Sensor guide wire

Abstract

This invention provides a sensor guide wire, a method for manufacturing a sensor guide wire, and a method for using a sensor guide wire. [Solution] An exemplary sensor guidewire 100 is a core wire extending between a first end and a second end, the first and second ends defining the length of the sensor guidewire, and a plurality of wires 101 in a helical structure 102 surrounding the core wire, the helical structure including a plurality of wires extending along at least one subset of the length of the core wire, and a plurality of electrodes 103A, 103B, 103C spaced apart from each other along the helical structure, each electrode configured to cover each portion of the helical structure along the length of the sensor guidewire, and the electrodes are connected to one of the plurality of wires to enable the conduction of signals from the electrodes to the wires, and each electrode and wire defines an electrophysiological sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to sensor guide wires and methods of using sensor guide wires.

Background Art

[0002] Electrodes may be used to measure bioelectricity within a subject's body. For example, electrodes may be placed around a subject's skull to measure electrophysiological signals generated by the brain. Higher measurement accuracy and specificity may be obtained by inserting the electrodes into the body. However, the tortuous tissue of the body may increase the difficulty of guiding the electrodes to the target site. Furthermore, deploying multiple electrodes to the target site may be difficult because the spatial dimensions at the target site and along the insertion path are limited. Existing techniques have not yet solved the problem of deploying a robust electrophysiological sensor to a desired target site.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sensor guide wires, kits comprising one or more sensor guide wires, and methods of using sensor guide wires. An exemplary sensor guide wire of the present disclosure is a core wire extending between a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end defining the length of the sensor guide wire, a core wire, a plurality of wires within a helical configuration around the core wire, the helical configuration extending along at least one subset (at least a portion of the length of the core wire) of the length of the core wire, a plurality of wires, and a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other along the helical configuration, each electrode being configured to cover a respective portion of the helical configuration along the length of the sensor guide wire, each electrode being connected to one of the plurality of wires, the connection enabling conduction of a signal from the electrode to one of the plurality of wires, and each electrode and one of the plurality of wires defining an electrophysiological sensor.

[0004] In some embodiments, each electrophysiological sensor, defined by a pair of wires and electrodes, is electrically independent of one another. In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire further comprises a tip configured to enclose a second end of the core wire and each end of a plurality of wires adjacent to the second end of the core wire, the tip further defining the length of the sensor guidewire. In some embodiments, the helical structure is configured to taper from a first diameter to a second diameter towards the tip.

[0005] In some embodiments, the core wire is configured to taper towards the tip from a first diameter to a second diameter. In some embodiments, the tip comprises at least one epoxy material. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of electrodes has a gap configured to expose a portion of one of the plurality of wires in the helical structure. In some embodiments, the plurality of wires comprises at least eight wires, and the plurality of electrodes comprises at least eight electrodes. In some embodiments, the sensor guide wire further comprises at least sixteen wires, and the plurality of electrodes comprises at least sixteen electrodes.

[0006] In some embodiments, each wire of a plurality of wires comprises a platinum-iridium layer configured to impart radiopaqueness to the helical structure. In some embodiments, the thickness of the platinum-iridium layer is at least 25.0 microns. In some embodiments, each wire of a plurality of wires further comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer on the platinum-iridium layer. In some embodiments, the thickness of the PTFE layer is at least 33.0 microns. In some embodiments, each wire of a plurality of wires has a diameter of at least 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, each electrode of a plurality of electrodes comprises a platinum layer, the platinum layer making each electrode radiopaque.

[0007] In some embodiments, the core wire comprises a nickel-titanium alloy. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the core wire has a quadrilateral shape. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes define respective sections extending along the length of the sensor guide wire, and the sensor guide wire further comprises at least one further wire configured to wrap around each section of the sensor guide wire. In some embodiments, the length of the sensor guide wire is at least 80.0 mm. In some embodiments, the separation distance between each of the plurality of electrodes is at least 10.0 mm. In some embodiments, the separation distance between the first electrode of the plurality of electrodes and the last electrode of the plurality of electrodes is at least 150.0 mm.

[0008] An exemplary sensor guidewire kit may comprise a first sensor guidewire and a second sensor guidewire as described in the claims, wherein a plurality of electrodes of the first sensor guidewire are spaced apart from each other by a first separation distance, and a plurality of electrodes of the second sensor guidewire are spaced apart from each other by a second separation distance different from the first separation distance, and at least one computing device configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of wires of the first sensor guidewire or the second sensor guidewire. Another exemplary sensor guidewire kit may comprise at least a first sensor guidewire, a second sensor guidewire, and a third sensor guidewire.

[0009] An exemplary method for measuring electrophysiological signals using one embodiment of a sensor guidewire may include: guiding the sensor guidewire to a target site within the body of the subject through at least one tubular tissue of the subject; arranging at least one subset (at least part of the plurality of electrodes) of a plurality of electrodes in close proximity to a plurality of sampling sites at the target site, wherein the plurality of sampling sites are spaced apart from each other; measuring each electrophysiological signal from the plurality of sampling sites via each electrode positioned in close proximity to the sampling sites; and conducting each electrophysiological signal from at least one subset of the plurality of electrodes to a computing device via one of a plurality of wires connected to the electrodes.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further comprises monitoring the position of a sensor guidewire within a target body via a radiation-based imaging technique. In some embodiments, the target site comprises the superior sagittal sinus. In some embodiments, the method further comprises arranging at least one subset of electrodes, which comprises applying torque to a first end of the sensor guidewire to cause rotation at a second end of the sensor guidewire along the length of the sensor guidewire, wherein the plurality of wires are configured to transmit torque along the length of the sensor guidewire.

[0011] An exemplary method for fabricating one embodiment of a sensor guidewire may comprise identifying one of a plurality of wires via thermographic motion, exposing the conductive layer of the identified wire, aligning one of a plurality of electrodes on a core, and creating a conductive connection between the core and the aligned electrode. In some embodiments, the conductive connection comprises at least one of solder, conductive epoxy, or epoxy insulation. In some embodiments, the electrode has a gap, and the electrode is positioned to align the gap on the core of the identified wire. In some embodiments, the method further comprises creating a conductive connection through the gap of the electrode.

