Pressure sensing system and method using a pressure sensitive mems catheter

Abstract

A pressure-sensing conduit detector includes a flexible printed circuit, one or more pressure sensor assemblies coupled to the flexible printed circuit along its length, and a first flexible sleeve. Each pressure sensor assembly includes a body. The body includes a central cavity configured to receive the flexible printed circuit and an annular recess of the body. Each pressure sensor assembly also includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor disposed in the annular recess, an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit, and a first flexible sleeve disposed above the annular recess of the body. The first flexible sleeve includes fluid configured to transmit pressure to the MEMS sensor, and a second sleeve is disposed above the pressure sensor assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 093,392, filed on October 19, 2020. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to diagnostic instruments, and more specifically to a pressure measurement system that uses a catheter to circumferentially sense pressure using a pressure-sensitive microelectromechanical system (MEMS). Background Technology

[0004] The esophagus is a tubular organ that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Accurate measurement of the physiological parameters of the esophagus under actual swallowing conditions is valuable in diagnosing esophageal disorders such as achalasia, dysphagia, diffuse esophageal spasm, ineffective esophageal motility, and hypervasoconstrictive lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When a person with a healthy esophagus swallows, the circular muscles in the esophagus contract. The contraction begins at the upper end of the esophagus and propagates downwards towards the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The function of the peristaltic muscle contractions—the function of propelling food and beverages through the esophagus to the stomach—is sometimes referred to as motility, but is often simply called peristalsis.

[0005] Specifically, esophageal manometry is a test used to assess the pressure and motility of the esophagus, allowing doctors to evaluate the effectiveness of the muscles in the esophagus in transporting liquids or food from the mouth to the stomach.

[0006] There is ongoing interest in developing and improving systems and methods for assessing esophageal pressure and motility. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, a pressure-sensing conduit detector includes a flexible printed circuit, at least one pressure sensor assembly coupled to the flexible printed circuit along its length, and a second sleeve disposed above the at least one pressure sensor assembly. Each pressure sensor assembly includes a body. The body includes a central cavity configured to receive the flexible printed circuit and an annular recess in the body. Each pressure sensor assembly also includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor disposed in the annular recess, an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit, and a first flexible sleeve disposed above the body in such a manner as to form a cavity for containing fluid between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess. The fluid is configured to transmit pressure to the MEMS sensor.

[0008] In one aspect, the body of at least one pressure sensor assembly may include a cylindrical shape.

[0009] In another aspect, each pressure sensor assembly may also include a fluid injection port configured to fill the first flexible sleeve with fluid.

[0010] In one aspect, electrical connectors may include flexible circuitry and / or printed circuit boards.

[0011] In another aspect, the annular recess can be an annular configuration and positioned around the central portion of the periphery of the main body.

[0012] In another aspect, each pressure sensor assembly can be configured to sense pressure from any angle surrounding the pressure sensor at a corresponding position along the length of the pressure sensor conduit probe.

[0013] In another respect, fluids may include oil.

[0014] In another aspect, the central cavity can be configured for the movement of air and / or the movement of a second fluid.

[0015] According to aspects of this disclosure, each pressure sensor assembly may further include a first sealing channel and a second sealing channel, the first sealing channel being disposed at a first end of the body and configured to seal fluid in a first flexible sleeve, and the second sealing channel being disposed at a second end of the body and configured to seal fluid in a first flexible sleeve.

[0016] In one aspect, according to the specification, each pressure sensor assembly may also include a spring contact configured to electrically couple a MEMS sensor and a flexible printed circuit.

