Sensor carrier, blood pump with a sensor carrier and guide wire with a sensor carrier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor carrier 10 designed for attachment to an elongated medical device. The sensor carrier comprises a sensor 12 with a sensor longitudinal axis SLA, a base element 14, 314 with a central longitudinal axis CLA, and a mounting section 16 for receiving the sensor 12, wherein the sensor 12 is designed for arrangement in the mounting section 16, the sensor longitudinal axis SLA being not parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base element 14. The present invention further relates to a blood pump or a guide wire with a sensor carrier.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor carrier configured to be attached to an elongated medical device, such as a blood pump or a guidewire. The present invention further relates to a blood pump with a sensor carrier and to a guidewire with a sensor carrier. The blood pump may be a catheter pump, in particular an intravascular blood pump, an intracardiac blood pump, or another type of cardiac assist device.

[0002] Such blood pumps of various types are known from the state of the art and are intended to support the function of a patient's heart, either in a short-term application in which an intravascular blood pump is inserted into the patient for a few days or weeks, or in a long-term application in which the intravascular blood pump is inserted into the patient for a few weeks or months. The blood pumps can, for example, be introduced into the patient's body using a catheter through the aorta or placed in the chest cavity. During planned operations, the intravascular blood pumps are often inserted into the patient's body along a guidewire. For example, guidewires and intravascular blood pumps are inserted into the patient's body under imaging to ensure correct positioning of the intravascular blood pump in the patient's left ventricle.X-rays are usually used for imaging.

[0003] However, imaging, and X-rays in particular, have certain disadvantages. X-rays are not always possible during planned surgeries to place the blood pump or guidewire. Furthermore, X-rays expose both the patient and medical staff to high levels of radiation. X-rays are often not possible in emergencies that require immediate insertion of an intravascular blood pump into the patient's body, such as in an emergency room or ambulance. Furthermore, in emergencies, intravascular blood pumps are inserted into the patient's body without a guidewire, such as via a femoral approach.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to find an alternative solution for the safe introduction of an elongated medical device, such as an intravascular blood pump or a guidewire, into a patient's body and to ensure the correct positioning of the elongated medical device in the patient's heart. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a first aspect, a sensor carrier is provided which is designed to be attached to an elongated medical device. The sensor carrier comprises a sensor with a sensor longitudinal axis, a base element with a central longitudinal axis, and a fastening section for receiving the sensor. The sensor is designed to be arranged in the fastening section, wherein the sensor longitudinal axis does not run parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the base element. Preferably, the sensor is an embedded electromagnetic sensor, which in particular has an elongated, preferably cylindrical shape.

[0006] The position of the sensor in the patient's body can be tracked using suitable means, e.g., a field generator and at least one reference sensor. In general, sensors whose X-direction is aligned parallel to the direction of movement enable the detection of movements with five degrees of freedom (5DOF), namely along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, as well as rotations around the Y-axis and the Z-axis. The direction of movement coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the base element. If the sensor's longitudinal axis is not parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the base element, a further movement, namely a rotation around the X-axis, can be detected. This means that the sensor's longitudinal axis is inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis of the base element. This creates a sensor with five degrees of freedom (5DOF), which also offers the possibility of position measurement.This is particularly advantageous when the sensor is used with an elongated medical device that also requires correct positioning around the X-axis. Furthermore, such elongated medical devices typically have limited space to add another five-degree-of-freedom sensor to achieve a six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) sensor.

[0007] Preferably, the sensor's longitudinal axis intersects the central longitudinal axis of the base element. This minimizes the need for spatial corrections, as the sensor is not radially displaced relative to the central longitudinal axis of the base element.

[0008] Preferably, the base element is made of or composed of a magnetically permeable material. The use of a magnetically permeable material prevents the shadowing of an electromagnetic field that induces the current in the sensor to track its position, e.g., by a field generator placed near the patient's body and forming a measurement volume. Preferably, the base element is made of a ceramic material or a plastic, in particular a polyaryletherketone such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). This enables high biocompatibility and facilitates the manufacture of the sensor carrier.

[0009] Preferably, the base element has an axial through-hole extending concentrically with the central longitudinal axis, wherein the axial through-hole preferably encompasses the attachment portion. Some elongated medical devices require an axial through-hole to allow the medical device to be guided, for example, along a guidewire. Therefore, the sensor can be easily incorporated into an existing structure.