[0012] In some embodiments, the thermographic operation comprises increasing the thermal profile by applying an electric current to one of several wires, generating thermal image data that matches a portion of the sensor guide wire, and identifying the one of several wires to which the electric current was applied, at least partially based on the thermal image data. In some embodiments, the method comprises exposing the core of the identified wire via a laser.

[0013] Having thus described embodiments of this disclosure using general terminology, please now refer to the attached drawings. The attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to a fixed scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a partial perspective view of an exemplary sensor guide wire according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary sensor guidewire according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view of a helical structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a partial perspective view of an exemplary core wire according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating exemplary sensor guidewires according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating exemplary sensor guidewires according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary sensor guidewire according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating exemplary techniques for mounting electrodes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates an exemplary workflow for identifying wires and connecting electrodes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]This is a diagram of exemplary sensor guidewires deployed at a target site according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of an exemplary manufacturing process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of an exemplary electrophysiological measurement process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Next, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating some, but not all, embodiments of the present invention. Similar reference figures refer to similar elements throughout the drawings. In fact, various embodiments of the present invention can be embodied in numerous different forms and should not be considered as limitations to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to satisfy the legal requirements to which the present disclosure is applicable.

[0016] As used herein, the term "or" is used in both an alternative and a conjunctive sense unless otherwise noted. The term "alongside" and similarly used terms mean near or on an edge or other location referred to, but not necessarily directly on the edge or other location referred to. The terms "about," "generally," and "substantially" refer to within the tolerances of the manufacturing and / or engineering design for the corresponding material and / or element, unless otherwise noted. Therefore, the use of any such above terms or similarly interchangeable terms should not be construed as limiting the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention.

[0017] As used herein, the term "distal" shall refer to the direction extending towards the target site of interest (e.g., the direction away from the user of the sensor guide wire). As used herein, the term "proximal" shall refer to the direction extending away from the target site of interest (e.g., the direction towards the user of the sensor guide wire). For example, the distal end of the sensor guide wire may refer to the end of the sensor guide wire that is directed towards or disposed at the target site within the body of the subject, and the proximal end of the sensor guide may refer to the opposite end of the sensor guide wire that is manipulated by the user (e.g., the proximal end may extend completely outside the target site or outside the body of the subject).

[0018] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" when referring to a measurable value - e.g., length, width, height, distance, etc. - is meant to encompass a variation of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, ±0.5%, or even ±0.1% of the specified amount. The ranges provided herein for measurable values may include any other range and / or any individual value within any other range.

[0019] Summary In general, various embodiments of this disclosure provide improved designs for sensor guidewires configured to measure electrophysiological signals of a subject. For example, this disclosure provides various embodiments for sensor guidewires used in measuring electrophysiological signals of a subject brain by delivering multiple electrodes into the superior sagittal sinus. Such backgrounds are provided as examples, and it will be understood and acknowledged that the use of sensor guidewires in further backgrounds, such as use in other medical procedures or target sites, is intended and within the scope of the invention. For example, one or more embodiments of the sensor guidewire may be used in other electrophysiological procedures such as cardiac mapping, in which one or more sensor guidewires may be deployed into the subject heart. The sensor guidewire may be inserted through or into other target sites in the venous system, such as the intragalar cerebral vein, cavernous sinus, or inferior sagittal sinus. The sensor guidewire may be inserted through or into targets in the arterial system. For example, the sensor guidewire may be deployed through the internal carotid artery into the anterior aortic system, medial cerebral artery, arterial branches, etc. As another example, the sensor guidewire may be deployed through the posterior arterial system to the basilar artery or to multiple parts of the spinal cord system. In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire is deployed to the subarachnoid system of the brain through spaces extending through the parietal, frontal, occipital, temporal bones, or other bones of the skull. Furthermore or alternatively, the sensor guidewire may be deployed to the spinal subarachnoid system through one or more bones of the spinal cord or through spaces extending between them.

[0020] In various embodiments, an electrophysiological procedure is performed by guiding an electrode through one or more blood vessels to place the electrode within a target site where desired bioelectricity may be measured. However, the thin, tortuous tissue of blood vessels can pose problems in accurately and safely guiding such a device to the target site. Existing techniques for measuring a subject's electrophysiological signals may exhibit insufficient conductivity within these and other tortuous tissues. For example, existing systems utilize copper wires coated with an insulating material, which are further placed within a polyimide tube. However, such systems exhibit undesirable rigidity and have limited torque transmission capabilities. Thus, these techniques may not be suitable for small-diameter, tortuous tissues such as blood vessels.

[0021] Furthermore, an electrophysiological procedure may benefit from placing several electrodes at a target site to increase the spatial specificity of bioelectric measurements. For example, multi-channel electrodes may be used in epilepsy diagnosis, in which electrophysiological measurements of multiple regions of a subject's brain are simultaneously acquired to identify an electrical pattern indicative of a condition. There are systems that can be guided into veins based on solid-core wires, but such techniques do not support multi-channel electrophysiological measurements. For example, a solid-core wire system may include a conductive ribbon embedded in the outer layer of the system. However, the conductive ribbon may limit bioelectric measurements to single-channel mode and is insufficient for proper performance of an electrophysiological procedure. Thus, existing techniques may not be able to provide a multi-channel electrode system with high guide wire performance suitable for deployment in a tortuous environment.

[0022] To address these issues, exemplary implementations of the embodiments of this application may provide a sensor guidewire having high flexibility and torque transmission capabilities, and including multiple electrodes to support multi-channel electrophysiological measurements. In various embodiments, the sensor guidewire includes a multi-wire coil comprising multiple wires individually insulated within a helical structure. The helical structure of the wires may exhibit improved torque transmission performance and flexibility compared to existing methods. Thus, the sensor guidewire may be safely and accurately guided through tortuous tubular tissues such as blood vessels.