[0017] According to other aspects of this disclosure, a pressure measurement system includes a pressure-measuring catheter detector, a processor, and a memory. The pressure-measuring catheter detector includes a flexible printed circuit and at least one pressure sensor assembly coupled to the flexible printed circuit along its length. Each pressure sensor assembly includes a body, a central cavity through which at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit is received, and a pressure bladder disposed outside the central cavity. The pressure bladder includes fluid and a first flexible sleeve configured to transmit pressure to a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, the first flexible sleeve being disposed above the body in such a manner that a cavity for containing fluid is formed between the first flexible sleeve and an annular recess. The at least one pressure sensor assembly further includes: a MEMS sensor disposed within the pressure bladder and in fluid communication; an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit; and a second sleeve disposed above the at least one pressure sensor assembly. The memory includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the pressure measurement system to acquire pressure measurements from the at least one pressure sensor assembly and determine, based on the measurements, the motility of the esophagus and / or the bolus passage dynamics within the esophagus.

[0018] In another aspect, the body of at least one pressure sensor assembly may include a cylindrical shape.

[0019] In another aspect, at least one pressure sensor assembly may also include a fluid injection port configured to fill fluid into a first flexible sleeve.

[0020] In another aspect, electrical connectors may include flexible circuitry and / or printed circuit boards.

[0021] In another aspect, pressure airbags are placed around the central part of the body.

[0022] In another respect, fluids may include oil.

[0023] In another aspect, the central cavity can be configured for the movement of air and / or the movement of a second fluid.

[0024] In another aspect, the system may also include a temperature sensor and / or an impedance sensor.

[0025] In another aspect, the system may also include a wireless communication module.

[0026] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the pressure-sensing conduit sensor assembly includes a body. The body includes a central cavity and an annular recess surrounding the circumference of the body. The pressure-sensing conduit sensor assembly further includes: a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor disposed within the annular recess of the body; an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and a flexible printed circuit; a first flexible sleeve disposed above the body in such a manner as to form a cavity for containing fluid between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess of the body, the fluid being configured to transmit pressure to the MEMS sensor; a first sealing channel disposed at a first end of the body and configured to seal the fluid within the first flexible sleeve; a second sealing channel disposed at a second end of the body and configured to seal the fluid within the first flexible sleeve; and a second sleeve disposed above the MEMS sensor.

[0027] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a pressure-measuring conduit detector kit includes a flexible printed circuit, at least one pressure sensor assembly, and a second sleeve configured to be disposed above the at least one pressure sensor assembly. The at least one pressure sensor assembly includes a body comprising a central cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit; an annular recess surrounding the body; a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor configured to be disposed within the annular recess; an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit; and a first flexible sleeve configured to be disposed above the body in such a manner as to form a cavity for containing fluid between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess, the first flexible sleeve including fluid configured to transmit pressure to the MEMS sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0028] This document describes various aspects of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 It is based on the diagram of the pressure measurement system of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 It is provided in accordance with this disclosure and configured for use with Figure 1 A block diagram of the controller used in the pressure measurement system;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A diagram of the pressure measuring conduit detector of the pressure measuring system shown;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the pressure-measuring catheter detector;

[0033] Figure 5 It is provided in accordance with this disclosure and configured for use with Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the detector assembly used in the pressure measurement system;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the detector assembly;

[0035] Figure 7 It has a flexible sleeve mounted above the MEMS sensor. Figure 5 A perspective view of the detector assembly;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the pressure-measuring catheter detector;

[0037] Figure 9 It is coupled to the flexible printed circuit. Figure 3 A perspective view of the pressure-measuring catheter detector;

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A top view of the pressure-measuring catheter detector;

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 A side view of the spring contact of the pressure measuring conduit detector;

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 3 An end view of the spring contact of the pressure measuring conduit detector; and

[0041] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the spring contact of the pressure measuring conduit detector. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The disclosed surgical apparatus is now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure are merely examples and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions have not been described in detail so as not to obscure this disclosure with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely form the basis of the claims and serve as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt this disclosure differently in virtually any suitable specific construction. Furthermore, directional terms such as anterior, posterior, upper, lower, top, bottom, distal, proximal, and similar terms are used to aid in understanding this specification and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0043] This disclosure relates generally to diagnostic instruments, and more specifically to a pressure measurement system for circumferentially sensing pressure using a pressure-sensitive MEMS via a conduit.

