Flow-Sensing Vascular Implant for Location-Specific Restenosis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring and detection techniques for vascular stenosis, such as symptom observation, external ultrasound, and intravascular fluoroscopy, lack location specificity and are costly or invasive, making them unsuitable for early detection of restenosis in stents.
Innovation Solution
A vascular therapy device with embedded sensors, such as pressure or temperature sensors, within the stent to monitor blood flow resistance and detect restenosis by measuring pressure or temperature changes, providing real-time, non-invasive monitoring and location-specific information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external ultrasound or intravascular fluoroscopy is used to detect restenosis, then location specificity is improved, but procedural risk and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stent incorporates embedded sensors that automatically monitor blood flow resistance and temperature at the treatment site, enabling self-diagnosis without requiring external imaging procedures. This eliminates the need for patients to undergo repeated invasive fluoroscopy or ultrasound scans, thereby reducing procedural risk while maintaining location-specific monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing system (embedded pressure and temperature sensors) that mediates between the stent and external monitoring equipment. These sensors convert physiological parameters into measurable signals that can be transmitted externally, allowing non-invasive detection of restenosis while preserving location specificity.
2Measurement precision
If external ultrasound or intravascular fluoroscopy is used to detect restenosis, then location specificity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stent performs self-monitoring through embedded sensors, eliminating the need for expensive repeat imaging procedures. The continuous passive monitoring of blood flow resistance and temperature provides location-specific data without incurring the high costs associated with external ultrasound or fluoroscopy scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded sensors enable continuous monitoring of restenosis markers over time, replacing intermittent expensive imaging procedures with ongoing low-cost sensor measurements. This continuous action provides sustained location-specific information without the recurring cost of external imaging.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If symptom observation is used to detect restenosis, then cost is reduced, but detection timeliness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded sensors provide continuous feedback on blood flow resistance and temperature, enabling early detection of restenosis before symptoms manifest. This feedback mechanism allows timely intervention while keeping costs low, as the sensor data can be monitored during routine follow-up visits without requiring expensive imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors detect physiological changes that precede symptom development, allowing preliminary detection of restenosis. By identifying trends in blood flow resistance and temperature before clinical symptoms appear, the system enables early intervention while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If ankle-brachial blood pressure comparison is used to detect restenosis, then cost is reduced, but location specificity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded sensors act as intermediaries that provide location-specific data from the exact treatment site, replacing non-specific ankle-brachial pressure measurements. The sensors convert local physiological parameters into actionable information about the specific stent location, maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving diagnostic precision.
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 early detection of restenosis with reduced need for invasive procedures, offering real-time, non-invasive monitoring and location-specific information for treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor attached to or embedded in the inner surface of the stent, the at least one pressure sensor configured to acquire at least one pressure measurement comprising blood flow resistance
Implementation Method 2
embedded sensors, such as pressure or temperature sensors, within the stent to monitor blood flow resistance and detect restenosis by measuring pressure or temperature changes
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular therapy device (10) includes a stent (2) comprising a tube having an inner surface (3) defining a central lumen (5), the stent configured to be placed at a treatment site in a blood vessel of an associated patient; and at least one sensor (12) attached to or embedded in the inner surface of the stent.