[0023] In various embodiments, the sensor guidewire includes multiple electrodes, each connected to a different wire of a helical structure. Each electrode may surround the helical structure and be exposed to the external environment so that electrophysiological signals may be measured through the electrode and conducted to a computing device via the attached wire. Thus, each pair of electrodes and wires of the helical structure may embody an independent electrophysiological sensor. The multiple electrodes may be spaced apart along the length of the helical structure so that electrophysiological measurements from various regions of the target site may be obtained independently and simultaneously. Furthermore, the dual function of the wires of the helical structure as torque transmission members and conductors may allow the sensor guidewire to exhibit a reduced diameter, which is more optimal for deploying the device through tubular tissues of the body. Moreover, while existing methods may be limited to measuring electrophysiological signals from the tip of the device, the sensor guidewire of the present invention may allow for the measurement of multiple electrophysiological signals from various parts extending along the length of the device.

[0024] Exemplary sensor guidewire Referring to Figure 1, a partial perspective view of an exemplary sensor guidewire 100 is shown. In some embodiments, the guidewire 100 includes a plurality of wires 101 within a helical structure 102. In various embodiments, the helical structure 102 provides an optimal balance of torque force, torque response, durability, and rigidity. For example, compared to existing guidewire methods, the helical structure 102 may exhibit greater torque transmission capability along its length (e.g., from the proximal end away from the object to the distal end toward the object). As shown in Figure 2, the guidewire 100 includes a core wire 201 within the helical structure 102. For example, the helical structure 102 may have a central cavity in which the core wire 201 is located. In some embodiments, the plurality of wires 101 include 8 wires, 16 wires, 24 wires, and so on, with many more wires intended and within the scope of this disclosure.

[0025] In various embodiments, each wire 101 comprises stainless steel material. Further or alternatively, in some embodiments, the wire 101 comprises enameled copper material. In some embodiments, the diameter of the wire 101 is about 0.24 to 0.40 mm. For example, the diameter of the wire 101 may be 0.254 mm. In another example, the diameter of the wire 101 may be 0.355 mm. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the wire 101 is about 0.045 to 0.126 square mm. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the wire 101 may be 0.05 square mm. In another example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the wire 101 may be 0.099 square mm. In some embodiments, the wire 101 comprises a layer of platinum-iridium (Pt / Ir) alloy. In various embodiments, the Pt / Ir layer is configured to conduct electrophysiological signals measured by the electrodes of the sensor guide wire 100. The Pt / Ir layer may improve the torque transmission capability of the wire 101 along its length, thereby increasing the overall torque transmission capability of the helical structure 102. In some embodiments, the thickness of the Pt / Ir layer is approximately 10.0 to 50.0 microns. For example, the thickness of the Pt / Ir layer may be 25.0 microns. Furthermore, the Pt / Ir layer may make the wire 101 radiopaque so that the wire 101 may be visualized via radiation-based imaging techniques such as X-rays.

[0026] In some embodiments, the wire 101 comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer. For example, multiple wires 101 may be individually coated with a PTFE film. In some embodiments, the PTFE layer has a thickness of about 20.0 to 60.0 microns. For example, the PTFE layer may have a thickness of 33.0 microns. As another example, the PTFE layer may have a thickness of 4.0 microns. The Pt / Ir layer may be coated with a PTFE layer. In this way, the PTFE layer may electrically insulate the wires 101 from each other, from the core wire 201, and from the external environment. In some embodiments, the insulation of the wires 101 reduces the resistance of the wires compared to existing methods, which may result in improved impedance characteristics. Furthermore, the insulation may reduce electrical noise and interference. In some embodiments, the material of wire 101 exhibits longitudinal resistivity of approximately 70 microohms / cm (stainless steel), 1.7 microohms / cm (copper), 10.6 microohms / cm (platinum), and 4.71 microohms / cm (iridium), respectively.

[0027] In various embodiments, the sensor guidewire 100 includes a plurality of electrodes 103 spaced apart from one another along a helical structure 102. For example, electrodes 103A, 103B, and 103C may slide along the helical structure 102 and be connected to different wires 101 along the length of the helical structure 102. In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire 100 includes about 8 to 24 electrodes, and a further number of electrodes is intended and within the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire includes at least 16 electrodes. Each electrode may be configured to measure and conduct electrophysiological signals from a target site, such as a tissue area within the body of the subject. In some embodiments, the electrodes have a tubular shape so that the electrodes may slide along and cover a portion of the helical structure 102.

[0028] In various embodiments, as further illustrated and described herein, each electrode is conductively connected to a different wire 101 so that the electrophysiological signal of electrode 103 may be conducted along an independent channel. For example, electrodes 103A, 103B, and 103C may be conductively connected to different wires 101. In this way, embodiments of the sensor guidewire 100 may provide multiple electrophysiological sensors with independent channels that are highly guideable within a torrent environment. For example, existing methods may be limited to single-channel measurement (for example, such existing solutions may be limited to a single electrode contact). The sensor guidewire 100 may offer a significant improvement over such existing methods by providing eight, sixteen, or more channels of electrophysiological measurement capability. In doing so, the sensor guidewire 100 may increase the accuracy and specificity of electrophysiological tests, such as epilepsy assessment and electrocardiogram studies. In some embodiments, the electrodes include a platinum material that allows the electrodes to receive and conduct electrophysiological signals. Furthermore, the platinum material may be made radiopaque so that the electrodes can be used to visualize and track electrodes inside the body of a target using radiographic imaging techniques.

[0029] In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire 100 includes a tip 105 configured to enclose each end of a plurality of wires 101 and core wires 201. In some embodiments, the tip 105 comprises one or more polymers. For example, the tip 105 may comprise one or more epoxy materials surrounding and adhering to the distal portions of the wires 101 and core wires 201. The tip 105 comprising one or more polymers may exhibit elasticity, hardness, and insulating properties. Further or alternatively, in some embodiments, the tip 105 is fixed onto the plurality of wires 101 and core wires 201 via the application of one or more adhesives. In various embodiments, the tip 105 comprises a rounded end 106 configured to reduce the possibility of damaging soft tissues and other tissues within the body of the subject.