[0044] Specifically, esophageal manometry is a test used to assess the pressure and motility of the esophagus, allowing physicians to evaluate the effectiveness of the muscles in the esophagus in transporting liquids or food from the mouth to the stomach. To perform this test, a manometry system operates in conjunction with a manometry catheter probe placed in the patient's esophagus to record pressure and / or impedance data over a period of time using various sensors placed on the catheter. Analysis software is used to analyze the data to assess the cause of symptoms such as gastric reflux, dysphagia, functional chest pain, achalasia, hiatal hernia, and to make a diagnosis.

[0045] The manometry system obtains high-resolution and / or three-dimensional (3D) mappings of pressure levels within tubular organs of the human gastrointestinal tract, and optionally, high-resolution and / or three-dimensional (3D) mappings of pressure and impedance levels within tubular organs of the upper human gastrointestinal tract, such tubular organs including the pharynx, esophagus, proximal intestine (stomach / duodenum), anus, and rectum. The manometry system is used in a medical clinical setting to obtain pressure and impedance levels and store the corresponding data for visualization and analysis using software. Esophageal manometry is used as an example; the systems and methods disclosed herein are applicable to other forms of manometry systems, such as rectal manometry systems.

[0046] Figure 1 A pressure measurement system 100 is shown. The pressure measurement system 100 typically includes a controller 200, a display 104, and a pressure measurement catheter detector 300. The controller 200 ( Figure 2 It is configured to execute software for data acquisition and analysis. Depending on the application (esophageal / anorectal manometry), size, and catheter diameter, various manometry catheter probe 300 configurations can be used.

[0047] The manometry system 100 enables a complete assessment of esophageal motility. This system allows for enhanced sensitivity, providing useful information to support the diagnosis of symptoms such as dysphagia, achalasia, and hiatal hernia. By precisely quantifying the contraction of the esophagus and its sphincter, this procedure helps provide a more complete picture of esophageal pressure distribution in the patient.

[0048] Esophageal manometry, or pressure measurement, along with impedance analysis, can be used to assess esophageal motility and bolus passage dynamics within the esophagus. The manometry catheter detector 300 includes a sensor assembly 320 positioned along its length. Figure 4 (For example, a pressure sensor). The pressure-sensing catheter probe 300 can be inserted into the esophagus, typically reaching the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and extending into the patient's stomach, with the pressure sensor located at the LES and at several other specific points along the length of the esophagus above the LES. The LES is the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. It acts as a valve that is normally kept tightly closed to prevent the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus.

[0049] During the procedure, the patient swallows a specific amount of water using a manometry catheter probe 300 placed in the esophagus. Sensor assembly 320 ( Figure 4 The esophageal pressure at the location can be measured and used as an indicator of the amplitude and sequence of peristaltic contractions. Additionally, because the location of the sensor assembly 320 is known, the velocity of the peristaltic movement can also be determined based on the location of the peak pressure at each location as a function of time, or the start of the pressure rise. This test can be repeated multiple times to obtain a set of pressure and velocity values, the statistical analysis of which can be used for diagnostic purposes.

[0050] High-resolution manometry involves collecting data using catheters with closely spaced sensors. This high-resolution data enables the visualization of spatiotemporal contour maps of systolic pressure physiology. Examples include ManoScan. TM Data acquisition software and ManoView TM Data analysis software and other products can be used to help visualize high-resolution pressure measurement data.

[0051] The pressure-measuring catheter detector 300 may include other sensors 316. Figure 4 Such as impedance sensors. High-resolution impedance measurement provides a spatiotemporal map of bolus movement. The impedance at multiple points in the esophagus can be used to detect and monitor the movement of a bolus through the esophagus. A bolus of water or food will have a different impedance than an unfilled esophagus, so changes in impedance in the esophagus indicate the presence of a bolus. Therefore, a manometric catheter detector 300 located in the esophagus and having multiple impedance and / or acidity sensors distributed along its length can be used to detect and monitor bolus passage, i.e., the movement of a bolus through the esophagus.

[0052] Figure 2 A controller 200 according to this disclosure is shown, which includes a processor 220 connected to a computer-readable storage medium or memory 230. The computer-readable storage medium or memory 230 may be a volatile type of memory, such as RAM, or a non-volatile type of memory, such as flash memory, disk media, etc. In various aspects of this disclosure, the processor 220 may be any type of processor, such as, but not limited to, a digital signal processor, a microprocessor, an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a central processing unit (CPU).

[0053] In various aspects of this disclosure, memory 230 may be random access memory, read-only memory, disk storage, solid-state memory, optical disk storage, and / or another type of memory. In some aspects of this disclosure, memory 230 may be separable from controller 200 and may communicate with processor 220 via a communication bus on a circuit board and / or via a communication cable (such as a serial ATA cable or other type of cable). Memory 230 includes computer-readable instructions executable by processor 220 to operate controller 200. Memory 230 may include volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile memory configured to store data, including software instructions for operating the pressure measurement system 100. In other aspects of this disclosure, controller 200 may include network interface 240 for communicating with other computers or servers. Storage device 210 may be used to store data.

[0054] Figure 3 A pressure-sensing catheter detector 300 is shown. The pressure-sensing catheter detector 300 typically includes a second sleeve 310 mounted on a sensor assembly 320. It is conceivable that the pressure-sensing catheter detector 300 may include any number (including zero) of additional sleeves after the first sleeve. The pressure-sensing catheter detector 300 may have features for transmitting signals (e.g., sensed pressure signals) to a controller 200. Figure 1 Any number of connectors. Analog signals from the pressure-sensing catheter detector 300 can be converted into digital signals for use by the controller 200. Figure 1 Further processing is required. In various aspects, the pressure-measuring catheter detector 300 can wirelessly transmit the signal to the controller 200. Figure 1 The second sleeve 310 may be a flexible tubular membrane. The second sleeve 310 may be configured to protect the sensor assembly 320 and / or other portions of the manometry catheter detector 300 from the influence of the patient's bodily fluids during surgery. In various aspects, the manometry catheter detector 300 may include a plurality of sensor assemblies 320 evenly spaced along the length of the manometry catheter detector 300. The manometry catheter detector 300 may have any suitable number of sensor assemblies 320. For example, the manometry catheter detector 300 may have sixteen sensor assemblies 320, allowing pressure, impedance, etc., to be measured along the length of the esophagus during surgery.

[0055] Figure 4 It shows the absence of the second sleeve 310. Figure 3A view of a pressure-sensing conduit detector 300. The pressure-sensing conduit detector 300 may also include a flexible printed circuit 314. The flexible printed circuit 314 includes an electrical conductor 314a and is configured for electrical communication with at least one pressure sensor assembly 320 and / or other sensors 316 (e.g., temperature sensors and / or impedance sensors) coupled to the flexible printed circuit along the length of the flexible printed circuit 314. Flexible printed circuits (also referred to differently as flexible circuits, flexible printed circuit boards, flexible printing and / or flexible circuits) are members of the electronics and interconnect family. Flexible printed circuits typically include a thin insulating polymer film having a conductive circuit pattern attached thereto, and are typically provided with a thin polymer coating to protect the conductive circuitry. Sensors 320, 316 slide onto the flexible printed circuit 314 and are wired to corresponding pads and secured in place. In various aspects, custom-molded silicone portions may slide between sensors 320, 316. In various aspects, the pressure-sensing conduit detector 300 may include a plurality of sensor assemblies 320 spaced evenly along the length of the pressure-sensing conduit detector 300. For example, the pressure measuring catheter detector 300 may have 36 sensor assemblies 320, enabling pressure, impedance, and other parameters to be measured along the length of the esophagus during surgery.

[0056] Figure 5 An exploded view of sensor assembly 320 is shown. Sensor assembly 320 typically includes a body 322, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor 326, an electrical connector 328 (e.g., a contact, connection, and / or connector), and a flexible sleeve 338. Sensor assembly 320 may include a first cylindrical seal 330a and a second cylindrical seal 330b configured to seal the flexible sleeve 338. The cylindrical seals may be mechanical (e.g., rings), physical (e.g., melting / welding), or chemical (e.g., adhesives). Body 322 may be any suitable shape, such as a cylindrical shape. However, other shapes are contemplated.

[0057] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A perspective view of the sensor assembly 320. The body 322 includes a flexible printed circuit 314 configured to allow... Figure 4The sensor assembly 320 passes through a central cavity 332 (e.g., a flexible travel groove). The central cavity may allow air movement and / or fluid movement (separated from intermediate pressure fluid). For example, air movement and / or fluid movement can be used in anorectal detector designs that may require integrated bladder inflation. In all aspects, the air and / or fluid remain separated from the fluid used in the pressure bladder 350 of the sensor assembly 320. Integrated wiring harnesses and / or flexible circuitry can be used for pressure signals and / or other signals, such as impedance measurements, temperature measurements, and / or digital signals. An annular recess 340 is formed around the circumference of the body 322. The annular recess 340 may be formed around a central portion 322b of the periphery of the body 322. The annular recess 340 may surround a portion or the entire circumference of the body 322. The body may also include a first support wall 327a and a second support wall 327b defining a cavity for supporting the MEMS sensor 326. The first support portion 327a and the second support portion 327b extend longitudinally in a mirror relationship to each other. The first support portion 327a and the second support portion 327b include a flat inner surface 327e and an outer surface 327d. The flat inner surface helps to secure the MEMS sensor 326 in the cavity 327c. The outer surface 327d can have any suitable shape or configuration, including flat, inclined and / or beveled.

[0058] MEMS sensor 326 is disposed on the outer surface of body 322 within an annular recess 340 of body 322. MEMS sensor 326 is configured to sense pressure and generate a signal including the sensed pressure information. MEMS devices integrate small mechanical and electronic components onto a silicon chip. Typically, MEMS consist of components with dimensions from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers (i.e., 0.001 mm to 0.1 mm), and the size of MEMS devices is typically in the range of about 20 micrometers to about 1 millimeter (i.e., 0.02 mm to 1.0 mm). They typically include a central unit (an integrated circuit chip, such as a microprocessor) for processing data and several components (such as microsensors) for interacting with the surrounding environment. MEMS technology differs from molecular nanotechnology or molecular electronics in that the latter must also consider surface chemistry.

[0059] Several types of pressure sensors can be constructed using MEMS technology, including piezoresistive (e.g., ohmic) and capacitive types. In both cases, a flexible layer is created that acts as a diaphragm deflecting under pressure, but different methods are used to measure displacement. In capacitive sensors, a conductive layer is deposited on the diaphragm and the bottom of the cavity to create a capacitor. Deformation of the diaphragm changes the spacing between the conductors and thus the capacitance. This change can be measured, for example, by including the sensor in a tuning circuit that changes its frequency as the pressure changes. Alternatively, the capacitance can be measured more directly by measuring the time it takes to charge the capacitor from a current source. This can be compared to a reference capacitor, for example, to account for manufacturing tolerances and reduce thermal effects.

