving at least a portion of thecable 186. In that regard, in some instances one or more electrical conductors of thecable 186 are positioned within the recess or opening defined by theprotrusion 188. Further, the one or more electrical conductors of thecable 186 are electrically coupled to one or more electrical contacts associated with theconnector 170. In that regard, in some embodiments the electrical contacts are fixedly secured to theupper connection piece 180. In some such instances, the one or more electrical conductors of thecable 186 are soldered to the electrical contacts of the upper connection piece. However, in other embodiments, the electrical contacts are fixedly secured to thelower connection piece 182. In some instances, gold plated copper alloy contacts are utilized. However, it is understood that any suitable electrical contacts can be utilized by theconnector 170. - In some instances, the
cable 186 is replaced with a wireless connection (e.g., a wireless antenna). In that regard, it is understood that various communication pathways between theconnector 170 and another component of the intravascular system may be utilized, including physical connections (including electrical, optical, and/or fluid connections), wireless connections, and/or combinations thereof. - As shown in
FIGS. 31 and 32 , thelower connection piece 182 includes a recess 190 that is sized and shaped to receive theintravascular device 102 therein. In particular, the recess 190 is sized and shaped to receive theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102. In that regard, the width of the recess 190 is typically sized to be slightly larger than the diameter of theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102. The recess 190 helps to maintain theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102 in position within theconnector 170. To help ensure that theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102 is properly aligned with the electrical contacts of theconnector 170, theupper connection piece 180 includesvisual markers connection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102 should be aligned. For example, similar to the visual markers 152, 154, and 156 ofconnector 104 shown in FIG. 11 of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/665,706, thevisual markers conductive portions connection portion 114 to facilitate connection of theconnector 170 to theintravascular device 102. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
visual markers intravascular device 102. Further, in the illustrated embodiment theconnector 170 includes anactive element 198 to provide an indication of whether a proper connection between theconnector 170 and theconnection portion 114 of theintravascular device 102 has been achieved. The active element may provide a visual signal, an audible signal, and/or combinations thereof representing a connection between theconnector 170 and theconnection portion 114. In the illustrated embodiment,active element 198 is a light emitting diode (LED) that illuminates when a proper connection is achieved between theconnector 170 and theconnection portion 114. For example, in some instances theactive element 198 is off when no connection or an improper connection and illuminates when a proper connection is made. In other instances, theactive element 198 illuminates a first color (e.g., red) when no connection or an improper connection is made and illuminates a second, different color (e.g., green) when a proper connection is made. In yet other instances, theactive element 198 illuminates a first color (e.g., red) when no connection or an improper connection is made, illuminates a second, different color (e.g., yellow) when a partial connection is made, and illuminates a third, different color (e.g., green) when a full proper connection is made. Theactive element 198 has been described as being applicable to the overall connection between theconnector 170 and theconnection portion 114. However, in other embodiments, a separate active element is provided for each connection between a conductor of theconnector 170 and a conductor of theconnection portion 114. - Persons skilled in the art will also recognize that the apparatus, systems, and methods described above can be modified in various ways. Accordingly, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to the particular exemplary embodiments described above. In that regard, although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change, and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.
Claims (17)
1. An intravascular system, comprising:
an intravascular device, comprising:
a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a vessel of a patient and comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion;
an electronic component disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; and
a connection portion at the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member, the connection portion comprising at least one electrical contact in communication with the electronic component, wherein the connection portion further comprises a first section comprising a first diameter and a second section comprising a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the second section comprises a core wire extending through the connection portion, wherein the connection portion is configured to interface with a connector.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
the connector, wherein the connector comprises a first connection piece and a second connection piece movable relative to one another such that the connector is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, the connector is configured to receive the connection portion of the intravascular device in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the connector comprises an alignment feature configured to engage at least one of the first or second sections of the connection portion to align the at least one electrical contact of the intravascular device with at least one electrical contact of the connector.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the alignment feature comprises an opening sized and shaped to receive the second section of the connection portion of the intravascular device.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein a width of the opening is greater than the second diameter but is less than the first diameter.
6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the width of the opening is between about 0.0254 mm and about 0.254 mm greater than the second diameter.
7. The system of claim 4 , wherein the opening comprises a concave bottom surface.
8. The system of claim 4 , wherein the connector comprises an outer surface, and wherein the alignment features further comprises a recessed surface and a cutout surface extending between the outer surface and the recessed surface.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the intravascular device further comprises a third section proximal to the second section, and wherein when the alignment feature of engages the second section of the connection portion of the intravascular device, the recessed surface is configured to engage the third section.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the third section has a third diameter equal to or greater than the first diameter.
11. The system of claim 3 , wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact of the intravascular device is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical contact of the connector.
13. The system of claim 3 , wherein at least one electrical contact of the connector comprises a split open comb electrical contact.
14. The system of claim 2 , wherein the connector further includes a bias element that urges the first and second connection pieces towards the closed position.
15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical contact of the intravascular device consists of a plurality of electrical connectors.
16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electronic component of the intravascular device is a pressure sensing component.
17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electronic component of the intravascular device is an intravascular imaging component.
18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the intravascular imaging component includes at least one of an ultrasound transducer and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging element.
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US15/933,254 US20180214035A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2018-03-22 | Side-loading connectors for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods |
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US15/250,549 US9554710B2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2016-08-29 | Side-loading connectors for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods |
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US15/933,254 US20180214035A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2018-03-22 | Side-loading connectors for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods |
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US15/937,829 Abandoned US20180214036A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2018-03-27 | Side-loading connectors for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods |
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US15/418,415 Active US9943235B2 (en) | 2012-06-28 | 2017-01-27 | Side-loading connectors for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods |
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JP5866371B2 (en) | 2010-11-09 | 2016-02-17 | オプセンス インコーポレイテッド | Guide wire with internal pressure sensor |
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WO2016198975A1 (en) * | 2015-06-12 | 2016-12-15 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Interconnects for intravascular ultrasound (ivus) devices |
JP6878404B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2021-05-26 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェKoninklijke Philips N.V. | Side-loading connectors with in-line cables for use in intravascular devices and related systems and methods |
US10637181B2 (en) | 2017-08-15 | 2020-04-28 | Masimo Corporation | Water resistant connector for noninvasive patient monitor |
JP7372907B2 (en) * | 2017-08-31 | 2023-11-01 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェ | Sensing guidewire with integrated proximal locking feature |
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US9554710B2 (en) | 2017-01-31 |
US20170135588A1 (en) | 2017-05-18 |
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EP2866873B1 (en) | 2020-05-27 |
US9943235B2 (en) | 2018-04-17 |
WO2014005000A1 (en) | 2014-01-03 |
EP2866873A1 (en) | 2015-05-06 |
JP6444863B2 (en) | 2018-12-26 |
CA2876500A1 (en) | 2014-01-03 |
JP2015524685A (en) | 2015-08-27 |
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