[0030] In various embodiments, the inclusion of platinum within multiple wires 101 and multiple electrodes 103 allows the sensor guidewire 100 to be visualized and tracked during guidance within the target body. For example, X-ray imaging may be used to image and indicate the guidance of the sensor guidewire 100 to the target site.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view 200 of an exemplary sensor guidewire 100. In various embodiments, the core wire 201 extends along the length of the sensor guidewire 100. In some embodiments, the core wire 201 and the helical structure 102 taper in diameter from the distal portion 202 of the sensor guidewire 100 to the proximal portion 203 of the sensor guidewire. For example, the diameters of the core wire 201 and the helical structure 102 may taper towards the tip 105. In some embodiments, the core wire 201 includes stainless steel material. Further or alternatively, in some embodiments, the core wire 201 includes one or more nickel-titanium alloys. For example, the core wire 201 may include nitinol, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, electrode 103 is connected to one of several wires of a helical structure 102. For example, the helical structure 102 may include wires 101A, 101B, 101C, and 101D. In such a background, the four electrodes may be placed on the helical structure 102 and spaced apart along the helical structure 102. The four electrodes may be connected to wires 101A, 101B, 101C, and 101D, respectively, so that the electrophysiological signals received by the electrodes may be conducted along four independent channels (e.g., to a receiving computing device). Thus, wires 101A-D and the four electrodes may define four electrically independent electrophysiological sensors. The number of wires and electrodes is illustrative, and it will be understood that further wires and electrodes defining further electrophysiological sensors are intended.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the helical structure 102. In various embodiments, the helical structure 102 tapers from the proximal portion 301 to the distal portion 302. For example, the density of multiple wires 101 packed into the helical structure 102 may increase iteratively within the distal portion 302. In some embodiments, the multiple wires 101 terminate at equal lengths in the distal portion 302. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the wires 101 terminate at staggered lengths in the proximal portion 302. For example, the distal ends of a first subset of wires 101 (first portions of wires 101) may be positioned at a first distance along the length of the sensor guide wire, and the distal ends of a second subset of wires 101 (second portions of wires 101) may be positioned at different distances along the length of the sensor guide wire. In such a context, both the first and second subsets of the wire 101 may be enclosed by the tip 105, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5-7. In some embodiments, the helical structure 102 may provide the sensor guidewire with an ideal bending stiffness profile, thereby improving guideability through meandering environments including veins, arteries, organs, etc.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a partial perspective view of the core wire 201. In some embodiments, the core wire 201 includes a proximal portion 401 and a distal portion 402. In some embodiments, the cross-section 403 of the proximal portion 401 has a circular shape. In some embodiments, the core wire 201 includes a transition section 404 between the proximal portion 401 and the distal portion 402. In various embodiments, at the transition section 404, the cross-sectional shape of the core wire 201 changes from circular to quadrilateral. For example, the cross-section 405 of the distal portion 402 may include a quadrilateral shape. Alternatively, the cross-section 405 may include other polygonal shapes (e.g., hexagon, heptagon, triangle, octagon, etc.).

[0035] Figure 5 shows an exemplary sensor guidewire 100, 100'. As shown, the exemplary embodiment of the sensor guidewire 100 includes 16 electrodes 103 extending along a length 501 of a portion of the helical structure 102 (e.g., the portion adjacent to the tip 105). In some embodiments, the portion of the helical structure 102 closest to the tip 105 is referred to as the “distal portion” of the helical structure 102. In such a background, the portion of the sensor guidewire 100 extending from the tip 105 to the end 502 of the distal portion of the helical structure 102 may be referred to as the “distal portion” of the sensor guidewire 100. In some embodiments, the core wire of the sensor guidewire 100 extends beyond the distal portion of the helical structure 102.

[0036] In some embodiments, the length 501 of the distal portion of the helical structure 102 is approximately 60.0 to 160.0 mm. For example, the 16 electrodes 103 of the sensor guidewire 100 shown in Figure 5 may extend to 80.0 mm, and the spacing between each of the multiple electrodes 103 may be 5.0 mm. In another example, the sensor guidewire 100 may include 8 electrodes 103 spaced 10.0 mm apart so that the multiple electrodes 103 extend to 80.0 mm. In yet another example, the sensor guidewire 100 may include 16 electrodes 103 spaced 10.0 mm apart so that the multiple electrodes extend to 160.0 mm (for example, the spacing between the most proximal electrode and the most distal electrode is 150.0 mm).

[0037] In various embodiments, the tips 105, 105' enclose the distal ends of the core wire 201 and the multiple wires of the helical structures 102, 102'. In some embodiments, the helical structure 102' tapers in diameter toward the tip 105'. For example, the helical structure 102' may taper from a first diameter of 0.218 mm to a second diameter of 0.0864 mm over a length 501. In some embodiments, the core wire 201 tapers toward the tip 105' by one or more dimensions over at least a length 501 of the distal portion of the helical structure 102. For example, the cross-section of the core wire 201 may have a quadrilateral shape defining width and height. In this context, the core wire 201 may taper in width and / or height towards the tip 105' over a length of 501 (e.g., 80.0 mm) or further along the length of the sensor guide wire 100, 100', such as 100.0 mm. In some embodiments, the core wire 201 includes a terminal width 710 of about 0.05 mm to 0.080 mm and a terminal height 712 of about 0.03 mm to 0.07 mm at the tip 105'. For example, the terminal width 710 may be 0.068 mm and the terminal height 712 may be 0.044 mm (see Figure 7). In some embodiments, the taper of the core wire 201 is 0.180 mm in width and / or height per 1 mm of length.

