Endovascular Prosthesis Sensor for Remote Blood Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring blood flow through endovascular prosthetics are limited by the need for invasive diagnostic procedures and the impracticality of incorporating a power source within the device due to size constraints and safety concerns, such as battery leakage into the bloodstream.
Innovation Solution
An endovascular prosthesis with a monitoring device that includes a sensor element and a passive power source, capable of detecting physical events and modulating an oscillating electrical signal for remote blood flow monitoring without the need for a power source, using a sensor-controlled oscillator and integrated sensor elements like piezoresistive, piezoelectric, or variable capacitive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a power source is incorporated into the monitoring device, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but device size and safety risks worsen due to battery geometry constraints and potential leakage into bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The power source function is extracted from the implantable monitoring device and relocated to an external interrogator device. The implantable sensor only performs sensing and signal generation, while the external device provides power through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for an internal battery and its associated size and safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Electromagnetic fields serve as an intermediary energy transmission medium between the external interrogator device and the implantable sensor. The external device transmits power wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling, and the implantable sensor harvests this energy to operate its sensing circuitry without requiring a physical battery connection.
2Measurement precision
If invasive diagnostic procedures are used for monitoring, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient convenience and monitoring frequency worsen due to office visit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs self-diagnosis by continuously sensing blood flow parameters through the implantable sensor and automatically detecting occlusions. The system serves itself by generating alerts when abnormalities are detected, eliminating the need for patients to seek external diagnostic services for routine monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable sensor enables continuous monitoring of blood flow parameters throughout the day, providing uninterrupted data collection. This continuous action allows for real-time detection of occlusions and maintains measurement precision without requiring periodic invasive procedures or office visits.
3Measurement precision
If current monitoring methods are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to frequent office visits and skilled personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-diagnosis and monitoring without requiring skilled personnel for routine operations. The implantable sensor continuously monitors blood flow parameters and the external device automatically processes data, eliminating the need for frequent office visits and specialized personnel intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and monitoring of occlusions continuously in the background before critical conditions develop. By maintaining constant surveillance, the system detects problems early and alerts users in advance, preventing the need for urgent office visits and reducing overall time loss.
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 continuous, remote monitoring of blood flow without the need for skilled personnel or office visits, providing early detection of occlusions and reducing the risk of catastrophic interventions by using a power-free system integrated into the stent structure.
Implementation Method 1
piezoresistive sensor
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric strain gauge
Implementation Method 3
variable capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 4
antenna portion configured to receive a first oscillating electrical signal from an interrogator device and to transmit a second oscillating electrical signal to the interrogator device
Implementation Method 5
the electrical parameter shift of the sensor element determines a modulated frequency of the second electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for remotely monitoring blood flow that include an endovascular prosthesis. The endovascular prosthesis includes a conduit forming a lumen within a surrounding wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A monitoring device is disposed on the wall forming the lumen. The monitoring device comprises a sensor element configured to detect a physical event and to generate an electrical parameter shift in response to the physical event. An antenna portion is configured to receive a first oscillating electrical signal from an interrogator device and to transmit a second oscillating electrical signal to the interrogator device. The second oscillating electrical signal is modulated by the electrical parameter shift.