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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor carrier 10 configured to be attached to an elongated medical device. The sensor carrier comprises a sensor 12 having a sensor longitudinal axis SLA, a base member 14, 314 having a central longitudinal axis CLA, and a mounting portion 16 for receiving the sensor 12, the mounting portion 16 configured to be disposed within the sensor 12, the sensor longitudinal axis SLA being non-parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base member 14. The present invention further relates to a blood pump or guidewire comprising the sensor carrier.

Description

[Technical field]

[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 the sensor carrier and to a guidewire with the sensor carrier. The blood pump may be a catheter pump, in particular an intravascular blood pump, an intracardiac blood pump or any other kind of ventricular assist device. [Background technology]

[0002] Such various types of blood pumps are known from the prior art and are intended to support the function of a patient's heart, either for short-term use, in which the intravascular blood pump is placed in the patient for a period of days or weeks, or for long-term use, in which the intravascular blood pump is placed in the patient for a period of weeks or months. The blood pump may be inserted into the patient's body, for example, through the aorta using a catheter, or may be placed in the thoracic cavity. During a planned operation, the intravascular blood pump is often introduced into the patient's body along a guidewire. For example, the guidewire and the intravascular blood pump are introduced into the patient's body using fluoroscopy to ensure the correct positioning of the intravascular blood pump in the patient's left ventricle. Typically, fluoroscopy involves the use of X-rays.

[0003] However, there are certain drawbacks associated with fluoroscopy, and in particular with X-rays. X-rays are not available without restrictions during planned procedures for placing the blood pump or the guidewire, respectively. Furthermore, when performing X-ray examinations, the patient and medical staff are exposed to large amounts of radiation. When an emergency situation requires the immediate introduction of an intravascular blood pump into the patient, X-rays are often not available, for example in an emergency room or ambulance. Furthermore, during an emergency situation, the intravascular blood pump is introduced into the patient without a guidewire, for example using a femoral access.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an alternative solution for safely introducing an elongated medical device, such as an intravascular blood pump or a guidewire, into a patient's body and ensuring accurate positioning of the elongated medical device within the patient's heart. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a sensor carrier configured to be attached to an elongated medical device. The sensor carrier comprises a sensor having a sensor longitudinal axis, a base member having a central longitudinal axis, and a mounting portion for receiving the sensor. The sensor is configured to be disposed within the mounting portion, the sensor longitudinal axis being non-parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the base member. Preferably, the sensor is an implantable electromagnetic sensor, in particular having an elongated shape, preferably a cylindrical shape.

[0006] The position of the sensor in the patient's body can be tracked by suitable means, for example, an electromagnetic field generator and at least one reference sensor. In general, with a sensor oriented with the X direction parallel to the direction of movement, it is possible to detect five degrees of freedom (5DOF) movements, i.e. movements along the X, Y and Z axes, as well as rotations around the Y and Z axes, where the direction of movement coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the base member. If the sensor longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the base member, this allows for further movements to be detected, i.e. rotations around the X axis. That is, the sensor longitudinal axis is inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the base member. This provides a five degrees of freedom (5DOF) sensor, which provides additional position measurement possibilities. This is particularly advantageous when the sensor is used in an elongated medical device, where precise positioning around the X axis is further desired. Furthermore, in such elongated medical devices, there is usually limited space to add further five degrees of freedom sensors to obtain a six degrees of freedom sensor (6DOF).

[0007] Preferably, the sensor longitudinal axis intersects with the central longitudinal axis of the base member, which minimizes the need to apply spatial corrections since the sensor is not radially displaced relative to the central longitudinal axis of the base member.

[0008] Preferably, the base member comprises or is made of a magnetically permeable material. The use of a magnetically permeable material avoids the shadowing of an electromagnetic field that induces a current in the sensor, for example for tracking the position of the sensor by an electromagnetic field generator placed close to the patient's body establishing the measurement volume. Preferably, the base member is made of a ceramic material or a plastic material, in particular a polyaryletherketone, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). This allows for even higher biocompatibility and makes the sensor carrier easier to manufacture.

