Hermetically Sealed Pressure Sensor for Intra-Ventricular Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventricular catheters face challenges in accurately measuring intra-ventricular pressure due to potential blockages, which can lead to inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically sealed pressure sensing catheter with a pressure sensor and antenna configuration that allows direct measurement of intra-ventricular pressure, avoiding blockage-related inaccuracies, and includes a biocompatible coating for long-term implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is placed in line with the catheter and external to the ventricles, then the sensor can measure pressure that resembles the intra-ventricular pressure, but catheter blockage can impede the pressure sensed by the sensor, thus preventing an accurate measurement of intra-ventricular pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is extracted from the catheter lumen and placed in a recess in the catheter wall, allowing it to sense pressure directly from the ventricular environment through a sealed interface, eliminating the risk of blockage affecting pressure transmission to the sensor
Solution Approach 2:
A hermetic seal acts as an intermediary between the catheter interior and the pressure sensor, allowing pressure transmission while preventing blockage or fluid leakage that would compromise measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is embedded within the catheter, then direct intra-ventricular pressure measurement is achieved, but the sensor is exposed to the in-vivo environment which can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
A hermetic seal (flexible barrier) is applied over the pressure sensor, allowing the sensor to be embedded in the catheter for direct pressure measurement while protecting it from damage by the in-vivo environment
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic seal is applied beforehand to protect the pressure sensor from the harsh in-vivo environment, preventing damage before exposure occurs
3Reliability
If the catheter is hermetically sealed for permanent implantation, then long-term measurement reliability is improved, but fluid flow communication must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Hermetic sealing is applied locally only at the pressure sensor interface rather than throughout the entire catheter, maintaining fluid flow communication while providing protection where needed, thus reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensing catheter having a pressure sensor and an antenna that is coupled to the pressure sensor, e.g., by a connector, are provided. The pressure sensor can be adapted to measure a pressure surrounding the catheter, and the antenna can be adapted to telemetrically communicate the measured pressure to an external device. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna, pressure sensor, and/or connector are hermetically sealed, e.g., by the catheter and/or a coating, to prevent the antenna, pressure sensor, and connector from coming into contact with fluid, thereby allowing the catheter to be permanently implanted or otherwise used for long term use. Exemplary methods for manufacturing and using pressure sensing catheters are also provided.