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Publication Number
US-12758154-B2
Publication Date
2026-10-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
A sensor-retention structure includes a sensor-support arm configured to hold a sensor device and a stabilizer structure associated with the sensor-support arm and configured to project away from the sensor-support arm and provide stabilizing support for the sensor-support arm.
Core Innovation
The disclosed subject matter provides sensor-retention structures for an implantable cardiac sensor system for physiological monitoring, particularly pressure sensing. A sensor-support arm includes a curved cradle shaped as a cylindrical arc with opposing sidewall segments and retention fingers that receive and retain an elongate cylindrical sensor device. An associated tissue-contacting stabilizer deflects away from the arm and supports the sensor device at an angled orientation relative to an adjacent tissue wall.
Other disclosed embodiments incorporate a shunt body or tubular frame defining a flow passage through a tissue wall and having tissue-engaging anchor arms. A sensor-holding extension extends from an anchor arm and couples to a stabilizer comprising a bendable base, an elongate leg, and a tissue-contact end portion. The stabilizer spaces the sensor holder from the tissue wall to establish an angular orientation and stabilize the sensor device against vibration, movement, and signal noise.
Claims Coverage
The claims define three inventive features directed to sensor-retention structures, each providing a sensor holder and tissue-contacting stabilizer, with two features further incorporating anchored flow structures.
Sensor-support arm with curved cradle and stabilizer
A sensor-support arm holds an elongate cylindrical sensor device in a curved cradle shaped as a cylindrical arc, with opposing sidewall segments and circumferentially projecting retention fingers that partially rise along the outer surface to retain the sensor device. An associated stabilizer deflects away from the arm to provide tissue-contact support that maintains the arm at an angled orientation relative to a tissue wall. Dependent claims further specify stabilizer components, an atraumatic coating, and foot configurations.
Shunt body with sensor-holding extension and stabilizer
A shunt body defines a flow channel through a tissue wall and includes tissue-engaging anchor arms configured to deploy radially outward to engage tissue on opposite sides of the wall. A sensor-holding extension extending from an anchor arm includes a cradle that receives the sensor device, while a coupled stabilizing structure with a bendable base, elongate leg, and tissue-contact end portion contacts the wall and spaces the extension from it at an angled orientation. Dependent claims further specify cradle support bands, window openings, retention fingers, and an interference stop that inhibits distal axial movement of the sensor.
Tubular frame with angled sensor holder and stabilizer
A tubular frame defines a flow passage and has anchor arms that deflect radially to secure the frame relative to a tissue wall. A sensor holder extending from a tissue-contact end of an anchor arm supports an elongate cylindrical sensor device at an angle relative to the frame axis and tissue-wall plane, retaining the sensor via a curved cradle with opposing sidewall segments and retention fingers while a coupled bendable stabilizer engages the tissue wall to establish a controlled angular orientation.
The three independent claims cover sensor retention and orientation through curved-cradle sensor holders and tissue-contacting stabilizers that maintain an angled orientation relative to a tissue wall, encompassing standalone configurations as well as structures integrated with a flow-passage frame or shunt and tissue-engaging anchors.
Stated Advantages
The cradle and retention features receive and securely retain the elongate cylindrical sensor device.
The stabilizer provides tissue-contact support that controls sensor orientation, maintains an angled orientation relative to the tissue wall, and reduces vibration, movement, and sensor signal noise.
The tissue-engaging anchor arms deploy radially outward to secure the shunt body or tubular frame relative to the tissue wall.
A distal interference stop inhibits distal axial movement of the sensor device relative to the curved cradle form.
Documented Applications
Implantable cardiac physiological monitoring systems, particularly for pressure sensing, with communication to external, local, and remote monitors.
Cardiac implant applications in tissue walls separating first and second anatomical spaces, including shunts with flow channels passing through the wall.
Implantation of sensor-retention structures in cardiac anatomy, including catheter-based contexts with sensor holders positioned in or near the left atrium and coronary sinus.
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