[0009] Preferably, the base member comprises an axial throughbore concentric with the central longitudinal axis, the axial throughbore preferably comprising a mounting portion. Some elongate medical devices require an axial throughbore so that the medical device can be guided, for example, along a guidewire, so that the sensor can be easily installed within existing structures.

[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. When the pigtail is in a retracted state, the sensor longitudinal axis preferably points to the tip of the pigtail. Marking the tip of the pigtail thus allows for accurate positioning of the pigtail within the vasculature of a patient, e.g., a smooth rounded portion of the pigtail may be oriented to abut the inner surface of the left ventricle.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic extension includes an opening for receiving a guidewire configured to resiliently retract and unreel the pigtail when moved relative to the pigtail and teardrop, respectively. Before an intravascular blood pump with a sensor carrier and pigtail of the present invention can be introduced into a blood vessel and further into the left ventricle, the pigtail must be unreeled to pass through an introducer and the aortic valve. Additionally, when deployed, the pigtail functions as a spacer to prevent the intravascular blood pump from suctioning on the surface of the heart.

[0012] Preferably, the opening of the resilient extension is radially spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the base member to avoid interference with the guidewire and a sensor disposed within the mounting portion of the base member.

[0013] Preferably, the sensor carrier further comprises a coupling element attached to the base member. The coupling element is configured to be attached to a suction head arranged at the distal end of the cannula. Preferably, the coupling element is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel, titanium, platinum, etc. Thus, due to the high mechanical resistance of metallic materials, it is possible to firmly fix the sensor carrier to the suction head of the cannula. Furthermore, certain metallic materials have a high biocompatibility required for medical applications.

[0014] Alternatively, the sensor carrier is configured to be attached to a guide wire for introducing a blood pump, preferably an intravascular blood pump, into the patient's body, such that when installing the blood pump during a scheduled surgery, medical staff can easily track the position of the guide wire without the need for fluoroscopy.

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

[0016] According to a third aspect, there is provided a blood pump with a sensor carrier including a sensor, a cannula and a suction head. The sensor carrier is coupled to the suction head. The blood pump is preferably an intravascular blood pump, but may also be an intracardiac blood pump, or any other type of ventricular assist device.

[0017] Preferably, at least one cable or at least one lead is connected to the sensor, the cable being guided along and / or within the cannula. The current induced in the sensor can be sent via the at least one cable, for example to a controller, in order to visualize the position of the sensor for medical staff. Preferably, two cables or leads are provided. Preferably, the two cables or leads are twisted. Twisting the cables or leads reduces signal noise, thus eliminating the need for additional shielding.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one cable is guided helically along and / or within the cannula, which avoids tearing of the at least one cable during movement of the cannula, for example by bending or twisting, and thus ensures that the position of the sensor can be reliably tracked.

[0019] Preferably, the cannula further comprises a coiled stabilization structure arranged along and / or within the cannula, and the at least one cable is guided in a sandwiched manner within the coiled stabilization structure. In other words, the at least one cable is guided in the same manner as the coiled stabilization structure and is further positioned between the coils of the stabilization structure. This further prevents damage to the at least one cable due to movement of the cannula. Preferably, the coiled stabilization structure is made of Nitinol.

[0020] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of explaining the present disclosure, reference is made to the drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a patient's heart with an intravascular blood pump installed; [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a sensor carrier. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic rear view of the sensor carrier of FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a teardrop-shaped sensor carrier according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a teardrop-shaped sensor carrier according to a second embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cannula of a blood pump with a sensor, without the suction head and the sensor carrier. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a guidewire with a sensor carrier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate similar or identical elements. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or configurations are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary details. Therefore, the specific structure and function details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously utilize the present disclosure in almost any appropriately detailed structure.