[0038] Figure 6 shows another diagram of exemplary sensor guidewires 100, 100'. In some embodiments, the length 601 (Figure 6) of the electrode 103 is about 0.5 to 4.0 mm. For example, the length 601 may be 0.5 mm. In another example, the length 601 may be 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, etc. Thus, the electrode 103 may present an outer surface area (e.g., about 0.4 to 3.4 square millimeters, etc.) sufficient to contact bodily fluids so that impedance measurements may be obtained. Furthermore, shortening the length of the electrode 103 may increase the flexibility of the sensor guidewire, thereby improving its inductivity through meandering environments. In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire 100 includes multiple electrodes 103 of different lengths 601. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 602 of the electrode 103 is about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. For example, the outer diameter 602 of the electrode 103 may be 0.27 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the electrode 103 is about 10.0 to 50.0 microns. The thickness may be the distance between the outer and inner diameters of the electrode 103. For example, the thickness of the electrode 103 may be 10.0 microns. In some embodiments, the electrode 103 exhibits an impedance of about 80 to 120 kilohms. For example, the electrode 103 may have an impedance of 100 kilohms.

[0039] Figure 7 shows schematic diagrams of cross-sections 700A and 700B of an exemplary sensor guide wire 100. Cross-section 700A may be taken along the longitudinal axis of the sensor guide wire 100. Cross-section 700B may be taken along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the sensor guide wire 100 includes a distal portion 701 and a proximal portion 702. In some embodiments, the length of the distal portion 701 is at least 80.0 mm, and longer or shorter lengths are intended and within the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the length of the proximal portion 702 is at least 520.0 mm, and longer or shorter lengths are intended and within the scope of the disclosure.

[0040] The distal portion 701 may comprise a plurality of electrodes 103. For example, the distal portion 701 may include 16 electrodes spaced apart from each other along the helical structure 102. In some embodiments, the core wire 201 has a diameter of approximately 0.1 to 0.3 mm along the proximal portion 702. For example, the core wire may have a diameter of 0.17 mm along the proximal portion 702. As shown in Figure 6, the cross-section of the core wire 201 may transition from a circular shape in the proximal portion 702 to a quadrilateral shape in the distal portion 701. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the core wire 201 taper towards the terminal width 710 and terminal height 712 along the distal portion 701. In one example, the terminal width 710 and terminal height 712 are 0.068 mm and 0.044 mm, respectively. In some embodiments, the core wire 201 is laser annealed to remove residual stress, which may occur during a pressing process performed to taper the core wire 201.

[0041] In some embodiments, each wire 101 includes a cross-section that is oval or circular. In some embodiments, the diameter of the wire 101 including the Pt / Ir layer is about 0.15 to 0.40 mm. For example, the diameter of the wire 101 including the Pt / Ir layer is 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the wire 101 including an outer PTFE layer is about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. For example, the diameter of the wire 101 including an outer PTFE layer may be 0.33 mm. In some embodiments, at the distal end of the distal portion 701 of the sensor guide wire 100, the helical structure 102 includes an outer diameter of about 0.2 to 0.4 mm and an inner diameter of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm. For example, at the distal end of the distal portion 701 of the sensor guide wire 100, the helical structure 102 may include an outer diameter of 0.250 mm and an inner diameter of 0.186 mm.

[0042] In some embodiments, the distal portion 701 includes one or more additional wires 750 configured to wrap around each section of the helical structure 102. In some embodiments, the wires 750 increase torque transmission along the sensor guide wire 100. In some embodiments, the wires 750 are configured to standardize the overall outer diameter of the sensor guide wire 100 to a constant value. For example, the distal portion 701 may include one or more wires 750 such that the distal portion 701 has an overall outer diameter approximately equal to the overall outer diameter of the proximal portion of the sensor guide wire 100. In some embodiments, the distal portion 701 includes multiple wires 750 wrapped around each section of the helical structure 102 between multiple electrodes 103 arranged along the helical structure 102. In some embodiments, the wires 750 include nickel-titanium alloy, stainless steel, etc. In some embodiments, the wires 750 are electrically insulated from the electrodes 103 and the wires 101 of the helical structure 102. For example, the wire 750 may be placed inside a polyimide tube (for example, the wire 750 may be bonded to the inside via one or more epoxy).

[0043] In some embodiments, the proximal portion 702 of the sensor guidewire 100 includes one or more torque handles 760, by which the user may apply torque to the sensor guidewire 100. In such a background, the helical structure 102, core wire 201, etc., may transmit torque along the length of the sensor guidewire 100 from the proximal portion 702 to the distal portion 701. In doing so, the sensor guidewire 100 may be guided through a meandering environment within the body of the object. In some embodiments, the torque handles 760 are fixed onto a portion of the helical structure 102. For example, the torque handles 760 may be bonded to the outer PTFE layer of the wire 101 via epoxy. Furthermore or alternatively, in some embodiments, the torque handles 760 are bonded to the core wire 201 via epoxy. In various embodiments, the torque handles 760 are configured to withstand the user's gripping pressure so as to enable the user to apply torque to the sensor guidewire 100. In some embodiments, the torque handle 760 is made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the torque handle 760 may have an outer diameter of about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. For example, the torque handle 760 may have an outer diameter of about 0.35 mm.

[0044] In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire 100 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 770. Each electrical contact 770 may be electrically coupled to one of the plurality of wires 101. In this way, the electrical contacts 770 may further conduct the electrophysiological signals conducted by the wires 101 to a computing device for analysis. For example, the sensor guidewire 100 may include 16 wires 101 and 16 electrical contacts 770, each electrically coupled to one of the 16 wires. In this way, the sensor guidewire 100 may enable electrophysiological measurements on 16 independent channels. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 770 have a tubular shape so that they slide on a helical structure 102 and may be positioned on a section of the helical structure 102. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 770 include a diameter of about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. For example, the electrical contacts 770 may include a diameter of 0.35 mm. In various embodiments, the techniques, processes, and workflows described herein for conductively connecting the electrode 103 to the wire 101 may also be applied to conductively connecting the electrical contact 770 to the wire 101. In some embodiments, the electrical contact 770 comprises one or more copper-containing materials.

