Implantable Stent Pressure Sensors for Less Invasive Shunt Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring pressure differences within bodily lumens, such as in TIPS procedures, are invasive and require frequent follow-up visits, making them burdensome and difficult to perform, and there is a need for a less invasive method to monitor pressure differences for early detection of health deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An implantable stent or stent graft with integrated MEMS capacitive pressure sensors and dedicated conductive elements acting as antennas allows wireless, real-time measurement of pressure differences without surgery, using separate antennas for each sensor to minimize interference and enable remote data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure measurement methods (catheters or in vivo sensors) are used, then pressure difference can be measured, but the procedure becomes highly invasive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure measurement systems (catheters, in vivo sensors requiring surgical implantation) with a wireless electronic sensing system. Pressure sensors are integrated into the stent structure and communicate pressure data wirelessly to external devices, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical insertion while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support to the vessel while simultaneously housing integrated pressure sensors that measure pressure differences. The conductive elements of the stent also serve as antennas for wireless communication, combining structural, sensing, and communication functions in a single device.
2Reliability
If frequent follow-up visits with ultrasound examinations are performed, then monitoring of TIPS shunt performance can be achieved, but the procedure becomes burdensome and difficult for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The implanted stent with integrated pressure sensors performs self-monitoring of its own performance and automatically transmits pressure data wirelessly to external devices. This eliminates the need for patients to undergo frequent manual ultrasound examinations, as the device continuously monitors and reports its own functional status.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensors continuously monitor pressure differences across the TIPS shunt in real-time, providing ongoing data about shunt performance. This continuous monitoring replaces intermittent ultrasound examinations, enabling reliable detection of shunt dysfunction as it develops without requiring repeated patient visits.
3Measurement precision
If central venous catheter is introduced to measure pressure difference, then pressure measurement can be performed, but the procedure is highly invasive and restricted to urgent situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure sensing function with the stent structure itself. Pressure sensors are integrated into the stent body, and the stent's conductive elements serve dual purposes as both structural components and wireless communication antennas. This integration eliminates the need for separate catheter-based measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical catheter-based pressure measurement system with an integrated wireless electronic sensing system. The stent incorporates electronic pressure sensors that communicate data wirelessly, substituting the need for invasive catheter insertion and manual measurement procedures.
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 real-time, less invasive monitoring of pressure gradients, reducing hospital visits and radiation exposure, facilitating early detection of complications, and improving patient health and quality of life through continuous, cost-effective diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second pressure sensors are arranged at different locations relative to the implantable body... The first pressure sensor is arranged for sending the pressure that is measured by that first pressure sensor to a remote read-out device
Implementation Method 2
The first pressure sensor is arranged for sending the pressure that is measured by that first pressure sensor to a remote read-out device by means of the first pressure sensor being coupled to the first conductive element... The second pressure sensor is arranged for sending the pressure measured by that sensor to the remote read-out device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an implant for determining a pressure difference inside a bodily lumen, comprising: an implantable body, the implantable body comprising a first conductive element and a second conductive element, the first and second conductive elements being electrically insulated relative to each other, first and second pressure sensors, the first and second pressure sensors being arranged for measuring a pressure occurring inside the body, the first and second pressure sensors being arranged at different locations, wherein the first pressure sensor is arranged for sending the pressure to a remote read-out device by means of being coupled to the first conductive element, with the first conductive element serving as an antenna, and wherein the second pressure sensor is arranged for sending the pressure to a remote read-out device by means of being coupled to the second conductive element, with the second conductive element serving as an antenna.