Probe Characterizing Narrowing in Fluid-Filled Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing narrowing in fluid-filled tubes, such as coronary stenosis, are limited in accurately characterizing the extent and location of constrictions, particularly in providing detailed profiles and real-time feedback for interventions like stent placement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a probe with measurement sensors, a motor drive, and a processor that systematically draws through the tube to record pressure measurements at various locations, calculating characteristic ratios to create detailed profiles and intensity maps of stenosis, allowing for precise characterization and virtual assessment of narrowing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe with multiple measurement sensors is drawn through the tube to take instantaneous measurements at different locations, then measurement precision and characterization accuracy are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into discrete segments by using multiple sensors spaced at known distances apart along the probe. Each sensor captures local measurements at specific locations, and the processor integrates these segmented measurements to build a complete characterization profile of the tube, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives raw instantaneous measurements from multiple sensors, applies computational algorithms to calculate tube characteristics, and generates comprehensive characterization profiles. This intermediary processing layer transforms complex multi-sensor data into meaningful clinical information, maintaining measurement precision while managing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a probe with multiple measurement sensors spaced apart is used to create detailed profiles and intensity maps, then measurement precision is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously receives measurements from sensors at different locations, compares them against reference values or previous measurements, and adjusts the analysis to account for variations in tube characteristics. This feedback loop simplifies the detection process by automatically compensating for measurement variations and providing real-time characterization feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual measurement and analysis procedures with automated electronic sensing and computational processing. Instead of requiring manual interpretation of pressure drops or flow measurements, the processor automatically calculates tube characteristics from sensor data, reducing the difficulty of detection and measurement while improving precision.
3Loss of information
If the probe is drawn through the tube to take measurements at various locations, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous measurement and data acquisition as the probe is drawn through the tube, with sensors continuously recording instantaneous measurements at all locations. This continuous action ensures complete information capture about tube characteristics throughout the entire length, minimizing information loss while the automated processing efficiently manages the time required for comprehensive characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization by taking measurements at multiple locations simultaneously as the probe passes through, rather than requiring sequential measurements. The processor prepares and analyzes data in real-time during the probe traversal, reducing the total time required while ensuring complete information is captured about the tube's narrowing characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for characterising a narrowing in a fluid filled tube, the system comprising: a probe having a first measurement sensor to take an instantaneous measurement at different locations along the tube; a mechanism to draw the probe through the tube; a position measure to provide location data relating to the location at which a respective instantaneous measurement is taken by the first measurement sensor; a processor to calculate, from the instantaneous measurements, a characteristic of the tube at different locations along the tube.