Wireless intraluminal device and system

Abstract

A wireless intraluminal device and an associated system for treating and diagnosing patients are provided. In one embodiment, the wireless intraluminal device includes a flexible elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion; a sensor assembly coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member; a cable coupled to the sensor assembly and extending along the flexible elongate member; and a wireless transceiver positioned within the flexible elongate member, wherein the wireless transceiver is in communication with the sensor assembly via the cable. A wireless communication component wirelessly transmits a sensor measurement collected by the sensor assembly to a sensor measurement processing system via a wireless link for physiological data generation at the sensor measurement processing system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an intravascular guidewire configured to be positioned within a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the intravascular guidewire comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion;   an intravascular sensor positioned at the distal portion and configured to obtain intravascular data;   a cable extending within the intravascular guidewire and coupled to the intravascular sensor;   a transceiver positioned within the intravascular guidewire and coupled to the cable such that the transceiver is in communication with the intravascular sensor via the cable;   an antenna coupled to the transceiver and configured to wirelessly transmit the intravascular data; and   an electrical interface positioned at the proximal portion and configured to receive power for the intravascular sensor and the transceiver,   wherein the transceiver and a portion of the antenna are longitudinally co-located along a length of the intravascular guidewire, and   wherein the transceiver is disposed between the intravascular sensor and the electrical interface.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna extends toward the distal portion of the intravascular guidewire. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna extends toward the proximal portion of the intravascular guidewire. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is coiled around a portion of the intravascular guidewire. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a connector configured to be coupled to and detached from the proximal portion of the intravascular guidewire.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the transceiver is in communication with the intravascular sensor via the cable without crossing the electrical interface. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the intravascular sensor comprises at least one of a pressure sensor or a flow sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical interface comprises:
 a first electrical contact positioned on an outer surface of the proximal portion; and   a second electrical contact positioned on the outer surface of the proximal portion.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 ,
 further comprising a connector,   wherein the proximal portion of the intravascular guidewire is configured to be received within the connector,   wherein the connector comprises a power source configured to be coupled to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the electrical interface, and   wherein the power source is configured to provide the power for the intravascular sensor and the transceiver.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical interface comprises:
 a first electrical contact coupled to a positive terminal of a power source; and   a second electrical contact coupled to a negative terminal of the power source.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the transceiver is positioned within the proximal portion of the intravascular guidewire. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the antenna extends from the transceiver and along an outer surface of the proximal portion of the intravascular guidewire. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the antenna extends along the outer surface of the proximal portion such that a portion of the antenna is exposed to an ambient environment. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the antenna extends from the transceiver and is spaced apart from an outer surface of the intravascular guidewire. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the antenna comprises a coating such that the antenna is protected from an ambient environment.