[0023] In order to provide a general understanding of the systems, methods and devices described herein, certain illustrative examples are described. Although various examples are described for intravascular blood pumps, it will be understood that the improvements of the present technology can be adapted and applied to other types of medical devices, such as electrophysiology study and catheter ablation devices, angioplasty and stenting devices, angiography catheters, peripherally inserted central venous catheters, central venous catheters, midline catheters, peripheral catheters, inferior vena cava filters, abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment devices, thrombus removal devices, TAVR delivery systems, cardiac therapy and cardiac assist devices including balloon pumps, cardiac assist devices implanted using surgical incisions, and any other venous or arterial based introduction catheters and devices.

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

[0025] As used herein, "proximal" and "distal" are relative to the medical staff or physician, and thus proximal refers to that which is relatively closer to the physician as the elongated medical device is introduced into the patient's body, and distal refers to that which is relatively further from the physician.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates the use of an elongated medical device. In this embodiment, the elongated medical device is an intravascular blood pump 100 for supporting, in this particular example, the left ventricle LV of a human heart H. The intravascular blood pump 100 comprises a catheter 46, a pump member 48, a cannula 36, ​​a suction head 34, a sensor carrier 10 in the form of a teardrop 20, and a resilient extension 22, where the resilient extension 22 is shown in dashed lines for clarity. The pump member 48 is located at the distal end of the catheter 46. The cannula 36 connects the pump member 48 to the suction head 34, and the sensor carrier 10 is fixed to the suction head. The resilient extension 22 is fixed to the sensor carrier 10 or to the teardrop 20, respectively, and will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0027] 1, the blood pump 100 is partially disposed within the left ventricle LV, whereby the cannula 36 passes through the aortic valve AOV to reach the left ventricle LV. The pump member 48 is disposed within the aorta AO and delivers blood from the suction head 34, and thus from the left ventricle LV, to the aorta AO in a known manner.

[0028] An intravascular blood pump 100 may be placed within the heart H using the sensor carrier 10 of the present invention, as described in more detail below. For example, the intravascular blood pump 100 may be introduced through the femoral artery. However, alternative vascular access is possible as well, such as access through the subclavian artery or other percutaneous access. The positioning of the intravascular blood pump 100 in FIG. 1 serves only as an example, and various placements are possible, such as positioning the intravascular blood pump 100 within the right ventricle RV of the heart H.

[0029] 2A and 2B show the sensor carrier 10 in more detail. The sensor carrier 10 comprises a base member 14 and a coupling element 32. In this embodiment, the sensor carrier 10 is a teardrop-shaped portion 20 of an intravascular blood pump. The base member 14 is constructed from a non-metallic material with high magnetic permeability, such as ceramic or plastic. In this particular embodiment, the base member 14 is constructed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which provides high biocompatibility.

[0030] The coupling element 32 is attached to the proximal end of the base member 14, for example by press-fitting. Of course, other fastening techniques, such as shrinkage, are also possible. The coupling element 32 is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, titanium, or platinum, which provides high biocompatibility. The coupling element 32 comprises a number 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 by means of the coupling recesses 44 in a known manner.

[0031] Additionally, the sensor carrier 10 has a central longitudinal axis CLA extending axially through the sensor carrier 10. An axial throughbore 18 is further provided that is concentric with the central longitudinal axis CLA extending axially through the sensor carrier 10.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the sensor carrier 10 shown in FIG. 1 in a cross-sectional view. The base member 14 includes a mounting portion 16 configured to receive the sensor 12. The sensor 12, having a sensor longitudinal axis SLA, is received in the mounting portion 16. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the sensor 12 has a generally 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 member 14. Thus, the sensor 12 is not mounted parallel to the axial through-hole 18 and is also inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base member 14. Specifically, the sensor longitudinal axis SLA is non-parallel to and intersects with the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base member 14. This non-parallel orientation of the sensors 12 makes it possible to detect 6DOF sensor carrier motion, i.e., motion along the X-, Y- and Z-axes, as well as rotation about the X-, Y- and Z-axes (see Figures 2A and 2B).

