Vascular Graft Sensor for Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) treatment faces challenges due to the high risk of synthetic vascular graft failure from intimal hyperplasia and restenosis, which is difficult to monitor accurately using current imaging techniques, leading to inadequate blood flow and potential limb loss.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a prosthesis with integrated sensors, such as piezoelectric or Doppler sensors, that monitor flow characteristics like velocity, occlusion, and stenosis through a prosthetic vascular graft, allowing for real-time data transmission and remote monitoring to prevent graft failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current imaging techniques are used to monitor blood flow through synthetic vascular grafts, then the monitoring process is non-invasive and simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient to accurately detect intimal hyperplasia and restenosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (flow velocity, flow rate, pressure, temperature) into a single integrated sensor system implanted within the vascular graft. This merging of functions allows accurate detection of intimal hyperplasia and restenosis while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture that can be managed through a single implantation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple monitoring functions simultaneously - detecting flow velocity, flow rate, pressure changes, and temperature variations. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive monitoring of graft health and early detection of complications without requiring multiple separate devices, thus improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If synthetic vascular grafts are used to treat peripheral arterial disease, then the procedure can be performed with standard surgical techniques, but the reliability of the graft is reduced due to high risk of failure from intimalhyperplasia and restenosis
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is implanted within the vascular graft during the initial surgical procedure, establishing continuous monitoring capability before complications can develop. This preliminary action allows for early detection of intimalhyperplasia and restenosis trends, enabling intervention before complete graft failure occurs, thus improving overall graft reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring through the sensor system that tracks flow characteristics and provides real-time data on graft performance. This feedback mechanism allows clinicians to detect early signs of intimalhyperplasia and restenosis, adjust treatment protocols, and intervene timely to prevent graft failure, thereby enhancing reliability.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of blood flow through vascular grafts is implemented, then the reliability and timely detection of complications improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (flow velocity, flow rate, pressure, temperature) into a single integrated sensor system implanted within the vascular graft. This merging of functions allows accurate detection of intimalhyperplasia and restenosis while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture that can be managed through a single implantation procedure.
4Measurement precision
If standard surgical techniques are used for graft placement, then the ease of manufacture and deployment is maintained, but the ability to detect early signs of graft failure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is implanted within the vascular graft during the initial surgical procedure, establishing continuous monitoring capability before complications can develop. This preliminary action allows for early detection of intimalhyperplasia and restenosis trends, enabling intervention before complete graft failure occurs, thus improving overall graft reliability.
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 system enables continuous and accurate monitoring of blood flow through synthetic vascular grafts, reducing the risk of graft failure and associated complications like tissue ischemia and limb loss by providing timely intervention opportunities.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor detects a characteristic of fluid flowing through the lumen of the second tubular prosthesis
Implementation Method 2
A system comprising a prosthesis with integrated sensors, such as piezoelectric or Doppler sensors, that monitor flow characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis for monitoring a characteristic of flow includes a first tubular prosthesis having a lumen and a sensor for detecting the characteristic of flow through the lumen. The sensor may be covered with another tubular prosthesis or by a layer of material in order to insulate the sensor from the fluid flow. A pocket may be formed between the tubular prosthesis and the adjacent layer of material or prosthesis and the sensor may be disposed in the pocket.