Sensor Systems

Abstract

A sensor sheath for a catheter. The sensor sheath includes a substrate having at least one sensor associated therewith and an electronics unit in communication with the at least one sensor, wherein the substrate is configured to attach to a catheter.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sensor sheath for a catheter, comprising:
 a substrate having at least one sensor associated therewith; and   an electronics unit in communication with the at least one sensor,   wherein the substrate is configured to attach to a catheter.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor sheath of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a hydrogel sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor sheath of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor further comprises a plurality of magnetic particles associated with the hydrogel sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor sheath of  claim 3 , wherein the magnetic particles comprise magnetic nanoparticles. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor sheath of  claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of magnetic particles has a magnetic field, and wherein the magnetic fields of the plurality of magnetic particles are aligned in the same direction. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor sheath of  claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of magnetic particles has a magnetic field, and wherein the magnetic fields of the plurality of magnetic particles are aligned in a Halbach array. 
     
     
         7 . The sensor sheath of  claim 3 , wherein the magnetic particles are embedded within the hydrogel sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The sensor sheath of  claim 3 , wherein the hydrogel sensor is sensitive to an analyte. 
     
     
         9 . The sensor sheath of  claim 3 , wherein the magnetic particles are in a layer on top of the hydrogel sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The sensor sheath of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one sensor further comprises a magnetometer adjacent the hydrogel sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The sensor sheath of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a flexible, biocompatible material, at least a portion of which is curved so as to wrap around a catheter.