Implantable Cardiovascular Pressure Sensor Delivery via Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring cardiovascular pressures, such as those for congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension, rely on invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization, which are invasive, costly, and provide only snapshot data, lacking continuous and non-invasive monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A batteryless, wireless implantable sensing device that can be chronically implanted in the cardiovascular system to non-invasively monitor pressures by securing itself within cardiovascular cavities and transmitting data via magnetic telemetry, allowing for real-time monitoring of various physiologic parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive cardiac catheterization is used to monitor cardiovascular pressures, then measurement precision is improved, but patient harm and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses blood flow as an intermediary to deliver the sensor device to the target location non-invasively. The sensor is introduced into a large vein and allowed to travel with blood flow through the venous system to the heart, eliminating the need for direct puncture and catheter insertion into the heart chambers while still enabling precise pressure measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical catheterization system with a passive transport system that uses the body's own blood flow to deliver the sensor. Instead of mechanically pushing a catheter through vessels, the sensor device is allowed to be carried naturally by blood flow to its destination, reducing mechanical trauma and procedural complexity.
2Loss of information
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then information quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors pressure continuously, transmits data wirelessly, and can be delivered non-invasively through blood flow. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated device, reducing overall system complexity while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device utilizes the body's own blood flow to deliver itself to the target location, eliminating the need for complex delivery mechanisms. The device is passive and allows the physiological system to perform the delivery function, significantly simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive delivery method is used, then patient harm is reduced, but device delivery precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery process into two independent phases: first, non-invasive delivery of the sensor to the general target region using blood flow; second, precise positioning of the sensor at the exact measurement location using local anatomical features or active positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses blood flow as an intermediary delivery mechanism that naturally guides the sensor to the heart region. The bloodstream acts as a transport medium that delivers the device passively, reducing the need for complex active delivery systems while still achieving accurate placement through the physiological flow paths.
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 monitoring of cardiovascular pressures, facilitating earlier intervention, improved treatment tailoring, reduced hospitalization, and lower treatment costs by providing continuous and precise data on heart function and disease progression.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting data via magnetic telemetry
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery method and system for noninvasively monitoring cardiac physiologic parameters used to evaluate patients with cardiovascular conditions. The system includes an implantable sensing device configured for chronic implantation in a cavity of the cardiovascular system, such as the heart, pulmonary artery (PA), etc. The method involves introducing the sensing device through a cardiovascular cavity that is upstream in the vasculature from the cavity where implantation is intended and has a larger diameter than the intended cavity, and thereafter blood flow through the cardiovascular system delivers the device to the intended cavity. The device is sized and configured so as to secure itself within the intended cavity when the device moves through the cavity to a point where the diameter narrows sufficiently to secure the device and so as to be oriented once secured to sense a pressure either within, upstream (wedge), or downstream (distal) of the cavity.