Implantable passive mean pressure sensor

Abstract

The implantable pressure sensor includes a housing and a sensing component contained by the housing and exposed to external pressure outside the housing. In response to the external pressure, the sensing component is configured to undergo a physical change representative of an average pressure of the external pressure over a period of at least one minute. The pressure sensor includes circuitry operatively connected to the sensing component for generating an average pressure signal representative of the average pressure of the external pressure over the period in response to the physical change in the sensing component.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to pressure sensors and, more particularly, to implantable pressure sensors capable of providing a mean pressure indication. [Background technology]

[0002] A variety of pressure sensors have been developed to measure a variety of different pressures, including blood pressure. Some pressure sensors may be implanted within the body to provide blood pressure values. Because they are implanted, there may be a problem of not being able to provide power to the pressure sensor over time. Furthermore, while pressure sensors can provide an instantaneous pressure indication, they are typically not configured to provide an indication of average pressure over time. In particular, there is a continuing need for pressure sensors that can provide an indication of average pressure over time without requiring continuous electrical energy to maintain the measurement of average pressure over time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a pressure sensor that can provide an indication of average pressure over time without continuous electrical energy to maintain the indication of average pressure over time. By way of example, an implantable pressure sensor includes a housing and a sensing component contained by the housing and exposed to an external pressure outside the housing. In response to the external pressure, the sensing component is configured to undergo a physical change representative of an average pressure of the external pressure over a period of at least one minute. The pressure sensor includes a circuit operatively connected to the sensing component that generates an average pressure signal representative of the average pressure of the external pressure over a period of time in response to the physical change of the sensing component.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally, the circuitry may be configured to repeatedly receive energy transmissions from the remote source and, in response, transmit a mean pressure signal back to the remote source. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing component may undergo and maintain a physical change representative of an average pressure of the external pressure over a period of time without a power supply.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally, the physical change in the sensing component may have a time constant of at least one hour. Alternatively or additionally, the physical change in the sensing component may have a time constant of at least 12 hours.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, the physical change in the sensing component may have a time constant of at least one day. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may be adapted to be placed inside the patient's heart, bladder, brain, spinal column, eye, joint, or vasculature.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing component may include a first plate exposed to external pressure outside the housing and configured to move in response to pressure changes in the external pressure, a second plate disposed within the housing spaced apart from the first plate, and a viscoelastic material disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the viscoelastic material may include a non-conductive material and the average pressure signal may represent a capacitance between the first plate and the second plate. Alternatively or additionally, the viscoelastic material may include an electrically conductive material and the mean pressure signal may be a measure of the resistance between the first plate and the second plate.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the first plate may be electrically conductive and the second plate may be electrically conductive. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing component may include a hydraulic sensing component.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the hydraulic sensing component may include a hydraulic chamber exposed to an external pressure, a first fluid contained within the hydraulic chamber, a pressure chamber, a second fluid contained within the pressure chamber, and a barrier disposed between the first and second fluids, wherein a relative change in pressure in the hydraulic chamber relative to the pressure in the pressure chamber may cause movement of the barrier.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the barrier may include a low flow valve having a high permeability material. As another example, an implantable pressure sensor is configured to provide a signal providing an indication of an average pressure value over a period of time. The implantable pressure sensor includes a housing configured to be implanted in a patient and a sensing component disposed within the housing but exposed to an environment external to the housing. The sensing component is configured to maintain an average pressure measurement without electrical energy that provides an indication of the average pressure in the environment external to the housing over a period of time.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing component may include a viscoelastic material having a time constant of at least one hour. As another example, a left atrial appendage closure device is adapted to fit within the left atrial appendage of a patient to substantially close the patient's left atrial appendage. The left atrial appendage closure device includes an expandable framework. When the left atrial appendage closure device is implanted, a sensing component is exposed to left atrial pressure within the left atrium of the patient's heart, and in response to the left atrial pressure, the sensing component is configured to undergo a physical change representative of an average pressure of the left atrial pressure over a period of at least one minute. A circuit is operably coupled to the sensing component and configured to generate a mean pressure signal representative of the average pressure of the left atrial pressure over a period of time in response to the physical change of the sensing component.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing component may include a viscoelastic material having a time constant of at least 10 minutes that viscoelastically deforms in response to left atrial pressure to represent the average left atrial pressure over a period of time.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing component may include a hydraulic system including a low-flow valve, and in response to a positive change in left atrial pressure, the sensing component moves fluid through the low-flow valve in a first direction under hydraulic resistance according to a time constant of the sensing component that is defined at least in part by the low-flow valve.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, in response to a negative change in left atrial pressure, the sensing component may move fluid through the low-flow valve in a second direction opposite the first direction according to a time constant of the sensing component.