[0045] Figure 8 shows an exemplary technique for attaching the electrode 103 to the wire 101 of the sensor guide wire 100. In some embodiments, the electrode 103 is slid along the helical structure 102. In some embodiments, the Pt / Ir layer of the wire 101 is exposed by removing a portion of the outer PTFE layer. For example, the PTFE layer may be exposed manually (indicated 803), removed with a laser, or cut by machine. In some embodiments, solder material is deposited on the exposed Pt / Ir layer (indicated 806). For example, gold-based solder may be deposited on the Pt / Ir layer. Alternatively, in some embodiments, conductive epoxy is deposited on the exposed Pt / Ir layer instead of solder material (indicated 809). In some embodiments, conductive epoxy is applied on top of the deposited solder material (indicated 812). Electrode 103 may be slid over deposited solder material (or conductive epoxy) so that conductive epoxy adheres to electrode 103 and fixes its position (indicator 812). In this way, the conductive epoxy and solder may conductively connect electrode 103 to wire 101 so that the electrophysiological signal measured by electrode 103 may be conducted along wire 101 independently of other electrophysiological signals measured by other electrodes 103. In some embodiments, electrode 103 may be sealed with additional conductive or non-conductive epoxy to prevent movement or separation of electrode 103. In various embodiments, this technique may be repeated to connect multiple electrodes 103 to different wires 101 of the helical structure 102 (indicator 815).

[0046] Figure 9 shows an exemplary workflow for wire identification and electrode connection. In some embodiments, as the number of wires 101 within the sensor guidewire 100 increases, the challenge of identifying the target wire to connect to the electrode 103 increases. In various embodiments, thermographic operation is performed to increase the thermal profile of the target wire 101 so that this wire is identifiable and differentiated from other wires in a visualization based on the thermal data of the sensor guidewire 100. In some embodiments, in operation 903, a current may be applied to the target wire 101, thereby causing a temperature rise in the target wire 101. In some embodiments, operation 903 further includes thermal imaging of the sensor guidewire 100. By increasing the temperature of the target wire 101, the thermal profile of the wire may be increased so that the wire is identifiable as a peak in the thermal data. For example, by passing a current through the target wire 101 or a subset of wires 101, the temperature rise and thermal profile may be restricted to the target. In this way, the target wire may be identified precisely and accurately.

[0047] In some embodiments, in operation 906, workflow 900 includes removing the outer PTFE layer of the identified wire 101 via a laser, cutting mechanism, etc. Thus, the conductive Pt / Ir layer of the wire 101 may be exposed. In some embodiments, the electrode 103 includes a void 902 extending through the outer and inner surfaces of the electrode. In some embodiments, the void 902 is formed via a laser. In various embodiments, in operation 909, workflow 900 includes sliding the electrode 103 on the target wire 101 so that the void 902 aligns with the exposed platinum / Ir layer. In some embodiments, workflow 900 includes applying solder and / or conductive epoxy through the void 902 so that the electrode 103 is fixed onto the target wire 101 and electrically connected to the target wire 101. In some embodiments, workflow 900 includes sealing the void 902 with epoxy, gold-based solder, etc. In some embodiments, workflow 900 further includes polishing the electrode 103 to achieve surface gloss (also called "planarization"). In various embodiments, workflow 900 includes repeating operations 903–909 to fabricate a plurality of independent electrophysiological sensors, each consisting of a pair of electrode 103 and wire 101. In some embodiments, workflow 900 is further implemented to conductionally connect an electronic contact to the wire 101 at a proximal portion of the sensor guidewire 100. Furthermore, one or more computing devices may be connected to the electronic contact to enable collection, storage, and / or analysis of the conducted electrophysiological signals.

[0048] Figure 10 shows an exemplary sensor guidewire 100 deployed to a target site 1000. It should be understood that the illustrations shown in Figure 10 are illustrative in nature and are not intended to represent or limit the proportions, angular configurations, etc., of sensor guidewires described herein. In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire 100 may be guided through multiple tubular tissues of the target circulatory system 1001 to deploy the distal portion of the sensor guidewire 100 to a target site 1000 where electrophysiological signals of the target brain may be measured. In some embodiments, the target site 1000 comprises the superior sagittal sinus of the target. In some embodiments, multiple electrodes 103 of the sensor guidewire 100 enable multi-channel electrophysiological measurement of brain activity. For example, the sensor guidewire 100 may include 16 electrically independent and spatially separated electrodes 103 so that electrophysiological signals from multiple sampling sites in the brain may be measured simultaneously and transmitted to a computing device. In this way, the sensor guide wire 100 may offer superior technical advantages over existing methods for electrophysiological measurements by increasing the number and spatial specificity of measurements.

[0049] Exemplary method of manufacture and use Having described exemplary sensor guidewires in this disclosure, exemplary processes of this disclosure will now be described. It will be understood that flowcharts illustrate exemplary processes for fabricating and using the sensor guidewires described herein. For example, the fabrication process 1100, shown in the flowchart of Figure 11 and described herein, may be carried out using one or more sensor guidewires 100, shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5-9, respectively and described herein. As another example, the electrophysiological measurement process 1200, shown in the flowchart of Figure 12 and described herein, may be carried out using one or more sensor guidewires 100. In some embodiments, one or more processes are carried out using a kit comprising one or more guidewires. For example, process 1200 may be carried out using a kit comprising one or more sensor guidewires 100, etc. As another example, in a background for mapping the electrophysiological activity of the brain, step 1200 may be repeated multiple times using a kit comprising a first sensor guidewire 100, a second guidewire 100, and a third guidewire 100. In such a background, the first sensor guidewire 100 may be deployed into the superior or inferior sagittal sinus, the second sensor guidewire 100 may be deployed into the left transverse sinus, and the third sensor guidewire may be deployed into the right transverse sinus. In some embodiments, the kit further includes one or more computing devices configured to receive signals from multiple wires of the sensor guidewires.