[0033] Furthermore, a resilient extension 22 is fixed to the distal end of the base member 14 opposite the coupling element 32. The resilient extension 22 comprises a pigtail 24 having a tip 26. The resilient extension 22 comprises an opening 28 for receiving a guidewire (not shown) configured to resiliently retract and retract the pigtail 24, where the opening 28 merges into a channel 50 extending inside the pigtail 24 in a known manner. Furthermore, the resilient extension 22 is made of a highly permeable material, specifically a plastic material such as polyurethane, nylon, polyether block amide (Pebax) or a combination thereof. Of course, the pigtail 24 may have a different shape than that shown in FIG. 3, for example a J-shape. Furthermore, the pigtail 24 may have different stiffness from its proximal to its distal portion, preferably having a higher stiffness at the proximal portion coupled to the base member 14. Of course, various pigtail 24 designs are possible, such as designs without an opening and / or without a channel and / or where the channel is offset from the center of the pigtail.

[0034] 3, the sensor 12 is tilted at an angle such that the longitudinal axis SLA of the sensor points toward the tip 26 of the pigtail 24 when the pigtail is retracted. This allows the position of the pigtail 24 to be easily tracked when the intravascular blood pump 100 is introduced into the patient's body, since the rounded portion of the pigtail can be precisely positioned near the surface of the blood vessel through which the blood pump is passed, e.g., the aorta.

[0035] A cable 38 is attached to the proximal end of the sensor 12, which passes through the axial throughbore 18. The cable 38 is further guided within the cannula 36 and connected to a controller located outside the patient's body. Currents induced in the sensor 12 by the electromagnetic field generator are transferred using the cable 38 for tracking the sensor 12 within the patient's body. The specific guidance of the cable 38 within the cannula 36 is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a sensor carrier 210 for use in 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 configuration of the base member 214. In particular, the mounting portion 216 is not inclined with respect to the axial through-hole 18, but is arranged in the axial through-hole 18. The sensor 12 is thus 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 member 216. Naturally, this allows only the detection of the movement of the sensor carrier 210 in 5DOF, but in some applications, it may not be necessary to detect rotation about the X-axis, for example when no pigtail is used. Naturally, the distal end of the base member 214 and the sensor 12 protruding axially therefrom can be covered with a suitable cap member.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows details of the cannula 36 and how the cable 38 is guided within 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 the inner circumference 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 when it is pushed into the patient's blood vessel. As shown in FIG. 5, the coiled stabilization structure is wound in a spiral around the inner circumference 40 of the cannula 36. The cable 38 attached to the sensor 12 is also guided within and along the cannula 36. In particular, the cable 38 is guided in a spiral along the cannula 36 sandwiched between adjacent coils of the coiled stabilization structure 42. Therefore, even if the cannula 36 is bent during introduction of the intravascular blood pump into the patient's body, the cable 38 will not tear, thereby ensuring safe and stable tracking of the sensor 12.

[0038] 6 shows an embodiment with a sensor carrier 310 attached to a guidewire 300 having a guidewire body 302. The guidewire 300 serves as a guide track for a blood pump that will be introduced into the patient's body in a known manner. Therefore, the guidewire 300 is first introduced into the patient's body, and then the blood pump is introduced by being guided along the guidewire 300. To ensure accurate 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 includes a base member 314 made of a highly permeable material such as a plastic material. Specifically, the base member 314 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The base member 314 includes a central longitudinal axis CLA, and the sensor 12 is embedded in a mounting portion (not shown) of the base member 314 such that the sensor longitudinal axis SLA is inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis CLA. Thus, the sensor longitudinal axis SLA is non-parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the base member 314. Thus, the sensor 12 allows for detection of 6DOF movements of the sensor carrier 310, i.e., 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] At least one cable connected to sensor 12 is guided within guidewire body 302. Preferably, the at least one cable is embedded or cast within guidewire body 302.

[0041] Real-time tracking of the sensor 12 within the patient will now be described in more detail.

[0042] An electromagnetic field generator is placed near the patient's body, preferably beneath the patient's body, e.g., embedded in a bed, stretcher, or operating table. The electromagnetic field generator emits a low intensity, varying electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field establishes a measurement volume within which the position and orientation of sensor 12 are tracked. The electromagnetic field generator is positioned relative to the patient's body such that the measurement volume covers the intended path of sensor 12 within the patient's body.