[0016] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The following figures and detailed description more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

[0017] The present disclosure may be more fully understood from consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary pressure sensing system. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pressure sensor. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graphical representation of mean pressure data. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pressure sensor. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary pressure sensor. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary pressure sensor. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary left atrial appendage closure device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary left atrial appendage closure device of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] While the present disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. All numerical values ​​are assumed to be modified herein by the term "about," whether or not expressly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term "about" can include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0021] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0022] It should be noted that references herein to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include one or more particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. However, such a description does not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the particular feature, structure, and / or characteristic. In addition, if a particular feature, structure, and / or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it should be understood that such feature, structure, and / or characteristic may also be used in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless otherwise stated.

[0023] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0024] 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary pressure sensing system 10. The pressure sensing system 10 includes a pressure sensor 12 and a remote energy source 20. The pressure sensor 12 may be configured to be implanted within a patient's body. In some cases, the pressure sensor 12 may be configured to be implanted in a location where the pressure sensor 12 may be exposed to the patient's blood, such as within the patient's vascular system. For example, the pressure sensor 12 may be configured to be implanted within a chamber of the patient's heart. In other cases, the pressure sensor 12 may be configured to be implanted within, for example, the patient's bladder, arteries, veins, brain, spine, eye, joints, or other location.

[0025] The exemplary pressure sensor 12 includes a housing 16 configured to be implanted at a desired location within a patient. Although the pressure sensor 12 is described herein as being deployed as an implantable device intended for use within the human body, it will be understood that the pressure sensor 12 may be applied to other applications as well. When intended for use within the human body, the housing 16 may be formed from any suitable biocompatible material, such as a biocompatible polymeric material or a biocompatible metallic material. In some cases, the housing 16 may be formed from a material that is not biocompatible, but may have a biocompatible film or coating covering the exterior of the housing 16.

[0026] The pressure sensor 12 may be considered to be configured to provide an indication of average pressure, i.e., an average pressure value over time. The average pressure may be a rolling average pressure taken over a predetermined time range. That is, rather than an instantaneous pressure sensor that instantly reports the pressure detected at that time, the pressure sensor 12 generates and maintains an average pressure measurement that is not unduly affected by momentary spikes in pressure. For example, a person's blood pressure may spike while climbing stairs or straining. Instantaneous blood pressure measurements, especially if taken only at specific time intervals, may not accurately provide an overall status of a person's cardiovascular health. In contrast, average blood pressure measurements may serve better, ignoring short-term pressure spikes, to more accurately represent the overall trend of blood pressure.

[0027] The exemplary pressure sensor 12 includes a sensing component 18. The sensing component 18 may be configured to generate and maintain an indication of average pressure over time, which represents the average pressure of the environment outside the housing 16. To that end, the housing 16 may be configured to allow the sensing component 18, or at least a portion of the sensing component 18, to be exposed to the environment outside the housing 16. In some cases, the sensing component 18 may include a viscoelastic material. A viscoelastic material is a material whose stress-strain relationship is time-dependent and includes properties of both viscous and elastic materials. Viscosity is a measure of the resistance to fluid flow, and elasticity is a measure of the ability of a material to return to its original shape after a force is applied. Sorbotane®, a highly damped viscoelastic polymeric solid that flows like a liquid under load, is an example of a viscoelastic material. Sorbotane® is a thermosetting polyether-based polyurethane material. Shape memory foam is another exemplary viscoelastic material. Other exemplary viscoelastic materials include certain polymers, semi-crystalline polymers, biopolymers, neoprene, and bituminous materials, which can be tailored to have the desired time constant for a desired application.

[0028] Rather than using a viscoelastic material, the sensing component 18 may be implemented as a hydraulic system capable of tracking an average or rolling average of pressure over time. Other systems may also be used. In any event, the sensing component 18 may be considered to be configured to maintain an indication of average pressure over time without requiring a power source to generate and maintain the indication of average pressure. As a result, the pressure sensor 12 does not require an on-board power source, such as a battery. Rather, the pressure sensor 12 may be configured to periodically receive power transmitted from a remote power source 20. To enable the pressure sensor 12 to receive and utilize the power transmitted from the remote power source 20, the pressure sensor 12 includes circuitry 22 operably connected to the sensing component 18.

