Multi-mode CMUT Intravascular Sensor for Simultaneous Pressure and Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular sensing devices are limited to single modality sensing, such as ultrasound imaging, and lack the capability to obtain multiple types of intravascular data simultaneously or sequentially using capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs).
Innovation Solution
An intravascular device equipped with a flexible elongate member and a sensor assembly comprising an array of CMUTs, which can be configured to operate as pressure, flow, and imaging sensors, either simultaneously or sequentially, allowing for multi-mode sensing capabilities by dividing the CMUTs into zones or cycling through different operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor assembly is used for multiple sensing modalities, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for each modality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The CMUT array is divided into multiple zones, where each zone is dedicated to a specific sensing modality (pressure, flow, or imaging). This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while sharing the same physical sensor assembly structure, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring separate assemblies for each modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where a single CMUT array can operate in multiple sensing modalities by activating different zones or cycling through different operations. This universal design reduces overall device complexity while preserving the ability to perform precise measurements across different modalities.
2Measurement precision
If CMUTs are divided into zones for different sensing modalities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CMUT array is divided into multiple zones, where each zone is dedicated to a specific sensing modality (pressure, flow, or imaging). This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while sharing the same physical sensor assembly structure, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring separate assemblies for each modality.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor assemblies are used for different modalities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing modalities are merged into a single sensor assembly by utilizing different zones of the CMUT array for different functions. This combining approach achieves the measurement precision of multiple specialized sensors while avoiding the complexity and size increase that would result from using separate sensor assemblies for each modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where a single CMUT array can operate in multiple sensing modalities by activating different zones or cycling through different operations. This universal design reduces overall device complexity while preserving the ability to perform precise measurements across different modalities.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used for pressure, flow, and imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of conductors and processing intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing modalities are merged into a single sensor assembly by utilizing different zones of the CMUT array for different functions. This combining approach achieves the measurement precision of multiple specialized sensors while avoiding the complexity and size increase that would result from using separate sensor assemblies for each modality.
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 the collection of multiple types of intravascular data, such as pressure, flow, and imaging, using fewer conductors, reducing processing intensity, and allowing for smaller, minimally invasive sensors, while optimizing data collection based on the specific modality needed.
Implementation Method 1
CMUT sensors operate on the principle of detecting capacitance changes when a membrane is deflected
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-mode capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) and associated devices systems, and methods are provided. In an embodiment, an intravascular device includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first sensor assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The first sensor assembly comprising comprises a first array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs). The first sensor assembly comprises at least two of a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or an imaging sensor. In some embodiments, the intravascular device further includes a second sensor assembly comprising a second array of CMUTs.