Orthogonal Pressure Sensor for Intravascular Blood Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensors in intravascular rotary blood pumps do not provide sufficiently informative measuring data, particularly failing to distinguish high-frequency physiological pressure fluctuations from spurious signals.
Innovation Solution
An intravascular rotary blood pump with a pressure sensor whose pressure-sensitive area is aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the pump, directly exposed to the surroundings, eliminating compressive forces from transverse motions and allowing for accurate measurement of high-frequency physiological signals up to 250 Hz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are mounted externally on the pump housing or flow cannula, then the pump structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sensors cannot distinguish high-frequency physiological pressure fluctuations from spurious signals generated by pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is integrated directly into the pump housing, merging the sensing function with the pump structure. This eliminates the need for separate external sensor mounting and eliminates interference from transverse motions, as the sensor moves with the pump housing as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure-transmitting medium (fluid or gas) is introduced as an intermediary between the blood pressure and the pressure sensor. This medium transmits the pressure information from the blood to the sensor while isolating the sensor from direct contact with blood and from mechanical interference by pump motion.
2Reliability
If the pressure sensor is exposed directly to blood pressure, then the measurement response is fast and accurate, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage during introduction and placement
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure-transmitting medium serves as a protective intermediary, allowing the sensor to measure pressure indirectly through this medium rather than direct blood contact. This protects the sensor during insertion while maintaining measurement accuracy through the pressure-transmitting properties of the medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is positioned in a recess or depression in the pump housing before operation, providing mechanical cushioning and protection during introduction and placement. The recess absorbs mechanical shocks and prevents damage from direct impact during catheter insertion.
3Measurement precision
If the pressure-sensitive area is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pump, then the sensor structure is simple, but transverse motions of the pump generate compressive forces that interfere with pressure measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive area is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pump, creating an asymmetric orientation that eliminates sensitivity to transverse motions. This orthogonal alignment ensures that only axial pressure changes are measured, filtering out interference from radial pump movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensing is shifted from the longitudinal dimension to the radial dimension by orienting the pressure-sensitive area perpendicular to the pump axis. This dimensional change allows the sensor to measure pressure without being affected by longitudinal or transverse pump motions.
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
This configuration enables precise measurement of high-frequency physiological signals, improving diagnostic capabilities for heart health and recovery by reducing interference from pump operation and environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor whose pressure-sensitive area firmly connected to the pumping device is aligned orthogonally to a general longitudinal axis of the rotary blood pump
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular rotary blood pump possesses a catheter (10), a pumping device (50) fixed distally to the catheter (10) and at least one pressure sensor (30; 60) firmly connected to the pumping device (50) and having a pressure-sensitive area (32) which is exposed to the surroundings and aligned orthogonally to the general longitudinal axis of the blood pump.