Optical Pressure Sensor Assembly for Intravascular Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular pressure sensors face challenges such as calibration drift and electrical interference, and are difficult to integrate with existing vascular treatment devices like atherectomy and OCT systems due to size constraints and compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical pressure sensor assembly using an elastic membrane and optical fiber to measure pressure through interferometry, which is compatible with existing imaging systems and can be integrated into vascular devices, avoiding electrical interference and size limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical pressure sensors are used in intravascular applications, then pressure measurement capability is provided, but calibration drift and electrical interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical pressure sensing mechanisms with an optical interferometry-based measurement system. The optical fiber detects pressure-induced membrane deflection through optical interference patterns, eliminating electrical interference and calibration drift inherent in electrical sensors. This substitution of electrical measurement with optical measurement directly resolves the harmful electrical interference and calibration drift issues while maintaining pressure measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an elastic membrane as an intermediary element between the intravascular pressure and the optical fiber detector. The membrane converts pressure changes into mechanical deflection, which then modulates the optical interference pattern detected by the fiber. This intermediary conversion chain eliminates direct electrical contact and interference, improving measurement reliability by isolating the electrical system from the pressure measurement function.
2Reliability
If pressure sensors are integrated into vascular treatment devices, then pressure measurement is enabled, but device size constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pressure sensor assembly to be compatible with existing vascular treatment devices through standardized interfaces and modular architecture. The optical fiber and membrane assembly can be integrated into catheters and other vascular devices without requiring custom-built solutions, allowing the same compact design to serve multiple device types. This universality enables pressure measurement capability while maintaining compatibility with existing device size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the optical fiber is positioned within or adjacent to the elastic membrane, and the entire pressure sensing assembly is integrated within the existing device housing. The optical components are arranged to utilize available space efficiently, with the fiber potentially running through or alongside the membrane support structure. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the pressure sensor while maintaining functional integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing imaging systems are used for pressure measurement, then compatibility is achieved, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical interferometer continuously monitors the interference pattern generated by the elastic membrane deflection. The system processes the optical signal in real-time to calculate pressure values, providing continuous feedback on pressure changes. This feedback capability enables precise pressure measurement while maintaining compatibility with existing imaging systems, as the optical detection can be integrated with the imaging system's signal processing architecture.
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
The optical pressure sensor assembly provides accurate and reliable intravascular pressure measurements, reducing the risk of over-treatment by assessing pressure gradients across occlusions, and can be seamlessly integrated with existing vascular treatment devices, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The optical pressure sensors and assembly use optical interferometry to calculate intravascular pressure
Implementation Method 2
transmitting light from a source through an optical fiber; transmitting the light from the optical fiber to a deflected surface of an elastic membrane; transmitting reflected or scattered light from the elastic membrane to a detector
Implementation Method 3
an elastic membrane attached to the housing and positioned at the opening, the elastic membrane configured to be movable relative to the housing in response to pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Optical pressure sensor assemblies that can be used with existing catheters and imaging systems. Pressure sensors may be compatible with atherectomy and occlusion-crossing catheters, where intravascular pressure measurements at various vessel locations are needed to determine treatment efficacy. The pressure sensors may employ an optical pressure measurement mechanism using optical interferometry, and may be integrated with existing imaging modalities such as OCT. The pressure sensor assemblies may include a movable membrane that deflects in response to intravascular pressure; an optical fiber that transmits light to the movable membrane and receives light reflected or scattered back from the movable membrane into the fiber; and a processor or controller configured to determine the distance traveled by the light received in the fiber from the movable membrane, where the distance traveled is proportional to the intravascular pressure exerted against the membrane.