[0060] Electrical connector 328 is configured to electrically couple MEMS sensor 326 and flexible printed circuit 314. Electrical connector 328 can be any suitable electrical connector, including, for example, a non-limiting list of flexible circuits, printed circuit boards, wires, and / or gold traces. Pressure sensed by MEMS sensor 326 is electrically transmitted to electrical connector 328. Electrical connector 328 can be electrically attached to flexible printed circuit 314 and configured to transmit electrical signals generated by MEMS sensor 326. In various aspects, MEMS sensor 326 may be positioned on electrical connector 328 before being mounted into the body 322 of sensor assembly 320. In various aspects, each electrical connector in electrical connector 328 of each sensor assembly in sensor assembly 320 may be connected to its own set of electrical connections to flexible printed circuit 314, and / or they may be connected in a matrix form, for example, the outputs of two or more sensor assemblies 320 may be electrically grouped together.

[0061] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 A perspective view of the sensor assembly 320. A pressure bladder 350 is formed by placing a flexible sleeve 338 over the MEMS sensor 326, sealing the flexible sleeve 338, and filling the flexible sleeve with fluid 336. The flexible sleeve 338 is disposed over an annular recess 340 of the body 322. The flexible sleeve 338 may comprise any flexible material, including, for example, thermoplastic elastomers and / or silicone. In various respects, the thickness of the flexible sleeve 338 should be thick enough to retain the fluid, but thin enough to transmit pressure changes. For example, the flexible sleeve 338 may comprise a thickness between about 0.005 inches and about 0.020 inches.

[0062] The flexible sleeve 338 includes a fluid 336 (e.g., oil) configured to transmit pressure to a MEMS sensor 326 disposed within the fluid 336. The fluid 336 may comprise any stable, non-conductive fluid that is not too viscous and compatible with the material of the flexible sleeve 338, such as vegetable / seed oil (e.g., rapeseed oil), mineral oil, and / or deionized water. The flexible sleeve 338 may be made of, for example, silicon. In one aspect, a set of rings 330a and 330b may be disposed at opposite ends of the flexible sleeve 338 and configured to seal the flexible sleeve 338 by, for example, coiled cylindrical seals 330a and 330b. The cylindrical seals 330a and 330b may be made of, for example, metals such as brass and / or plastics.

[0063] Figure 8 A perspective view of the sensor assembly 320 is shown. It is conceivable that other methods could be used to seal the flexible sleeve 338, such as, for example, an adhesive plug. In one aspect, a sealing channel 804 may be formed in a first end 322d and a second end 322e of the body 322 of the sensor assembly 320. The sealing channel 804 may include a port 802 (e.g., an adhesive injection port) for filling the sealing channel when the flexible sleeve 338 is installed. The adhesive may include any adhesive compatible with the material of the flexible sleeve 338, including, for example, cyanoacrylate.

[0064] The sensor assembly 320 may also include a fluid injection port configured to fill the flexible sleeve 338 with fluid. A pressure balloon 350 extends the pressure measurement surface area of ​​the MEMS sensor 326 to the entire circumference of the pressure-measuring catheter probe 300. The pressure balloon 350 allows pressure to be sensed from any angle surrounding the pressure-measuring catheter probe 300. For example, during surgery, a patient uses the pressure-measuring catheter probe 300 placed in the esophagus. Figure 1 Swallowing a specific amount of water or other liquid. Esophageal pressure transmits pressure to the pressure bladder 350, and causes fluid 336 to induce pressure on the MEMS sensor 326. This pressure can be measured by the MEMS sensor 326, transmitted to the pressure measurement system 100, and used as an indication of the amplitude and sequence of peristaltic contractions.

[0065] The pressure measurement system 100 transmits a small voltage, low current, sinusoidal wave to the MEMS sensor 326. When the diaphragm of the MEMS sensor 326 shifts in response to the pressure transmitted to the MEMS sensor 326 via the fluid 336, the capacitance of the MEMS sensor 326 changes. This change in capacitance alters the amplitude and / or phase of the sinusoidal wave, which is then measured and processed by the pressure measurement system 100 into a pressure measurement result.

