Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for Chordae Tendineae Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring chordae tendineae forces in the heart are inadequate, particularly in situ and in vivo, due to limitations in conventional approaches such as restricted optical access, error-prone marker-based strain measurements, and the large footprint of existing force transducers, which hinder comprehensive understanding and effective surgical procedures for heart valve repair.
Innovation Solution
Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are used to measure chordae tendineae forces by affixing them to native or prosthetic chordae, providing a small, lightweight, and sensitive optical strain gauge that can detect mechanical strain and temperature changes, allowing for accurate force measurement during heart valve operation and surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional force transducers are used to measure chordae tendineae forces, then force measurement capability is provided, but the large footprint of the transducers interferes with normal heart valve function and limits in situ measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical force transducers with an optical sensing system based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. The FBG sensor detects force through optical wavelength shifts caused by mechanical strain, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components and enabling miniaturized measurement devices that do not interfere with normal heart valve function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical displacement (conventional transducers) to optical wavelength shift (FBG sensor). This parameter change enables the use of extremely thin optical fibers instead of bulky mechanical sensors, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and device size.
2Loss of information
If marker-based strain measurements are used, then strain data can be obtained, but the measurements are error-prone and require complex optical access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces marker-based optical strain measurement with direct FBG sensor measurement embedded in the chordae. This substitution eliminates the need for complex external optical tracking systems and marker placement, providing more accurate and reliable strain data with simpler optical access requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The FBG sensor acts as an intermediary element that is directly integrated into the chordae tendineae structure. This intermediary approach provides direct measurement of strain at the measurement location, eliminating the need for indirect marker-based measurements and complex optical access paths.
3Reliability
If conventional sensors are used for in vivo measurement, then force data can be collected, but the sensors are not robust enough for the harsh in vivo environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sensor material from conventional mechanical components to optical fiber material, which inherently possesses superior mechanical strength, flexibility, and resistance to the harsh in vivo environment including body fluids, temperature variations, and mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures including the optical fiber core, protective coatings, and bonding agents to create a sensor that is both sensitive to force measurements and robust enough to withstand the harsh in vivo environment for extended periods.
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
FBG sensors enable high-fidelity, simultaneous measurement of multiple chordae tendineae forces with minimal interference, improving the understanding of heart valve function and surgical techniques, while being robust and waterproof, suitable for both research and clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
providing a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) force sensor having a first attachment point and a second attachment point, where the FBG force sensor is configured to sense tensile force applied so as to pull the first and second attachment points apart
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are used to provide measurement of chordae tendineae forces. Two basic modes of operation are considered, The first mode is a research mode, where the FBG sensors are affixed to native chordae in situ and preferably in vivo to provide data on chordae forces in a beating heart under various conditions (e.g., normal, hypertensive, etc.), The second mode is a clinical mode, where the FBG sensor can be used to measure tension on a prosthetic neochord during the surgical procedure to implant the prosthesis.