[0010] Preferably, the sensor carrier is a teardrop of a blood pump, preferably an intravascular blood pump. Preferably, the sensor carrier further comprises an elastic extension with a pigtail having a tip. The sensor's longitudinal axis preferably points toward the tip of the pigtail when the pigtail is in the coiled state. This allows the tip of the pigtail to be marked, enabling correct positioning of the pigtail in the patient's vascular system. For example, a gently rounded section of the pigtail can be aligned to rest against the inner surface of the left ventricle.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic extension comprises an opening for receiving a guidewire. The guidewire is configured to elastically coil and uncoil the pigtail when the guidewire is moved relative to the pigtail or teardrop. Before an intravascular blood pump with a sensor carrier according to the invention and a pigtail is introduced into the blood vessel and further into the left ventricle, the pigtail must be uncoiled to pass through the introduction instrument and the aortic valve. Furthermore, the pigtail acts as a spacer that prevents the intravascular blood pump from suctioning onto the heart surface once it is in place.

[0012] Preferably, the opening of the elastic extension is radially spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the base element. This prevents interference with the guide wire by the sensor arranged in the attachment section of the base element.

[0013] Preferably, the sensor carrier further comprises a coupling element attached to the base element. The coupling element is designed such that it can be attached to a suction head arranged at a distal end of a cannula. The coupling element is preferably made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, titanium, or platinum. This makes it possible to securely attach the sensor carrier to the suction head of the cannula, since metallic material has high mechanical strength. Furthermore, certain metallic materials exhibit high biocompatibility, which is required for medical use.

[0014] Alternatively, the sensor carrier is designed to be attached to a guidewire for introducing a blood pump into a patient's body, preferably an intravascular blood pump. If the blood pump is to be placed during a planned surgical procedure, medical personnel can easily track the position of the guidewire without the need for imaging.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a blood pump is provided comprising a sensor carrier according to the first aspect (as described above), a cannula, and a suction head. The sensor carrier is connected to the suction head. The blood pump is preferably an intravascular blood pump, but may also be an intracardiac blood pump or another type of cardiac assist device.

[0016] According to a third aspect, a blood pump is provided that comprises a sensor carrier with a sensor, a cannula, and a suction head. The sensor carrier is connected to the suction head. The blood pump is preferably an intravascular blood pump, but can also be an intracardiac blood pump or another type of ventricular assist device.

[0017] Preferably, at least one cable or at least one line is connected to the sensor, and the cable is routed along and / or within the cannula. The current induced in the sensor can be transmitted via the at least one cable, for example, to a controller to indicate the position of the sensor to medical personnel. Preferably, two cables or lines are provided. Preferably, the two cables or lines are twisted. Twisting the cables or lines reduces signal noise, so no additional shielding is required.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one cable is guided helically along and / or within the cannula. This prevents the at least one cable from breaking during movement of the cannula, e.g., due to bending or twisting. This ensures that the position of the sensor can be reliably tracked.

[0019] Preferably, the cannula further comprises a coiled stabilization structure provided along and / or within the cannula, wherein the at least one cable is guided between the coiled stabilization structure. In other words, the at least one cable is guided analogously to the coiled stabilization structure and is further arranged between the turns of the stabilization structure. This effectively prevents damage to the at least one cable due to the movement of the cannula. Preferably, the coiled stabilization structure is made of Nitinol. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Reference is made to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure. However, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0021] In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic partial sectional view of the heart of a patient with an inserted intravascular blood pump; Fig. 2A is a schematic side view of a sensor carrier; Fig. 2B is a schematic rear view of the sensor carrier of Fig. 2A; Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of a sensor carrier in the form of a teardrop according to a first embodiment; Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of a sensor carrier in the form of a teardrop according to a second embodiment; Fig. 5 a schematic view of a cannula of a blood pump with a sensor without suction head and sensor carrier; and Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a guidewire with a sensor carrier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the figures, wherein like reference numerals designate similar or identical elements. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure that may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for showing one skilled in the art how to employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriate detailed structure.

[0023] To provide a comprehensive understanding of the systems, methods, and devices described herein, specific examples are described. Although various examples describe intravascular blood pumps, the improvements of the present technology can also be adapted and applied to other types of medical devices, such asElectrophysiological study and catheter ablation devices, angioplasty and stenting devices, angiographic catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, central venous catheters, midline catheters, peripheral catheters, inferior vena cava devices, central venous catheters, midline catheters, peripheral catheters, inferior vena cava filters, abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment devices, thrombectomy devices, TAVR delivery systems, cardiac therapy and ventricular assist devices, including balloon pumps, ventricular assist devices implanted through a surgical incision, and any other venous or arterial catheters and devices.

