Multi-Sensor Catheter with Optical Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulmonary artery catheters for right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization have limitations such as measuring pressure only at a single point, accuracy issues due to fluid-filled lumens, and potential for cardiac arrhythmias and tissue damage from repeated repositioning, as well as electrical interference challenges with external transducers.
Innovation Solution
A flow-directed multi-sensor catheter with multiple optical sensors and fibers positioned along its length for concurrent measurement of blood pressure in the right atrium and pulmonary artery, using Fabry-Perot Micro-Opto-Mechanical System sensors and an optical control system for real-time monitoring and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluid-filled catheters with external transducers are used, then pressure measurements can be obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to fluid transmission errors and electrical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluid-filled mechanical pressure transmission systems with solid-state piezoresistive pressure sensors that directly convert pressure to electrical signals. This eliminates fluid transmission errors, damping effects, and electrical interference from external transducers, providing accurate direct measurements of blood pressure at multiple locations within the catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple piezoresistive pressure sensors and their signal conditioning circuits within the catheter structure itself. The sensors are embedded in the catheter wall or lumen, with each sensor positioned at specific locations to measure pressure gradients. This nested integration eliminates the need for external fluid-filled transducer systems.
2Measurement precision
If single-point pressure measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture pressure gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure measurement function into multiple discrete piezoresistive sensors positioned at different locations within the catheter (e.g., distal tip, intermediate positions, proximal positions). Each sensor independently measures pressure at its location, enabling calculation of pressure gradients across heart valves and chambers. This segmentation provides comprehensive hemodynamic data without requiring complex external measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-sensor catheter configuration serves multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously: measuring absolute pressure at various locations, calculating pressure gradients across valves, determining cardiac chamber pressures, and assessing hemodynamic parameters. This universal measurement capability is achieved through the integrated array of piezoresistive sensors within a single catheter device.
3Loss of information
If repeated repositioning of single-sensor catheter is performed, then measurement coverage is improved, but harmful factors increase due to cardiac arrhythmias and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates multiple pressure sensors at fixed positions along its length, allowing simultaneous measurement of pressures at multiple anatomical locations (right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery) without requiring repeated catheter manipulation. This eliminates the harmful effects of repeated repositioning while maintaining comprehensive hemodynamic data coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-sensor catheter enables continuous simultaneous measurement of pressures at multiple locations throughout the cardiac cycle. All sensors record data continuously and concurrently, providing complete hemodynamic information without interruption or repeated positioning maneuvers that could disturb cardiac function or damage tissue.
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 accurate, real-time, and direct monitoring of cardiac hemodynamic parameters, reducing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and improving measurement accuracy compared to conventional methods, while minimizing electrical interference.
Implementation Method 1
using Fabry-Perot Micro-Opto-Mechanical System sensors and an optical control system for real-time monitoring and data processing
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a multi-sensor catheter for monitoring of a cardiac hemodynamic condition, e.g. heart failure, is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing comprising first and second optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers and connectors. For right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization, a flow-directed multi-sensor catheter comprises a guidewire lumen, an inflatable balloon tip, and sensor locations are configured for placement of a sensor in each of the right atrium and pulmonary artery, for measurement of central venous pressure in the right atrium and a pulmonary artery pressure. An optical fiber for oximetry may be included. The outside diameter is small enough for insertion through a vein of the arm. For monitoring of a left atrial shunt, sensors of a multi-sensor catheter are configured for measuring pressures upstream and downstream of the shunt, e.g. in the left and right atria, or left atrium and coronary sinus.