[0066] Figure 9A perspective view of sensor assembly 320 is shown. In various aspects, sensor assembly 320 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 806 for mounting a MEMS sensor 326 to a body 322 of sensor assembly 320, as shown. The MEMS sensor 326 may be soldered or bonded to the PCB 806 with conductive epoxy. A central cavity 332 of body 322 may include a recess 332c configured for mounting the PCB 806. PCB 806 may be disposed on the body 322 of sensor assembly 320 with a sealant, including but not limited to, silicone and / or epoxy.

[0067] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A top view of the sensor assembly 320. The flexible printed circuit 314 includes an electrical conductor 314a and is configured for electrical communication with at least one pressure sensor assembly 320 disposed along the length of the flexible printed circuit 314. For example, a pressure signal generated by a MEMS sensor 316 is electrically connected to conductors on the PCB 806, which are in turn electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit 314 via the electrical conductor 314a.

[0068] Figure 11 A spring contact 1102 of the sensor assembly 320 is shown. The spring contact 1102 forms an electrical connection between the PCB 806, on which the MEMS sensor 326 is mounted, and the flexible printed circuit 314. For example, the MEMS sensor 326 generates a signal and conducts it via the sensor PCB 806 and / or an electrical connector 328 electrically connected thereto. This signal is then conducted via the spring contact 1102 to the flexible printed circuit 314 for further system processing. The spring contact 1102 typically comprises a single sheet of conductive metal folded in the form of a spring sheet. The spring contact 1102 saves assembly time and processes, and improves efficiency by reducing the amount of solder or conductive epoxy connections that would otherwise be used to assemble the sensor assembly 320. The spring contact 1102 may be made of, for example, copper alloys, spring steel, nickel, and / or beryllium copper. In various aspects, the spring contact 1102 may include a spring pin and / or a spring-loaded pin.

[0069] Figure 12 An end view of sensor assembly 320 is shown. MEMs sensor 326 ( Figure 13 The spring contact 1102 is mounted on the top surface 806A of PCB 806. The bottom surface 806B of PCB 806 is mounted on the top surface 1102A of spring contact 1102. The bottom surface 1102B of spring contact 1102 is mounted on the electrical contact 314A of flexible printed circuit 314.

[0070] Based on the foregoing and with reference to the various accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that certain modifications may be made to this disclosure without departing from its scope. While several embodiments of this disclosure have been shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit this disclosure, as it is intended to make this disclosure as broad as permitted by the art and to be read in the same manner. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be construed as restrictive, but rather as illustrative of particular embodiments only. Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pressure-measuring catheter detector, comprising: Flexible printed circuits; At least one pressure sensor assembly, the at least one pressure sensor assembly being disposed along and coupled to the flexible printed circuit, the at least one pressure sensor assembly comprising: The body includes a central cavity that receives at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit; An annular recess surrounding the main body; A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, wherein the MEMS sensor is disposed in the annular recess; An electrical connector configured to electrically couple the microelectromechanical system sensor and the flexible printed circuit; and A first flexible sleeve is disposed on the body in such a manner that a cavity for containing fluid is formed between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess, the fluid being configured to transmit pressure to the microelectromechanical system sensor; and A second sleeve is mounted on the at least one pressure sensor assembly.

2. The pressure-measuring conduit detector according to claim 1, wherein the body of the at least one pressure sensor assembly comprises a cylindrical shape.

3. The pressure-sensing conduit detector of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure sensor assembly further includes a fluid injection port configured to fill the fluid into the first flexible sleeve.

4. The pressure-measuring conduit detector according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connector is composed of at least one of a flexible circuit or a printed circuit board.

5. The pressure-measuring conduit detector according to claim 1, wherein the annular recess is annular in shape and is disposed around the central portion of the periphery of the body.

6. The pressure-sensing conduit detector of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure sensor assembly is configured to sense pressure from any angle surrounding the pressure-sensing conduit detector at a corresponding position of the at least one pressure sensor assembly along the length of the pressure-sensing conduit detector.

7. The pressure-measuring conduit detector according to claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises oil.