[0024] As is well known, intravascular blood pumps can be inserted into a patient either surgically or percutaneously to pump blood from one part of the heart or circulatory system to another. For example, if an intravascular blood pump is placed in the left ventricle, it can pump blood from the left ventricle into the aorta. If placed in the right ventricle, an intravascular blood pump can pump blood from the inferior vena cava into the pulmonary artery.

[0025] In this context, "proximal" and "distal" are viewed in relation to the medical staff or physician. Thus, "proximal" refers to something relatively close to the physician, while "distal" refers to something relatively far from the physician when the elongated medical device is inserted into the patient's body.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows the use of an elongated medical device. In this embodiment, the elongated medical device is an intravascular blood pump 100 for assisting, in this particular example, a left ventricle LV of a human heart H. The intravascular blood pump 100 comprises a catheter 46, a pump element 48, a cannula 36, ​​a suction head 34, a sensor carrier 10 in the form of a teardrop 20, and an elastic extension 22. The elastic extension 22 is shown in dashed lines here for reasons of clarity. The pump element 48 is arranged at a distal end of the catheter 46. The cannula 36 connects the pump element 48 to the suction head 34, and the sensor carrier 10 is attached to the suction head. The elastic extension 22 is attached to the sensor carrier 10 or to the teardrop 20, respectively, and will be described below with reference to Fig. 3 described in more detail.

[0027] How to Fig. 1, the blood pump 100 is partially arranged in the left ventricle (LV), with the cannula 36 extending through the aortic valve (AOV) into the left ventricle (LV). The pump element 48 is arranged in the aorta (AO) and, in a known manner, pumps blood from the suction head 34 and thus from the left ventricle (LV) into the aorta (AO).

[0028] The intravascular blood pump 100 can be introduced into the heart H with the aid of a sensor carrier 10 according to the invention, as will be described in more detail below. The intravascular blood pump 100 can be introduced, for example, through a femoral artery. However, other vascular accesses are also possible, such as access via the subclavian artery or another percutaneous access. The positioning of the intravascular blood pump 100 in Fig. 1 serves only as an example, although other placements are also possible, such as the positioning of the intravascular blood pump 100 in the right ventricle RV of the heart H.

[0029] The Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show the sensor carrier 10 in detail. The sensor carrier 10 consists of a base element 14 and a coupling element 32. In this embodiment, the sensor carrier 10 is a teardrop 20 of an intravascular blood pump. The base element 14 is made of a non-metallic material with high magnetic permeability, such as ceramic or plastic. In this particular embodiment, the base element 14 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which has high biocompatibility. The coupling element 32 is attached to a proximal end of the base element 14, e.g., by a press fit. Of course, other attachment techniques are also possible, e.g., by shrinking.

[0030] The coupling element 32 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel, titanium, or platinum, which exhibits high biocompatibility. The coupling element 32 comprises a plurality of coupling recesses 44 arranged on the outer surface of the coupling element 32. In the embodiment shown, four coupling recesses 44 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. The suction head 34 can be coupled to the sensor carrier 10 via the coupling recesses 44 in a known manner.

[0031] In addition, the sensor carrier 10 has a central longitudinal axis CLA that extends axially through the sensor carrier 10. Furthermore, an axial through-hole 18 is provided, which runs concentrically to the central longitudinal axis CLA and extends axially through the sensor carrier 10.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 in a sectional view. The base element 14 comprises a fastening section 16 which is designed to receive a sensor 12. A sensor 12 with a sensor longitudinal axis SLA is received in the fastening section 16. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the sensor 12 has a nearly cylindrical shape and, in this embodiment, is an embedded electromagnetic sensor. The mounting portion 16 is inclined with respect to the axial through-hole 18 and the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base element 14. Accordingly, the sensor 12 is not mounted parallel to the axial through-hole 18, but also obliquely to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base element 14. In particular, the sensor longitudinal axis SLA is not parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base element 14 and intersects with the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base element 14. This non-parallel orientation of the sensor 12 enables the detection of movements of the sensor carrier with 6DOF, namely movements along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, as well as rotations about the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis (see Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B).