[0050] In some embodiments, the kit comprises at least a first sensor guide wire and a second sensor guide wire. The first sensor guide wire may comprise a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other by a first separation distance. The second sensor guide wire may comprise a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other by a second separation distance. The second separation distance may be less than, equal to, or greater than the first separation distance. Furthermore or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first sensor guide wire of the kit comprises a first quantity of electrodes, and the second sensor guide wire of the kit comprises a second quantity of electrodes, which is either more than or less than the first quantity of electrodes. In various embodiments, the kit comprises a plurality of sensor guide wires of varying diameters.

[0051] The illustrated blocks illustrate the operation of each step. Such operations may be carried out in any of several ways, including, but not limited to, the order and manner described herein. In some embodiments, one or more blocks of any of the steps described herein occur between, before, or concurrently with one or more blocks of another step, and / or as a substep of a second step. Furthermore or alternatively, any step of the various embodiments includes some or all of the operation steps described and / or shown, including one or more arbitrary blocks in some embodiments. With respect to the flowcharts shown herein, one or more of the blocks(s) shown in some embodiments are optional in some or all embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that one or more operations in each flowchart may be combined and interchangeable and / or modified in other ways described herein.

[0052] Figure 11 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of an exemplary step 1100 for fabricating a sensor guidewire 100. For example, step 2400 may be performed to electrically couple multiple electrodes 103 to multiple wires 101 of a helical structure 102. In this way, multiple electrically independent electrophysiological sensors may be defined by each pair of electrodes 103 and wires 101.

[0053] In some embodiments, in block 1103, step 1100 includes applying current to the target wire 101. Doing so may raise the temperature of the target wire 101, without significantly raising the temperature of other wires because the wires are insulated from each other. In some embodiments, in block 1106, step 1100 includes identifying a portion of the target wire 101 via thermography. For example, the thermographic operation may be performed to generate thermal image data of the sensor guide wire 100. The target wire 101 and the portion of the target wire 101 connected to the electrode may be identified based on the thermal image data, and the thermal profile of the target wire may be distinguishable as peaks or outliers.

[0054] In some embodiments, in block 1109, step 1100 includes exposing the conductive layer of the target wire along a portion of the target wire. For example, a portion of the outer insulating material (e.g., PTFE) may be removed via a laser or mechanical means. In this way, the underlying layer of the conductive material (e.g., Pt / Ir coating) may be exposed. In some embodiments, in block 1112, step 1100 includes aligning the electrode 103 onto the exposed portion of the target wire 101. For example, the electrode 103 may be positioned on the helical structure 102 such that the gap of the electrode 103 aligns with the exposed portion of the target wire 101. In some embodiments, in block 1115, step 1100 includes creating a conductive connection between the electrode 103 and the exposed portion of the target wire 101. For example, solder, conductive epoxy, etc., may be applied through the gap of the electrode 103. The solder, conductive epoxy, etc., may conductively connect and fix the electrode 103 to the target wire 101. In some embodiments, step 1100 includes polishing the gaps in the electrode 103 to achieve a flat surface free of burrs, indentations, etc. In various embodiments, step 1100 may be repeated to create independent conductive connections between additional electrodes 103 and wires 101. Furthermore, in some embodiments, step 1100 may be repeated at the proximal end of the sensor guide wire 100 to create conductive connections between multiple wires and multiple electrical contacts, respectively.

[0055] Figure 12 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of an exemplary step 1200 for measuring electrophysiological signals from a target site. For example, step 1200 may be performed to measure multiple electrophysiological signals from various regions of the brain. As another example, step 1200 may be performed to generate a mapping of electrical phenomena throughout the entire heart.

[0056] In some embodiments, step 1200 includes conductively coupling a computing device to a plurality of electrical contacts in the proximal portion of the sensor guidewire 100. For example, a plurality of independent electrical connections may be generated between the computing device and the electrical contacts. In this way, the computing device may receive and record electrophysiological signals across a plurality of channels that may correspond to different sampling sites of the target site.

[0057] In some embodiments, in block 1203, step 1200 includes guiding the sensor guidewire 100 to a target site. For example, the sensor guidewire 100 may be inserted into and guided into one or more blood vessels of the target, with the distal portion leading, to deploy the distal portion of the sensor guidewire 100 to a target site such as the superior sagittal sinus, or one or more ventricles, heart valves, etc. In some embodiments, block 1203 is performed in parallel with the operation of block 1206. In some embodiments, the sensor guidewire 100 is inserted into the target artery through an incision and guided through the target artery to a specific segment of the artery or a second blood vessel (e.g., another artery, vein, etc.).

[0058] In some embodiments, in block 1206, step 1200 includes monitoring the position of the sensor guidewire 100 within the body of the subject via one or more radiation-based imaging techniques. For example, radiopaque elements of the sensor guidewire 100 (e.g., the wire of the helical structure 102, the electrode 103, etc.) may be imaged in real time via X-ray, fluoroscopy, etc. In some embodiments, the user applies torque to the proximal portion of the sensor guidewire 100 based at least partially on the monitored position. The torque may be transmitted from the proximal to the distal portion of the sensor guidewire 100 to guide the device through the meandering environment within the body of the subject.

[0059] In some embodiments, in block 1209, step 1200 includes positioning each electrode 103 of the sensor guidewire 100 in proximity to a plurality of sampling sites in the target site. For example, the orientation of the sensor guidewire 100 may be adjusted, for example, by applying and transmitting torque, so that the electrodes 103 are aligned with each sampling site, such as various regions such as the superior sagittal sinus or the heart. In some embodiments, in block 1212, step 1200 includes measuring each electrophysiological signal at the sampling site via the plurality of electrodes 103. In some embodiments, in block 1215, step 1200 includes conducting the electrophysiological signals to a computing device via independent conductive connections between the electrodes 103 and each wire 101 of the helical structure 102. Step 1200 may further include reading each electrophysiological signal from the plurality of wires 101 via a plurality of electrical contacts in the proximal portion of the sensor guidewire 100. In this way, the sensor guidewire 100 may be used to obtain measurements of multiple bioelectric phenomena that are independent and spatially varied within the target meandering environment.