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

[0044] To obtain real-time tracking with higher resolution and / or quality, a reference sensor can be placed on the patient's body in the electromagnetic field or measurement volume, respectively. Since the reference sensor moves with the patient's body, the position of the sensor 12 can also be tracked with respect to the reference sensor, i.e. with respect to the patient's body. Naturally, in this case an appropriate adjustment of the coordinate system is required.

[0045] EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS As previously mentioned, the techniques described herein may be implemented in a variety of ways. In that regard, the foregoing disclosure is intended to include, but is not limited to, the systems, methods, and combinations and subcombinations thereof described in the following exemplary implementations. Preferred embodiments are described in the following sections. A1. A 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, the mounting portion being configured so that the sensor is positioned within the mounting portion, wherein the sensor longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the base member. A2. The sensor carrier of claim A1, wherein a sensor longitudinal axis of the sensor intersects with a central longitudinal axis of the base member. A3. The sensor carrier according to paragraph A1 or paragraph A2, wherein the base member includes or is made of a magnetically permeable material, in particular a plastic material. A4. The sensor carrier according to paragraph A3, wherein the plastic material is PEEK (polyether ether ketone). A5. The sensor carrier according to any one of the above paragraphs A1 to A4, wherein the base member comprises an axial through hole concentric with the central longitudinal axis, the axial through hole comprising a mounting portion. A6. The sensor carrier according to any one of the above paragraphs A1 to A5, wherein the sensor carrier is a teardrop-shaped part of a blood pump, specifically an intravascular blood pump. A7. The sensor carrier of claim A6, wherein the sensor carrier further comprises a resilient extension with a pigtail having a tip, the sensor longitudinal axis pointing to the tip of the pigtail. A8. The sensor carrier according to paragraph A7, wherein the elastic extension includes an opening for receiving a guidewire, the guidewire being configured to elastically retract and retract the pigtail. A9. The sensor carrier of paragraph A8, wherein the opening is radially spaced from a central longitudinal axis of the base member. A10. The sensor carrier of paragraph A8 or paragraph A9, wherein the opening merges into a channel extending through the pigtail. A11. The sensor carrier according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A10, further comprising a coupling element attached to the base member, the coupling element being configured to be attached to a suction head disposed at the distal end of the cannula. A12. The sensor carrier according to paragraph A11, wherein the coupling element is made of a metallic material, in particular stainless steel, titanium, or platinum. A13: The sensor carrier according to any one of the above items A1 to A3, wherein the sensor is an embedded electromagnetic sensor having a relatively long shape. A14. The sensor carrier according to any one of the above paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the sensor carrier is configured to be attached to a guide wire for introducing a blood pump into a patient's body. A15. An 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 fixed to the cannula, the sensor carrier being coupled to the suction head. A16 An elongated medical device, preferably a blood pump, comprising a sensor carrier including a sensor, a cannula and a suction head fixed to the cannula, the sensor carrier being coupled to the suction head. A17 The elongate medical device according to paragraph A15 or paragraph A16, wherein at least one cable is connected to the sensor. A18. The elongate medical device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A15 to A17, wherein at least one cable or lead is guided along and / or within the cannula. A19 An elongate medical device according to paragraph A18, wherein at least one cable or at least one lead is guided spirally along and / or within the cannula. A20 An elongated medical device according to paragraph A18 or paragraph A19, wherein the cannula further comprises a coiled stabilization structure provided on an inner peripheral surface of the cannula, and at least one cable is guided by being clamped within the coiled stabilization structure. A21 The elongated medical device according to paragraph A20, wherein the coiled stabilization structure is made of Nitinol. A guide wire for introducing a blood pump into a patient's body, comprising the sensor carrier according to paragraph A14. A23. The guidewire according to paragraph A22, wherein at least one cable or at least one lead wire is connected to the sensor. A24 A system comprising an elongated medical device according to any one of paragraphs A17 to A21 and / or a guidewire according to paragraph A23, an electromagnetic field generator, and a controller connected to at least one cable, wherein the electromagnetic field generator is configured to emit 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. The system of claim A24, wherein the controller is further configured to process the sensor's current such that a signal is generated. A26 The system of claim A25, wherein the processing includes at least one of amplification and digitization. A27. The system of claim A25 or A26, wherein the system further comprises a display device connected to the controller, the controller further configured to visualize a real-time position of the sensor on the display device based on the signal. A28. The system of any one of paragraphs A24 to A27 above, wherein the system further comprises a reference sensor configured to be positioned on the patient's body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10, 210, 310 Sensor Carrier 12 Sensors 14, 314 Base member 16 Mounting part 18 Axial through hole 20 Teardrop-shaped part 22 Elastic extension 24 Pigtail 26 Pigtail tip 28 Opening 30 Guidewire 32 Bonding Elements 34 Suction head 36 Cannula 38 Cable 40 Inner surface of cannula 42 Coiled stabilization structure 44 Joint recess AO aorta AOV Aortic valve CLA Central longitudinal axis of base member LV left ventricle RV right ventricle SLA Sensor Longitudinal Axis 100 Intravascular Blood Pump 300 Guidewire 302 Guidewire body

