Coronary Stenosis Assessment via Catheter Pullback Pressure Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the severity of stenosis in blood vessels, particularly coronary arteries, are hindered by the need for hyperemic agents like adenosine, which are costly, time-consuming, and contraindicated for certain patients, and do not accurately account for distal microcirculation fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A method using pressure measurements from instruments positioned within a vessel to create visual depictions and simulate treatment options, without the need for hyperemic agents, by obtaining pressure data from a stationary and moving instrument to assess stenosis severity and visualize vessel blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hyperemic agents like adenosine are administered to reduce vascular resistance for accurate FFR measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for additional pharmacological intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hyperemic agent administration step from the FFR measurement process by using a pullback technique that measures pressure gradients while withdrawing the catheter through the stenosis. This eliminates the need for pharmacological intervention while maintaining measurement accuracy through dynamic pressure gradient assessment during catheter withdrawal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary pressure measurements at multiple positions along the vessel before final FFR calculation. By obtaining pressure data during the pullback sequence, the system prepares comprehensive pressure gradient information that enables accurate stenosis assessment without requiring subsequent hyperemic agent administration.
2Measurement precision
If hyperemic agents are administered to stabilize microcirculation resistance, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to preparation and administration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming hyperemic agent administration step by implementing a pullback measurement technique. The system obtains all necessary pressure gradient data during the catheter withdrawal process itself, eliminating the need for separate pharmacological preparation and waiting periods for microcirculation stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous pressure measurement throughout the catheter pullback sequence, obtaining uninterrupted pressure gradient data as the catheter moves through the vessel. This continuous measurement approach eliminates idle time between hyperemic agent administration and measurement, maximizing procedural efficiency while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If hyperemic agents are used to reduce microcirculation resistance, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to contraindications and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of hyperemic agent contraindications into a benefit by developing an alternative measurement approach. The pullback technique utilizes the natural pressure gradient changes that occur during catheter withdrawal to assess stenosis functional significance, transforming a problematic requirement into an advantageous feature that eliminates patient exposure to harmful pharmacological agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measurement system to obtain necessary data through the mechanical action of catheter pullback itself, without requiring external pharmacological assistance. The system uses the movement-induced pressure changes to generate the information needed for accurate stenosis assessment, making the measurement process self-sufficient and free from drug-related contraindications.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed.