Patent ID: 8702626

Claim:
A guidewire device for use with an image guidance system, the guidewire device comprising: (a) an elongate guidewire shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a sensor located on or in the shaft, the sensor being detectable by an image guidance system for real time determination of the location of the sensor within a subject's body, wherein the sensor is embodied in an electromagnetic coil, wherein the electromagnetic coil is positioned within an electromagnetic housing, wherein the electromagnetic housing has a sidewall having a helical configuration, wherein the electromagnetic housing is configured to be screwed to the distal end of the shaft to provide a friction fitting between the electromagnetic housing and the distal end of the shaft; (c) first electrical contacts located on the shaft at or near the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the first electrical contacts include a first band contact configured about the shaft and a second band contact spaced longitudinally from the first band contact and configured about the shaft; (d) wires extending between the sensor and the contacts; and (e) a hub member that is disposable on and removable from the guidewire shaft, the hub member having second electrical contacts that electrically couple to the first electrical contacts when the hub member is disposed on the guidewire shaft.