[0060] knot While some embodiments described herein relate to sensor guidewires for measuring electrophysiological signals in multiple channels within a meandering environment, those skilled in the art will understand that the teachings herein may be applied to a wide range of medical procedures and devices. The embodiments described herein may be expandable to suit at least the applications described above. Various components of the embodiments described herein may be added, removed, rearranged, modified, or duplicated in conjunction with the teachings herein as those found to be advantageous and / or necessary for the implementation of a particular application. In some embodiments, certain features, properties, materials, components, and / or equipment may be applied in conjunction with the teachings herein as those found to be advantageous and / or necessary for the implementation of a particular application.

[0061] Furthermore, numerous modifications and other embodiments of the Disclosure shown herein, which belong to this Disclosure and are of interest to those skilled in the art, as presented in the above description and associated drawings, will be recalled by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that this Disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of any appended claims. Furthermore, while the above description and associated drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments against the backdrop of specific exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that various combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of any appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are intended to be shown within the scope of any appended claims. Certain terms are used herein, but these terms are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A sensor guide wire, A core wire extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end define the length of the sensor guide wire, A plurality of wires within a helical structure surrounding the core wire, wherein the helical structure extends along at least one subset of the length of the core wire, A plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other along the helical structure, Equipped with, Each electrode is configured to cover a portion of the helical structure along the length of the sensor guide wire, Each of the electrodes is connected to one of the plurality of wires, and the connection enables the conduction of signals from the electrode to the one of the plurality of wires. Each of the electrodes and one of the plurality of wires defines an electrophysiological sensor. Sensor guide wire.

2. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein each electrophysiological sensor defined by the plurality of wires and each pair of the plurality of electrodes is electrically independent of one another.

3. The system further comprises a tip configured to enclose the second end of the core wire and each of the ends of the plurality of wires adjacent to the second end of the core wire, The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the tip further defines the length of the sensor guide wire.

4. The sensor guide wire according to claim 3, wherein the helical structure is configured to taper towards the tip from a first diameter to a second diameter.

5. The sensor guide wire according to claim 4, wherein the core wire is configured to taper towards the tip from a first diameter to a second diameter.

6. The sensor guide wire according to claim 3, wherein the chip comprises at least one epoxy material.

7. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes has a cavity configured to expose a portion of one of the plurality of wires within the helical structure.

8. The plurality of wires comprises at least eight wires, The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes comprises at least eight electrodes.

9. The plurality of wires comprises at least 16 wires, The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes comprises at least 16 electrodes.

10. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of wires comprises a platinum-iridium layer configured to impart radiation opacity to the helical structure.

11. The sensor guide wire according to claim 10, wherein the thickness of the platinum-iridium layer is at least 25.0 microns.

12. The sensor guide wire according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of wires further comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer on the platinum-iridium layer.

13. The sensor guide wire according to claim 12, wherein the thickness of the PTFE layer is at least 33.0 microns.

14. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of wires has a diameter of at least 0.25 mm.

15. Each of the aforementioned plurality of electrodes is provided with a platinum layer, The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the platinum layer makes each of the electrodes radiopaque.

16. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the core wire comprises a nickel-titanium alloy.

17. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the core wire has a quadrilateral shape.

18. The plurality of electrodes define their respective sections that extend along the length of the sensor guide wire. The aforementioned sensor guide wire is The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, further comprising at least one additional wire configured to wrap around each section of the sensor guide wire.

19. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the length of the sensor guide wire is at least 80.0 mm.

20. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the separation distance between each of the plurality of electrodes is at least 10.0 mm.

21. The sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the separation distance between the first electrode and the last electrode of the plurality of electrodes is at least 150.0 mm.

22. A method for measuring an electrophysiological signal using a sensor guide wire as described in claim 1, wherein the method is: The sensor guidewire is guided to a target site within the body of the subject through at least one tubular tissue of the subject, The arrangement involves positioning at least one subset of the plurality of electrodes in proximity to the plurality of sampling sites of the target site, wherein the plurality of sampling sites are spaced apart from each other. The electrophysiological signals from the plurality of sampling sites are measured via the electrodes positioned in close proximity to the sampling sites. Conducting the respective electrophysiological signals from at least one subset of the plurality of electrodes to a computing device via one of the plurality of wires connected to the electrodes, A method that includes [a certain feature].

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising monitoring the position of the sensor guidewire within the body of the subject via a radiation-based imaging technique.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the target site comprises the superior sagittal sinus.

25. Arranging the at least one subset of the electrodes means The system includes applying torque to the first end of the sensor guide wire to cause rotation at the second end of the sensor guide wire along the length of the sensor guide wire, The method according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of wires are configured to transmit the torque along the length of the sensor guide wire.

26. A method for manufacturing a sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the method is: Identifying one of the multiple wires via thermographic operation, Exposing the conductive layer of the identified wire, Aligning one of the plurality of electrodes on the core, A method comprising creating a conductive connection between the core and the aligned electrode.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the conductive connection comprises at least one of solder, conductive epoxy, or epoxy insulation.

28. The electrode comprises a cavity, and the electrode is positioned such that the cavity is aligned on the core of the identified wire. The method according to claim 26, further comprising generating the conductive connection through the cavity of the electrode.

29. The operation using the aforementioned thermography is, By applying current to one of the aforementioned multiple wires, the thermal profile is increased. To generate thermal image data that matches a portion of the aforementioned sensor guide wire, The method according to claim 26, further comprising identifying one of the plurality of wires to which the current is applied, based at least partially on the thermal image data.

30. The method according to claim 26, further comprising exposing the core of the identified wire via a laser.

31. The first sensor guide wire according to claim 1, A second sensor guide wire according to claim 1, The multiple electrodes of the first sensor guide wire are separated from each other by a first separation distance. The second sensor guide wire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor guide wire are separated from each other by a second separation distance different from the first separation distance, At least one computing device configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of wires of the first sensor guide wire or the second sensor guide wire, A kit that includes the following:

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