C-Shaped FFR Catheter Reducing Pressure Wave Dampening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FFR catheters with larger cross-sectional profiles introduce errors in proximal pressure measurements due to dampening of AO pressure waves, affecting the accuracy of Fractional Flow Reserve calculations.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design with a C-shaped proximal shaft and a guidewire groove, along with a pressure sensor wire configuration that minimizes the cross-sectional profile, allowing for more accurate measurement of proximal pressure by reducing the potential for pressure wave dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional FFR catheter with larger cross-sectional profile is used, then the catheter can accommodate a guidewire and provide structural support, but it causes dampening of AO pressure waves and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into two separate functional components: a C-shaped proximal shaft that provides structural support and guidewire accommodation, and a separate pressure sensor wire that measures pressure. This segmentation allows the proximal shaft to maintain strength while the pressure sensor wire maintains a small profile for accurate pressure wave measurement without dampening.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure measurement function is moved from the proximal shaft to a separate wire dimension, allowing the proximal shaft to focus on structural support while the pressure sensor wire provides accurate pressure measurements with minimal impact on pressure wave propagation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a C-shaped proximal shaft with guidewire groove is used, then the guidewire is securely retained, but the cross-sectional profile increases and reduces the space for pressure wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal shaft is designed with an asymmetric C-shape that opens away from the guidewire, creating a groove that securely retains the guidewire. This asymmetric configuration provides stable guidewire retention while minimizing the cross-sectional profile in the direction that would impede pressure wave propagation through the guide catheter lumen.
3Measurement precision
If the proximal shaft is made smaller to reduce dampening, then measurement precision improves, but the ability to retain the guidewire and provide structural support is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter structure is segmented into a C-shaped proximal shaft for structural support and guidewire retention, and a separate pressure sensor wire for pressure measurement. This allows the proximal shaft to be optimized for strength and guidewire retention while the pressure sensor wire is optimized for minimal profile and accurate pressure wave detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor wire acts as an intermediary element that transfers pressure information from the distal to proximal end of the catheter without requiring the proximal shaft to be involved in pressure measurement, thus allowing the proximal shaft to maintain its structural function with minimal interference to pressure wave propagation.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter includes a proximal shaft, a distal shaft, a pressure sensor, and at least one pressure sensor wire. The proximal shaft is substantially C-shaped such that in cross-section, the proximal shaft includes a first circumferential end, a second circumferential end, and a gap between the first circumferential and circumferential end. The proximal shaft defines a groove configured to receive a guidewire therein. The distal shaft is coupled to the proximal shaft and defines a guidewire lumen therein. The pressure sensor is coupled to the distal shaft. The pressure sensor wire is operably connected to the pressure sensor. A proximal portion of the pressure sensor wire is disposed within a proximal shaft wall of the proximal shaft and a distal portion of the pressure sensor wire is disposed within a distal shaft wall of the distal shaft.