[0029] The exemplary circuitry 22 includes an antenna 24 configured to receive electrical energy from the remote power source 20. The circuitry 22 is configured to convert the electrical energy into an appropriate form, if appropriate, and use this energy to solicit a signal from the sensing component 18. The circuitry 22 then transmits a signal to the remote monitoring device 26 that provides an indication of the average pressure measured by the sensing component 18 over time. In some cases, a single antenna 24 is capable of both receiving the electrical energy transmitted by the remote power source 20 and communicating with the remote monitoring device 26. In some instances, the antenna 24 may instead represent a first antenna configured to receive the electrical energy transmitted by the remote power source 20 and a second antenna configured to transmit a signal to the remote monitoring device 26. Although the remote power source 20 and the remote monitoring device 26 are shown as separate devices, it will be understood that in some cases, the remote power source 20 and the remote monitoring device 26 may be incorporated into a single handheld device.

[0030] It should be noted that the electrical energy provided from the remote power source 20 to the pressure sensor 12 is not used to generate or maintain an indication of the average pressure measurement over time. Rather, the indication of the average pressure measurement over time is generated and maintained over time by the sensing component 18 without the need for continued electrical energy. In this example, the electrical energy provided by the remote power source 20 is used only to interrogate the sensing component 18 for the indication of the average pressure measurement over time and to transmit a signal to the remote monitoring device 26 that is representative of the indication of the average pressure measurement over time.

[0031] In some cases, the sensing component 18 may be considered to be configured to undergo a physical change in response to exposure to an external pressure outside the housing 16. The physical change may be considered to represent an average pressure of the external pressure over a period of at least one minute. Short-term pressure spikes may be largely negligible. The physical change of the sensing component 18 may be considered to have a time constant of at least one hour. The physical change of the sensing component 18 may be considered to have a time constant of at least twelve hours. The physical change of the sensing component 18 may be considered to have a time constant of at least one day. The time constant here represents the speed at which the sensing component 18 can respond to a change in input pressure, and is defined here as the time for the average pressure reported by the sensing component 18 to change by a factor of 1-1 / e (approximately 0.6321) in response to a step change in input pressure. That is, for a one-day time constant, if the input pressure P is halved to P / 2 at time "t" and maintained at P / 2 for one day, the sensing component 18 will respond to a time constant of P-(P / 2 * Report the mean pressure after one day as ((1-1 / e)) ≒ 0.68 P. This is just an example.

[0032] In some cases, to facilitate the measurement of an average pressure measurement, the time constant for pressure increase (e.g., compression time constant) may be configured to be approximately equal to the time constant for pressure decrease (e.g., expansion time constant). In some cases, the time constants for pressure increase and pressure decrease may not be equal. For example, it may be desirable to bias the measurements towards higher or lower pressures, or where both time constants are adjusted to account for biological effects (e.g., tissue encapsulation).

[0033] In some cases, the signal provided by the circuit 22, representing the average pressure measurement provided by the sensing component 18, may be corrected for sensor hysteresis. This correction may be performed in the remote monitoring device 26 to reduce the computational requirements of the circuit 22, but in some cases, the circuit 22 itself may correct for sensor hysteresis. In some cases, a second or additional pressure sensor(s) (not shown) may be implanted within the patient to provide instantaneous measurements as desired in addition to the average pressure measurements provided by the pressure sensor 12. The second or additional pressure sensor(s) may be part of the pressure sensor 12 and operably coupled to the circuit 22. Alternatively, the additional pressure sensor(s) may be housed separately. The additional pressure sensor(s) may be used to calibrate the pressure sensor 12. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 12 may be used to calibrate the instantaneous pressure sensor. It will be appreciated that the pressure sensor 12 (and any additional pressure sensors) may be configured to operate within such a range of pressures within a vessel or cavity within the human body. For example, the absolute pressure range assumed in the left atrium is 450 to 950 millimeters (mm) Hg. The gauge pressure assumed in the left atrium is 2 to 90 mm Hg.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pressure sensor 28 exposed to an environment 30 having a variable pressure. The pressure sensor 28 can be considered an example of the pressure sensor 12. The environment 30 can represent a portion of the patient's vascular system, including the patient's heart, or the patient's bladder or other cavity. The exemplary pressure sensor 28 includes a chamber 32 formed between a first plate 34 and a second plate 36. A housing 38 can be considered an example of the housing 16 shown in FIG. 1 and can provide sides and a bottom for the chamber 32. The first plate 34 is positioned such that a change in pressure within the environment 30 can cause the first plate 34 to deflect downward (in the orientation shown) when the external pressure within the environment 30 increases and can cause the first plate 34 to deflect upward (in the orientation shown) when the external pressure within the environment 30 decreases. In this example, the chamber 32 is filled with a viscoelastic material 40.

