Circumferential MEMS Manometry Catheter for Esophageal Pressure Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing esophageal manometry systems lack the ability to accurately assess pressure and motor function of the esophagus under realistic swallowing conditions, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as achalasia, dysphagia, and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter disorders.
Innovation Solution
A manometric catheter probe equipped with pressure-sensitive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors and a flexible printed circuit, allowing for high-resolution pressure and impedance measurements along the esophagus to map pressure and bolus transit dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manometry systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple sensor assemblies distributed along its length, with each assembly containing a MEMS pressure sensor. This segmentation allows high-resolution pressure measurements at multiple locations simultaneously, improving measurement precision while distributing the complexity across modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly employs a nested structure where the MEMS sensor is positioned within a cavity, surrounded by sealing elements and fluid-filled chambers. This nested design integrates multiple functional components (sensing, sealing, fluid communication) into a compact unit, achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution pressure measurements are implemented, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Conventional mechanical pressure sensors are replaced with MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensors, which provide high-resolution pressure measurements with reduced size and complexity. The MEMS technology enables precise pressure profiling while minimizing the mechanical complexity of each sensor unit
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs pressure measurement, fluid sealing, and signal transmission through the flexible printed circuit. This universal design reduces the need for separate components, achieving high diagnostic accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If circumferential pressure sensing is added, then the ability to assess esophageal motor function improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates flexible printed circuits and flexible sealing elements that enable circumferential pressure sensing. These flexible components can be manufactured using standard flexible PCB techniques and molded elastomer processes, achieving enhanced sensing capability without excessive manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential sensors are nested within the catheter structure, with each sensor assembly containing a MEMS sensor positioned to detect pressure from different angles. This nested arrangement allows circumferential sensing capability to be integrated into the existing catheter architecture, improving adaptability while managing manufacturing complexity through modular assembly
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 precise quantification of esophageal contractions and sphincter function, providing enhanced diagnostic capabilities for conditions like dysphagia and hiatal hernia through improved sensitivity and accuracy in pressure profiling.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible sleeve disposed over the body in a manner forming a cavity between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess for containing a fluid. The fluid is configured to communicate pressure to the MEMS sensor
Implementation Method 2
Each pressure sensor assembly further includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor disposed in the annular recess
Data Source
AI summary
A manometric catheter probe includes a flexible printed circuit, one or more pressure sensor assemblies coupled to the flexible printed circuit along a length of the flexible printed circuit, and a first flexible sleeve. Each pressure sensor assembly includes a body. The body includes a central cavity configured to receive the flexible printed circuit and an annular recess of the body. Each pressure sensor assembly further includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor disposed in the annular recess, an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit, and a first flexible sleeve disposed over the annular recess of the body. The first flexible sleeve includes a fluid configured to communicate pressure to the MEMS sensor, and a second sleeve is disposed over the pressure sensor assembly.