Endoscopic Portal Vein Pressure Sensing for Accurate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring portal pressure, such as the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), are invasive and provide approximated values, lacking accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system and method using a needle and pressure sensing device inserted through an endoscope's working channel to directly measure portal pressure, with a sensor exposed to the vein flow for accurate pressure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a balloon catheter with sensing capabilities is used to measure hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), then portal pressure can be measured, but the procedure becomes invasive and provides only approximated values
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a needle for accessing the vein, a stylet for facilitating insertion, and a pressure sensing device for measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system that reduces overall invasiveness compared to traditional balloon catheter methods
Solution Approach 2:
The needle acts as an intermediary tool that enables direct access to the portal vein for pressure measurement, eliminating the need for the complex trans-jugular approach. The stylet serves as another intermediary that facilitates smooth insertion of the needle and sensing device while protecting surrounding tissues from damage during the procedure
2Measurement precision
If a balloon catheter is used for HVPG measurement, then portal pressure can be assessed, but the procedure is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the access function (needle), insertion facilitation (stylet), and pressure measurement (sensing device) into a single integrated system. This combination eliminates the need for separate procedures to insert a catheter, inflate a balloon, and perform measurements, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet is pre-inserted into the needle channel before the sensing device is introduced. This preliminary action facilitates smooth insertion of subsequent components and ensures proper positioning, thereby simplifying the overall procedure and reducing the time required for device deployment
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
Provides an accurate and non-invasive measurement of portal pressure, allowing for precise monitoring and management of conditions like hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor mounted on a distal portion of the body and connected to a proximal portion of the pressure sensing device via a connection cable, the sensor configured to detect information corresponding to a pressure of a flow of blood through a vein
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a pressure in a vein includes a needle sized and shaped to be inserted through a working channel of an endoscope. The needle is extending longitudinally and including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The system also includes a pressure sensing device including a longitudinally extending body sized and shaped to be slidably inserted through the channel of the needle and a sensor mounted on a distal portion of the body and connected to a proximal portion of the pressure sensing device via a connection cable. The sensor is configured to detect information corresponding to a pressure of a flow of blood through a vein.