[0035] The first plate 34 and the second plate 36 can be considered to be electrically conductive. In some cases, if the viscoelastic material 40 is not electrically conductive, the physical changes that occur in the viscoelastic material 40 over time can be indicated by detecting the capacitance between the first plate 34 and the second plate 36. In other cases, if the viscoelastic material 40 is electrically conductive, the physical changes that occur in the viscoelastic material 40 over time can be indicated by detecting the resistance between the first plate 34 and the second plate 36. These are merely examples.

[0036] 3 is a graphical representation 50 showing how a viscoelastic material can be used to track average pressure measurements over time. This particular example tracks left atrial pressure over a five week period, with left atrial pressure shown on the vertical axis and time shown on the horizontal axis. This pressure data is not actual pressure data taken from a patient, but rather is generated to illustrate how average pressure measurements over time can ignore momentary spikes and missing measurements. While this example is specific to the use of a viscoelastic material as part of the sensing component 18, it will be understood that the lessons taught by this example are equally applicable to other types of sensing components 18, such as hydraulic or other systems.

[0037] Graph line 52 shows the mean left atrial pressure as determined by the periodic instantaneous measurements 56. In some cases, graph line 52 shows that the mean left atrial pressure as determined by the periodic instantaneous measurements 56 can be distorted if the instantaneous measurements are taken at poor times (e.g., short-term peaks). For example, some periodic instantaneous measurements 58 show high left atrial pressure values ​​due to conditions that prevent the desired mean pressure measurement, such as when the instantaneous measurements are taken during exercise. Graph line 52 also shows that the mean left atrial pressure as determined by the periodic instantaneous measurements can be distorted if instantaneous measurements are missing, such as missing samples 60. Graph line 62 provides an indication of the patient's actual left atrial pressure. It can be seen that graph line 62 passes through each of the periodic instantaneous measurements 56, the poorly timed instantaneous measurements 58, and the missing instantaneous measurements 60. It can be seen that the actual pressure can periodically spike.

[0038] Graph line 64 provides an indication of the mean left atrial pressure determined using the viscoelastic material. It can be seen that graph line 64 generally tracks the actual left atrial pressure shown by graph line 62, and that graph line 64 is not affected by poorly timed instantaneous measurements 58 or missed instantaneous measurements 60. This illustrates how the mean pressure measurement can be used as a reliable indicator of blood pressure performance without requiring frequent instantaneous measurements. This also illustrates how the viscoelastic material can be used to provide an indication of mean pressure over time in a manner that does not require electrical energy to generate or maintain the indication of mean pressure over time.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pressure sensor 70 exposed to an environment 30 having a variable pressure. The pressure sensor 70 may be considered an example of the pressure sensor 12 and may operate hydraulically. The pressure sensor 70 includes a hydraulic chamber 72 exposed to an external pressure in the environment 30. The hydraulic chamber 72 includes a chamber wall 74 configured to bend and flex in response to a relative pressure difference between the environment 30 and the hydraulic chamber 72. The hydraulic chamber 72 includes a first fluid. The pressure sensor 70 includes a pressure chamber 76 including a second fluid. The second fluid may be the same as the first fluid. In some cases, the first fluid may be a liquid. In some cases, the second fluid may be a liquid. A barrier 78 is fluidly coupled between the hydraulic chamber 72 and the pressure chamber 76. The hydraulic chamber 72 may be considered to function as a movement multiplier such that a relatively small pressure difference between the environment 30 and the hydraulic chamber 72 results in a detectable movement of the barrier 78.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the barrier 78 includes a low-flow valve having a highly permeable material. When the external pressure in the environment 30 changes, the barrier 78, which is fluidly disposed between the hydraulic chamber 72 and the pressure chamber 76, moves in response to the change in external pressure. The maintained external pressure also causes a portion of the fluid to slowly flow through the low-flow valve and move between the hydraulic chamber 72 and the pressure chamber 76. The flow rate through the low-flow valve of the barrier 78 can be selected to set the time constant of the pressure sensor 70. This physical change in the barrier 78 and the movement of fluid between the hydraulic chamber 72 and the pressure chamber 76 represents the average external pressure. To read the average pressure value, a coil 80 can be coupled to the barrier 78. As the barrier 78 moves in response to the pressure change, the inductance of the coil 80 changes. Thus, measuring the inductance of the coil 80 can provide an indication of the average pressure measurement when the hydraulic chamber 72, the pressure chamber 76, and the fluid therein are non-conductive.

[0041] FIG. 4A shows a version of the pressure sensor 70 that uses capacitance to provide an indication of the mean pressure. In FIG. 4A, the first plate 90 and the second plate 92 are conductive and act as the barrier 78 (FIG. 4) with a low-flow valve. In some cases, the first plate 90 moves in response to changes in the mean pressure, but the second plate 92 does not move. Because the distance between the first plate 90 and the second plate 92 changes with pressure changes, the capacitance between the first plate 90 and the second plate 92 can be used as an indication of the mean pressure measurement. In FIG. 4A, the first and second fluids are non-conductive or substantially non-conductive. Here, substantially non-conductive means that the fluid is not sufficiently conductive to interfere with the capacitance measurement. In FIG. 4B, a conductive liquid is used and the change in resistance between the first plate 90 and the second plate 92 can be used as an indication of the mean pressure measurement.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary left atrial appendage closure device 100, and FIG. 6 is a side view thereof showing the left atrial appendage closure device 100 including an occlusion element 104. The left atrial appendage closure device 100 includes an expandable framework 102 configured to transform between a collapsed configuration (for delivery) and an expanded configuration as shown. In some cases, the expandable framework may be malleable and may substantially conform to and / or sealingly engage the shape and / or geometry of the sidewall and / or ostium of the left atrial appendage in the expanded configuration. The left atrial appendage closure device 100 may expand to a size, extent, or shape that is smaller than or different from the maximum unconstrained extent as determined by the surrounding tissue and / or sidewall of the left atrial appendage. By reducing the thickness of the various elements of the expandable framework 102, the flexibility and conformability of the expandable framework 102 and / or left atrial appendage closure device 100 can be increased, thereby allowing the expandable framework 102 and / or left atrial appendage closure device 100 to conform to the surrounding tissue rather than the tissue conforming to the expandable framework 102 and / or left atrial appendage closure device 100.

[0043] 6, the left atrial appendage closure device 100 may optionally include an occlusion element 104 (e.g., a mesh, fabric, membrane, and / or other surface treatment) disposed on, over, around, or covering at least a portion of the expandable framework 102. In some embodiments, the occlusion element 104 may be disposed on, over, around, or covering at least a portion of the exterior (or outward-facing) surface of the expandable framework 102.

[0044] In some embodiments, the expandable framework 102 may include a plurality of anchor members 106 disposed about the expandable framework 102 in the expanded configuration. The plurality of anchor members 106 may extend radially outward from the expandable framework 102. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of anchor members 106 may each have and / or include a body portion, a tip portion, and a barb projecting circumferentially therefrom. In some embodiments, some and / or each of the plurality of anchor members 106 has at least one barb projecting circumferentially therefrom. The plurality of anchor members 106 may provide an anchoring mechanism to help retain the left atrial appendage closure device 100 in the expanded configuration at a target site within the patient's anatomy (i.e., the left atrial appendage, for example). However, the barb may be configured, positioned, and / or arranged such that engagement of the barb with surrounding tissue at the target site is minimized. For example, the barb may not puncture, penetrate, and / or extend into surrounding tissue in the expanded configuration. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of anchor members 106 can provide an attachment mechanism for securing the occlusion element 104 to the expandable framework 102 .

[0045] The left atrial appendage closure device 100 may include a central post 108 from which at least some components of the expandable framework 102 may extend. In some instances, as best seen in FIG. 6, the central post 108 may include a pressure sensor 110 disposed therein. In this case, the central post 108 may function at least in part as a housing for the pressure sensor 110. While shown generally, the pressure sensor 110 may represent the pressure sensor 12 shown in FIG. 1. The pressure sensor 110 may represent the pressure sensor 28 shown in FIG. 2. The pressure sensor 110 may represent the pressure sensor 70 shown in FIG. 4. It will be appreciated that by disposing the pressure sensor 110 within the central post 108 or by securing the pressure sensor 110 to any other portion of the left atrial appendage closure device 100, it will be appreciated that an average left atrial pressure measurement over time in the left atrium can be obtained. In some cases, the pressure sensor 110 may extend a substantial portion of the length of the central post 108, but this is not required.

[0046] Because endothelialization makes removal of left atrial appendage closure device 100 difficult, having a pressure sensor such as pressure sensor 110 that can provide an indication of mean left atrial pressure over time without the need for an on-board power source means that there are no concerns regarding battery life, for example. A physician or other medical professional can simply use remote power source 20 (FIG. 1) to periodically provide sufficient power to the circuitry within pressure sensor 110 to ascertain the mean left atrial pressure measurement indicated by any sensing components present within pressure sensor 110. This mean left atrial pressure measurement can be communicated to remote monitoring device 26 and used by a physician or the like in monitoring, diagnosing and / or treating the patient.

[0047] It will be understood that the present disclosure is in many respects merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, using any of the features of one exemplary embodiment in other embodiments. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. 1. An implantable pressure sensor, comprising: The implantable pressure sensor comprises a housing; the implantable pressure sensor comprises a sensing component contained by the housing and exposed to an external pressure outside the housing, the sensing component comprising a viscoelastic material, and configured such that in response to the external pressure, the sensing component undergoes a physical change by the viscoelastic material representative of an average pressure of the external pressure over a period of at least one minute; the implantable pressure sensor comprising a circuit operatively connected to the sensing component and responsive to the physical change in the sensing component to generate an average pressure signal representative of the average of the external pressure over the period of time; the sensing component comprises a first plate exposed to the external pressure outside the housing, the first plate configured to move in response to pressure changes in the external pressure; the sensing component comprises a second plate spaced from the first plate and disposed within the housing; the viscoelastic material is disposed between the first plate and the second plate; the viscoelastic material comprises a conductive material, and the mean pressure signal comprises a measure of resistance between the first plate and the second plate. Implantable pressure sensor.

2. An implantable pressure sensor, The implantable pressure sensor comprises a housing; the implantable pressure sensor comprises a sensing component contained by the housing and exposed to an external pressure outside the housing, the sensing component comprising a hydraulic system including a low-flow valve, and configured such that in response to the external pressure, the sensing component undergoes a physical change by the low-flow valve representative of an average pressure of the external pressure over a period of at least one minute; the implantable pressure sensor comprising a circuit operatively connected to the sensing component and responsive to the physical change in the sensing component to generate an average pressure signal representative of the average of the external pressure over the period of time; An implantable pressure sensor, wherein the sensing component comprises a hydraulic sensing component.

3. The hydraulic system comprises: a hydraulic chamber exposed to said external pressure; a first fluid contained within the hydraulic chamber; A pressure chamber; a second fluid contained within the pressure chamber; a barrier disposed between the first fluid and the second fluid; Equipped with a relative change in pressure in the hydraulic chamber relative to the pressure in the pressure chamber causes movement of the barrier; The implantable pressure sensor of claim 2.

4. The implantable pressure sensor of claim 3 , wherein the barrier comprises a low-flow valve having a highly permeable material.

5. 5. An implantable pressure sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the circuitry is configured to repeatedly receive energy transmissions from a remote source and in response transmit the mean pressure signal back to the remote source.

6. 6. An implantable pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensing component undergoes and maintains the physical change representative of the average pressure of the external pressure over the period of time without a power supply.

7. 1. A left atrial appendage closure device adapted to fit within a left atrial appendage of a patient to substantially close the left atrial appendage of the patient, comprising: the left atrial appendage closure device comprises an expandable framework; the left atrial appendage closure device comprising a sensing component that is exposed to left atrial pressure within a left atrium of the patient's heart when the left atrial appendage closure device is implanted, the sensing component being configured to undergo a physical change in response to the left atrial pressure that is indicative of an average pressure of the left atrial pressure over a period of at least one minute; the left atrial appendage closure device comprising a circuit operatively connected to the sensing component and configured to generate a mean pressure signal representative of the mean left atrial pressure over the period of time in response to the physical change in the sensing component; A left atrial appendage closure device, wherein the sensing component comprises a hydraulic system including a low-flow valve, and in response to a positive change in the left atrial pressure, the sensing component moves fluid through the low-flow valve in a first direction under hydraulic resistance according to a time constant of the sensing component that is defined at least in part by the low-flow valve.

8. 8. The left atrial appendage closure device of claim 7, wherein in response to a negative change in left atrial pressure, the sensing component moves fluid through the low flow valve in a second direction opposite the first direction in accordance with the time constant of the sensing component.

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