Single radio-transparent connector for multi-functional reference patch
A patch and sensor assembly has a biosensor housed in a reusable portion that connects to a mapping and localization system (MLS) via biosensor wires. A disposable portion has an electrode layer through which signals are transmitted to the MLS via ACL wires. The biosensor and ACL wires extend through a single cable exiting the reusable portion. The disposable portion includes an adhesive layer for adhering the electrode layer to a foam layer on the electrode layer, and an engagement element for detachably receiving at least a portion of the housing of the reusable portion. The reusable portion includes a housing in which the biosensor has biosensor wires that exit the reusable portion. The housing is also adapted to carry and/or provide support to an ACL contact member responsive to the electrode layer of the disposable portion, and ACL wires that exit the reusable portion.
1. A patch and sensor assembly for use in a device mapping system for mapping a location of a device within a body of a patient, the patch and sensor assembly being radio-transparent and comprising a reusable portion and a disposable portion,
the reusable portion comprising:
a magnetic-based biosensor for providing location information of the device within the body to the device mapping system;
a housing adapted to house the biosensor, having a top portion and a bottom portion; and
a first electrical lead for communicating an electrical signal from the biosensor to the device mapping system;
the disposable portion comprising:
an adhesive hydrogel layer for adhering the disposable portion to the body of the patient;
an electrode layer disposed on the adhesive hydrogel layer;
a sensor engagement element on the adhesive layer and having a U-shaped slot adapted to detachably receive at least a portion of the housing of the reusable portion,
wherein, the reusable portion includes a second electrical lead adapted to receive an electrical signal from the electrode layer when the at least a portion of the housing of the reusable portion is releasably engaged with the sensor engagement element, and the first and the second electrical leads both extend through a single cable member from the housing to the device mapping system, the reusable portion further comprising an active current location (ACL) contact member electrically coupled to the second electrical lead, the ACL contact member being on a surface of the reusable portion configured to face away from the patient.
2. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the disposable portion further comprises at least one electrode member adapted to electrically couple the electrode layer and the second electrical lead when the at least a portion of the housing of the reusable portion is releasably engaged with the sensor engagement element.
3. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 2 , wherein the at least one electrode member is elastically movable relative to the sensor engagement element when in contact with the reusable portion.
4. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the reusable portion further includes a sensor adapted to transmit an electrical signal to the second electrical lead in response to the electrode layer.
5. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the reusable portion includes side members and the U-shaped slot of the sensor engagement element is adapted to receive the side members.
6. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the disposable portion includes a flexible circuit member.
7. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 6 , wherein the flexible circuit member includes first and second electrical conductors, the first conductor being responsive to the electrode layer and the second electrical conductor being in electrical communication with the ACL contact member when the at least a portion of the housing of the reusable portion is releasably engaged with the sensor engagement element.
8. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the disposable portion includes stops that releasably engage a proximal portion of the reusable portion when the at least a portion of the housing of the reusable portion is releasably engaged with the sensor engagement element.
9. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the electrode layer comprises carbon composite with at least one coating of a metallic material.
10. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 9 , wherein the metallic material is silver chloride.
11. The patch and sensor assembly of claim 10 , wherein the metallic material further comprises a layer of silver disposed on the silver chloride.