Fiber Optic Biodiagnostic Sensor for Vascular Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring pressure distributions in blood vessels due to limitations in sensor sensitivity, spatial continuity, and probe diameter, particularly in multifunctional sensors used for PCI procedures, which struggle to distinguish pressure signals from strain signals and require multiple optical fibers, leading to inaccurate pathological condition determination and difficulties in measuring multiple stenoses or physiological states post-stent placement.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic in vivo diagnostic sensor system utilizing a single mode optical fiber with a structural member to convert pressure into strain, combined with Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering for simultaneous measurement of pressure, strain, and temperature, allowing for continuous and accurate measurement of pressure distributions using a hybrid technique that filters Brillouin scattering to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of optical fibers are used to achieve multifunctional measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but probe diameter cannot be reduced to 0.4 mm or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single optical fiber that performs multiple measurement functions (pressure, temperature, strain) simultaneously through distributed sensing technology. The optical fiber acts as a universal sensor that can detect multiple physical quantities along its entire length, eliminating the need for multiple separate fibers and enabling the probe diameter to be reduced to 0.4 mm or less while maintaining multifunctional measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single optical fiber by utilizing distributed sensing techniques that can measure pressure, temperature, and strain along the entire length of one fiber. This consolidation of multiple measurement capabilities into one fiber allows the probe to achieve the required small diameter while still providing comprehensive physiological parameter measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FBG sensor is used for pressure measurement, then temperature measurement function is provided, but spatially continuous pressure measurement cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the discrete FBG sensor system with a distributed optical fiber sensing system that uses Brillouin scattering and Rayleigh scattering phenomena. Instead of relying on mechanically formed gratings at discrete points, the system uses the optical fiber itself as a continuous sensor along its entire length, enabling spatially continuous pressure measurement while maintaining the ability to measure temperature and other parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous sensing along the entire length of the optical fiber by utilizing distributed Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering measurements. This allows for continuous spatial measurement of pressure, temperature, and strain at every point along the fiber, rather than at discrete intervals, providing uninterrupted physiological data throughout the measurement region.
3Measurement precision
If conventional pressure sensor is used, then pressure measurement is achieved, but strain signals cannot be distinguished from pressure signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses distributed optical fiber sensing to simultaneously measure both strain and pressure along the entire length of the fiber. By continuously monitoring both parameters and analyzing their spatial and temporal relationships, the system can distinguish pressure-induced signals from strain-induced signals through pattern recognition and differential analysis, preventing information loss and enabling accurate pressure measurement even in the presence of physiological movements.
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 and accurate measurement of multiple physical quantities as independent parameters with fewer optical fibers, allowing for safer, more precise diagnostic data collection, even in smaller blood vessels, with enhanced pressure sensitivity and reduced measurement errors, suitable for fractional flow reserve measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a structural member 4 disposed so as to cover the single mode optical fiber 3, to transfer pressure applied to the outer layer 5 and to convert continuously the pressure to strain of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
The original function of the sensor is temperature measurement through stretch or thermal deformation of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
a single mode optical fiber 3 deformable by temperature and strain
Implementation Method 4
detecting continuously a scattered light frequency shift produced in the single mode optical fiber 3
Implementation Method 5
utilizing a single mode optical fiber with a structural member to convert pressure into strain, combined with Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering for simultaneous measurement of pressure, strain, and temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optic biodiagnostic sensor system includes a blood vessel insertable pressure distribution measurement device to be inserted in vivo into a blood vessel to measure distributions of temperature and pressure of an object to be measured along a predetermined site, the device having an SM optical fiber deformable by temperature and strain, a structural member being in contact with a portion of the optical fiber to convert pressure of the to-be-measured object to strain of the optical fiber; and an outer layer converting the optical fiber and the structural member. The sensor system further includes a measurement unit emitting laser light into the SM optical fiber, detecting a frequency shift produced in the scattered light, and calculating a blood pressure at a given position of the optical fiber from a pressure change and a strain change of the SM optical fiber that are calculated from the frequency shift.