[0033] In addition, the elastic extension 22 is attached to the distal end of the base element 14 opposite the coupling element 32. The elastic extension 22 comprises a pigtail 24 with a tip 26. The elastic extension 22 comprises an opening 28 for receiving a guide wire (not shown) which is designed such that it can elastically wind and unwind the pigtail 24. The opening 28 merges in a known manner into a channel 50 which extends inside the pigtail 24. In addition, the elastic extension 22 is made of a highly magnetically permeable material, in particular of a plastic such as polyurethane, nylon, polyether block amide (Pebax) or combinations thereof. Of course, the pigtail 24 can have a different shape than that shown in Fig. 3, e.g., a J-shape. Furthermore, the pigtail 24 can have a different stiffness from its proximal to its distal part, with a higher stiffness preferably present at the proximal part connected to the base element 14. Of course, other designs of the pigtail 24 are also possible, e.g., without an opening and / or without a channel and / or with a channel located off-center of the pigtail.

[0034] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the sensor 12 is tilted at a predefined angle so that the sensor's longitudinal axis SLA points toward the tip 26 of the pigtail 24 when the pigtail is rolled up. This allows the position of the pigtail 24 to be easily tracked when inserting the intravascular blood pump 100 into the patient's body, since the rounded portion of the pigtail can be correctly aligned with the surface of the blood vessel through which the blood pump is guided, e.g., the aorta.

[0035] At the proximal end of the sensor 12, a cable 38 is attached, which runs through the axial through-hole 18. The cable 38 continues inside the cannula 36 and is connected to a controller located outside the patient's body. The current induced by a magnetic field generator in the sensor 12 is transmitted via the cable 38 to track the sensor 12 in the patient's body. The specific routing of the cable 38 inside the cannula 36 is described below with reference to Fig. 5 described in more detail.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a sensor carrier 210 for use with an intravascular blood pump. The sensor carrier 210 according to the second embodiment differs from the sensor carrier 10 according to the first embodiment in the design of the base element 214. In particular, the fastening section 216 is not inclined with respect to the axial through-hole 18, but is arranged within the axial through-hole 18. Thus, the sensor 12 is mounted directly in the axial through-hole 18, and the sensor longitudinal axis SLA is concentric with the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base element 216. This, of course, only allows detection of the movement of the sensor carrier 210 with 5DOF, but depending on the application, it may not be necessary to detect rotation about the X-axis, e.g., if no pigtail is used.Of course, the distal end of the base element 214 and the sensor 12 projecting therefrom in the axial direction can be covered by a suitable cap element.

[0037] Fig. Figure 5 shows details of the cannula 36 and how the cable 38 is guided into and along the cannula 36. The cannula 36 is preferably made of a polyurethane material and has a tubular shape. Within the cannula 36, ​​along an inner circumferential surface 40 of the cannula 36, ​​a coiled stabilization structure 42 is provided. The coiled stabilization structure 42 is preferably made of nitinol and may have an additional layer covering the nitinol. The coiled stabilization structure 42 stabilizes the cannula 36 as it is advanced through the patient's blood vessels. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the coiled stabilization structure is spirally wound around the inner circumferential surface 40 of the cannula 36. The cable 38 attached to the sensor 12 is also guided along and within the cannula 36. In particular, the cable 38 is guided helically along the cannula 36 between adjacent turns of the coiled stabilization structure 42. Thus, bending of the cannula 36 during insertion of the intravascular blood pump into the patient's body does not lead to a tearing of the cable 38, thus ensuring safe and stable guidance of the sensor 12.

[0038] Fig.6 shows an embodiment with a sensor carrier 310 attached to a guidewire 300 with a guidewire body 302. The guidewire 300 serves as a guide rail for a blood pump, which is inserted into a patient's body in a known manner. Thus, the guidewire 300 is first inserted into the patient's body, and then the blood pump is guided along the guidewire 300. To ensure correct positioning of the guidewire 300, the sensor carrier 310 is attached to the distal end of the guidewire body 302.

[0039] The sensor carrier 310 consists of a base element 314 made of a highly magnetically permeable material, such as a plastic. In particular, the base element 314 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The base element 314 has a central longitudinal axis CLA, and the sensor 12 is embedded in a mounting portion (not shown) of the base element 314 such that a sensor longitudinal axis SLA is inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis CLA. Consequently, the sensor longitudinal axis SLA is not parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base element 314. Thus, the sensor 12 enables the detection of movements of the sensor carrier 310 with 6DOF, namely movements along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, as well as rotations about the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis.

[0040] The at least one cable connected to the sensor 12 is guided within the guidewire body 302. Preferably, the at least one cable is embedded or molded into the guidewire body 302.

[0041] The real-time tracking of the sensor 12 with the body of a patient is described in more detail below.