8. The pressure-measuring conduit detector of claim 1, wherein the central cavity is configured for at least one of air movement or a second fluid movement.

9. The pressure-measuring conduit detector according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure sensor assembly further comprises: A first sealing channel is disposed on a first end of the body and configured to seal the fluid within the first flexible sleeve; and A second sealing channel is disposed on the second end of the body and configured to seal the fluid within the first flexible sleeve.

10. The pressure-measuring conduit detector of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector includes spring contacts configured to electrically couple the microelectromechanical system sensor and the flexible printed circuit.

11. A pressure measurement system, comprising: The pressure-sensing catheter detector includes: Flexible printed circuits; At least one pressure sensor assembly coupled to the flexible printed circuit along its length, the at least one pressure sensor assembly comprising: The main body includes an annular recess; A central cavity that extends through the body to receive at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit; A pressure airbag, the pressure airbag being disposed on the outer side of the central cavity, the pressure airbag comprising: A fluid configured to transmit pressure to a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor; and A first flexible sleeve is disposed on the body in such a way that a cavity for containing the fluid is formed between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess; Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor, wherein the MEMS sensor is disposed in the pressure bladder and in communication with the fluid; and An electrical connector configured to electrically couple the microelectromechanical system sensor and the flexible printed circuit; and A second sleeve is mounted on the at least one pressure sensor assembly; processor; and The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause the pressure measurement system to: Obtain pressure measurement results from the at least one pressure sensor assembly, and The esophageal motility or the kinetics of the food bolus in the esophagus is determined based on the pressure measurement results.

12. The pressure measurement system of claim 11, wherein the body of the at least one pressure sensor assembly comprises a cylindrical shape.

13. The pressure measurement system of claim 11, wherein the at least one pressure sensor assembly further comprises a fluid injection port configured to fill the fluid into the first flexible sleeve.

14. The pressure measurement system of claim 11, wherein the electrical connector is composed of at least one of a flexible circuit or a printed circuit board.

15. The pressure measuring system of claim 11, wherein the pressure bladder is disposed around the central portion of the periphery of the body.

16. The pressure measurement system of claim 11, wherein the fluid comprises oil.

17. The pressure measurement system of claim 11, wherein the central cavity is configured for at least one of air motion or second fluid motion.

18. The pressure measurement system according to claim 11 further includes at least one of a temperature sensor or an impedance sensor.

19. The pressure measurement system according to claim 11 further includes a wireless communication module.

20. A pressure-measuring catheter sensor assembly, comprising: The main body, the main body includes: Central cavity; and An annular recess surrounding the main body; A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, wherein the MEMS sensor is disposed in the annular recess of the main body; An electrical connector configured to electrically couple the microelectromechanical system sensor and a flexible printed circuit, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit being received in the central cavity; A first flexible sleeve is disposed on the body in such a way that a cavity for containing fluid is formed between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess of the body, the first flexible sleeve including the fluid configured to transmit pressure to the microelectromechanical system sensor; A first sealing channel is disposed on a first end of the body and configured to seal the fluid within the first flexible sleeve; A second sealing channel, disposed at a second end of the body and configured to seal the fluid within the first flexible sleeve; and The second sleeve is mounted on the microelectromechanical system sensor.

21. A pressure-measuring catheter detector kit, comprising: Flexible printed circuits; At least one pressure sensor assembly, the at least one pressure sensor assembly comprising: The body includes a central cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit; An annular recess surrounding the main body; A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, wherein the MEMS sensor is configured to be disposed in the annular recess; An electrical connector configured to electrically couple the microelectromechanical system sensor and the flexible printed circuit; and A first flexible sleeve, configured to be mounted on the body in such a way that a cavity for containing fluid is formed between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess, the first flexible sleeve including the fluid configured to transmit pressure to the microelectromechanical system sensor; and A second sleeve is configured to be mounted on the at least one pressure sensor assembly.

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