Claims

1. A sensor carrier (10, 310) configured to be attached to an elongated medical device (100, 300), A sensor (12) having a longitudinal axis (SLA) of the sensor, A base member (14, 314) having a central longitudinal axis (CLA), A mounting portion (16) for receiving the sensor (12), wherein the mounting portion (16) is configured such that the sensor (12) is positioned within the mounting portion (16), A sensor carrier (10, 310) wherein the longitudinal axis (SLA) of the sensor is non-parallel to the central longitudinal axis (CLA) of the base member (14).

2. The sensor carrier (10, 310) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (SLA) of the sensor (12) intersects the central longitudinal axis (CLA) of the base member (14, 314).

3. The sensor carrier (10, 310) according to claim 1, wherein the base members (14, 314) include or are composed of a magnetic permeable material.

4. The sensor carrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor carrier (10) is the teardrop-shaped portion (20) of a blood pump (100, 200), specifically an intravascular blood pump.

5. The sensor carrier (10) further comprises an elastic extension (22) having a pigtail (24) with a tip (26), The sensor carrier (10) according to claim 4, wherein the longitudinal axis (SLA) of the sensor points to the tip (26) of the pigtail (24).

6. The sensor carrier (10) according to claim 5, wherein the elastic extension (22) is provided with an opening (28) for receiving a guide wire (30), and the guide wire (30) is configured to elastically retract and extend the pigtail (24).

7. The sensor carrier (10) according to claim 6, wherein the opening (28) is radially spaced from the central longitudinal axis (CLA) of the base member (14).

8. The sensor carrier (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling element (32) attached to the base member (14), wherein the coupling element (32) is configured to be attached to a suction head (34) located at the distal end of a cannula (36).

9. The sensor carrier (10) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling element (32) is made of a metallic material, specifically stainless steel, titanium, or platinum.

10. The base member (16) is provided with an axial through hole (18) concentric with the central longitudinal axis (CLA), The sensor carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the axial through hole (18) is provided with the mounting portion (16).

11. The sensor carrier (10) described in claim 1, Cannula (36) and, A blood pump (100) comprising a suction head (34) fixed to the cannula (36), A blood pump (100) in which the sensor carrier (10) is coupled to the suction head (34).

12. A sensor carrier (210) including a sensor (12), Cannula (36) and, A blood pump comprising a suction head (34) fixed to the cannula (36), A blood pump in which the sensor carrier (210) is coupled to the suction head.

13. At least one cable (38) or at least one lead wire is connected to the sensor (12), The blood pump (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the cable (38) is guided spirally along and / or within the cannula (36).

14. The coiled stabilizing structure (42) is provided along and / or inside the cannula (36), The blood pump (100) according to claim 13, wherein at least one cable (38) is sandwiched and guided within the coil-shaped stabilizing structure (42).

15. A guidewire (300) for introducing a blood pump into a patient's body, comprising a sensor carrier (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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