EIS Sensor Catheter for Plaque Rupture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to provide real-time detection and characterization of atherosclerotic lesions prone to rupture, despite advancements in imaging technologies like CT angiography, MRI, IVUS, and near-infrared fluorescence spectroscopy.
Innovation Solution
A tissue characterizing device comprising a catheter with an ultrasound transducer and an expandable element equipped with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensors, allowing for real-time imaging and characterization of tissue regions by measuring impedance through a frequency sweep, indicating the presence of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and macrophage/foam cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging technologies (CT angiography, MRI, IVUS) are used, then anatomical visualization is improved, but real-time detection of rupture-prone atherosclerotic lesions remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensing capability with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging in a single integrated catheter device. The EIS sensor array measures electrical impedance at multiple frequencies to detect oxLDL and macrophage/foam cells, while the IVUS transducer provides real-time anatomical imaging. This merging allows simultaneous biochemical characterization and anatomical visualization, enabling real-time detection of rupture-prone lesions with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter device performs multiple functions: anatomical imaging via IVUS, biochemical detection via EIS sensing of oxLDL and macrophages, and real-time characterization of plaque vulnerability. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide comprehensive assessment of atherosclerotic lesions, including both structural and compositional information necessary for identifying rupture-prone plaques.
2Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities are deployed, then comprehensive lesion characterization is improved, but device complexity and procedural burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates EIS sensing elements and IVUS imaging components into a single catheter assembly, eliminating the need for separate devices for biochemical detection and anatomical imaging. The EIS sensor array comprises multiple electrodes positioned along the catheter shaft, while the IVUS transducer is mounted at the distal end, creating a unified platform that reduces procedural complexity while maintaining comprehensive lesion characterization capability.
3Reliability
If EIS sensors are used to detect oxLDL and macrophages, then prediction of plaque rupture risk is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures electrical impedance across a broad frequency spectrum (e.g., 100 Hz to 10 MHz) rather than at a single frequency. By analyzing impedance magnitude and phase across multiple frequencies, the system can distinguish between different tissue compositions (oxLDL-rich vs. macrophage-rich plaques) and extract more reliable information about plaque vulnerability. This multi-frequency approach enhances measurement precision and improves rupture risk prediction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time impedance measurements to provide feedback on plaque composition and vulnerability assessment. The measured impedance data is processed to generate quantitative metrics of oxLDL and macrophage content, which feed back into the clinical decision-making process for identifying high-risk lesions requiring intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate prediction of plaque rupture risk by identifying high oxLDL and macrophage/foam cell content within atheromas, even in angiographically invisible lesions, thereby improving clinical diagnosis and prevention of acute coronary syndromes and strokes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasound transducer positioned in the first catheter lumen near the closed distal end
Implementation Method 2
an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensor... measuring impedance by driving an AC current through the region of interest... an impedance spectrum is obtained by measuring current over a frequency sweep
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides devices for characterizing regions of tissue and methods for using the same. The devices are capable of locating, identifying, and characterizing tissue regions of interest in vivo. In one embodiment, the devices are ultrasound-guided. In one embodiment, the devices use characterize regions of tissue using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensors. In one aspect, the devices are useful in predicting plaque rupture, such as by determining the level of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and macrophage/foam cells present in an atheroma. In one aspect, the devices are useful in identifying metabolically active atherosclerotic lesions that are angiographically invisible.