[0042] A field generator is placed near the patient's body, preferably beneath the patient's body, e.g., embedded in a bed, a stretcher, or an operating table. The field generator emits a varying, low-intensity electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field forms a measurement volume in which the positions and orientations of the sensor 12 are recorded. The field generator is positioned relative to the patient's body such that the measurement volume covers the intended path of the sensor 12 within the patient's body.

[0043] The electromagnetic field induces a current in sensor 12, which is transmitted via the cable to a controller. Depending on the application, the current is amplified and digitized by the controller as appropriate to generate a signal. This signal is further processed to visualize the position of sensor 12 (along the X-axis, Z-axis, and Y-axis, as well as the rotational position relative to the axes) in the measurement volume. In particular, the position of sensor 12 is visualized to the medical staff or physician on a display device.

[0044] To achieve real-time tracking with higher resolution and / or quality, a reference sensor can be attached to the patient's body within the electromagnetic field or measurement volume. Since the reference sensor moves along with the patient's body, the position of sensor 12 can also be tracked relative to the reference sensor, i.e., relative to the patient's body. Of course, in this case, a corresponding adjustment of the coordinate system is required. EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS

[0045] As previously described, the technology described herein may be implemented in a variety of ways. In this regard, the foregoing disclosure is intended to include, but is not limited to, the systems, methods, and combinations and subcombinations thereof set forth in the following example implementations. Preferred embodiments are described in the following sections: A1 Sensor carrier configured to be attached to an elongated medical device, comprising: a sensor having a sensor longitudinal axis, a base member having a central longitudinal axis and a mounting portion for receiving the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to be positioned in the mounting portion, wherein the sensor longitudinal axis is non-parallel with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the base member. A2 Sensor carrier according to paragraph A1, wherein the sensor longitudinal axis of the sensor intersects the central longitudinal axis of the base element. A3 Sensor carrier according to paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the base element comprises a magnetically permeable material or consists of a magnetically permeable material, in particular a plastic. A4 Sensor carrier according to paragraph A3, where the plastic is PEEK (polyetheretherketone). A5 Sensor carrier according to one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A4, wherein the base element has an axial through-hole which is concentric with the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the axial through-hole comprises the fastening section. A6 Sensor carrier according to one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A5, wherein the sensor carrier is a teardrop of a blood pump, in particular an intravascular blood pump. A7 Sensor carrier according to paragraph A6, wherein the sensor carrier further comprises an elastic extension with a pigtail having a tip, wherein the sensor longitudinal axis points to the tip of the pigtail. A8 Sensor carrier according to paragraph A7, wherein the elastic extension comprises an opening for receiving a guide wire, the guide wire being configured to elastically wind and unwind the pigtail. A9 Sensor carrier according to paragraph A8, wherein the opening is radially spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the base element. A10 Sensor carrier according to paragraph A8 or A9, wherein the opening merges into a channel extending through the pigtail. A11 Sensor carrier according to one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A10, wherein the sensor carrier further comprises a coupling element attached to the base element, wherein the coupling element is designed such that it can be attached to a suction head arranged at a distal end of a cannula. A12 Sensor carrier according to paragraph A11, wherein the coupling element is made of metallic material, in particular of stainless steel, titanium or platinum. A13 Sensor carrier according to one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the sensor is an embedded electromagnetic sensor, which in particular has an elongated shape. A14 Sensor carrier according to one of the preceding sections A1 to A3, wherein the sensor carrier is designed such that it can be attached to a guide wire for introducing a blood pump into the body of a patient. A15 Elongated medical device, preferably a blood pump, comprising: a sensor carrier according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A13, a cannula and a suction head attached to the cannula, wherein the sensor carrier is connected to the suction head. A16 Elongated medical device, preferably a blood pump, comprising: a sensor carrier with a sensor, a cannula and a suction head attached to the cannula, wherein the sensor carrier is connected to the suction head. A17 Elongated medical device as defined in paragraph A15 or A16, wherein at least one cable is connected to the sensor. A18 Elongated medical device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A15 to A17, wherein the at least one cable or the at least one line is guided along and / or within the cannula. A19 An elongated medical device according to paragraph A18, wherein the at least one cable or the at least one line is guided helically along and / or within the cannula. A20 An elongated medical device according to paragraph A18 or A19, wherein the cannula further comprises a coiled stabilizing structure provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cannula, wherein the at least one cable is routed between the coiled stabilizing structure. A21 Elongated medical device as defined in paragraph A20, wherein the coiled stabilizing structure is made of nitinol. A22 Guidewire for introducing a blood pump into the body of a patient with a sensor carrier as defined in paragraph A14. A23 Guidewire as defined in paragraph A22, with at least one cable or lead connected to the sensor. A24 System comprising: an elongated medical device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A17 to A21 and / or a guidewire according to paragraph A23, a field generator and a controller connected to the at least one cable, wherein the field generator is configured to generate an electromagnetic field and the controller is configured to receive a current induced in the sensor when the sensor moves within the electromagnetic field. A25 System according to paragraph A24, wherein the controller is further arranged to process the current of the sensor so that a signal is generated. A26 System according to paragraph A25, wherein the processing comprises at least one of the functions of amplification and digitization. A27 System according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A25 or A26, wherein the system further comprises a display device connected to the controller, and the controller is further configured to visualize the real-time position of the sensor on the display device based on the signal. A28 System according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A24 to A27, wherein the system further comprises a reference sensor configured to be positioned on the body of a patient. List of reference symbols 10, 210, 310 sensor carriers 12 Sensor 14, 314 basic element 16 Fastening section 18 axial through hole 20 Teardrop 22 elastic extension 24 Pigtail 26 Tip of the pigtail 28 Opening 30 guide wire 32 coupling element 34 suction head 36 cannula 38 cables 40 inner circumferential surface of the cannula 42 coiled stabilization structure 44 coupling recesses AO Aorta AOV aortic valve CLA central longitudinal axis of the base element LV left vascular RV right vascular SLA sensor longitudinal axis 100 intravascular blood pump 300 guide wire 302 Guidewire body

Claims

[1] A sensor carrier (10, 310) adapted to be attached to an elongated medical device (100, 300), comprising: a sensor (12) with a sensor longitudinal axis (SLA), a base element (14, 314) having a central longitudinal axis (CLA) and a mounting portion (16) for receiving the sensor (12), wherein the sensor (12) is designed such that it can be positioned in the mounting portion (16), wherein the sensor longitudinal axis (SLA) does not run parallel to the central longitudinal axis (CLA) of the base element (14). [2] Sensor carrier (10, 310) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor longitudinal axis (SLA) of the sensor (12) intersects the central longitudinal axis (CLA) of the base element (14, 314). [3] Sensor carrier (10, 310) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (14, 314) comprises a magnetically permeable material or consists of a magnetically permeable material, in particular a plastic, preferably PEEK (polyetheretherketone). [4] Sensor carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (16) has an axial through-hole (18) which is concentric with the central longitudinal axis (CLA), and wherein the axial through-hole (18) has the fastening section (16). [5] Sensor carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor carrier (10) is a teardrop (20) of a blood pump (100, 200), in particular an intravascular blood pump. [6] Sensor carrier (10) according to claim 5, wherein the sensor carrier (10) further comprises an elastic extension (22) with a pigtail (24) with a tip (26), wherein the sensor longitudinal axis (SLA) points to the tip (26) of the pigtail (24). [7] Sensor carrier (10) according to claim 6, wherein the elastic extension (22) has an opening (28) for receiving a guide wire (30), the guide wire (30) being designed to elastically wind and unwind the pigtail (24). [8] Sensor carrier (10) according to claim 7, wherein the opening (28) is radially spaced from the central longitudinal axis (CLA) of the base element (14). [9] Sensor carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor carrier (10) further comprises a coupling element (32) attached to the base element (14) and configured to be attached to a suction head (34) arranged at a distal end of a cannula (36). [10] Sensor carrier (10) according to claim 9, wherein the coupling element (32) consists of metallic material, in particular of stainless steel, titanium or platinum. [11] Blood pump (100) comprising: a sensor carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, a cannula (36), and a suction head (34) attached to the cannula (36), wherein the sensor carrier (10) is connected to the suction head (34). [12] Blood pump comprising: a sensor carrier (210) having a sensor (12), a cannula (36), and a suction head (34) attached to the cannula (36), wherein the sensor carrier (210) is connected to the suction head. [13] Blood pump (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least one cable (38) or at least one line is connected to the sensor (12) and wherein the cable (38) is guided helically along and / or within the cannula (36). [14] Blood pump (100) according to claim 13, wherein a coiled stabilizing structure (42) is provided along and / or within the cannula (36), wherein the at least one cable (38) is guided between the coiled stabilizing structure (42). [15] Guide wire (300) for introducing a blood pump into the body of a patient with a sensor carrier (310) according to one of claims 1 to 3.

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