Vessel Element for Real-Time Tissue Property Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive treatments and diagnostic applications face challenges in obtaining accurate, real-time information about the properties of surrounding tissues or fluids in vessels, as existing imaging techniques provide limited mechanical and flow-related data, requiring multiple methods that are slow, costly, and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves placing an element in a vessel, determining its propulsion force, acceleration, and velocity, and using sensors and imaging devices to analyze these parameters to deduce properties of the neighboring medium, such as tissue mechanics and fluid dynamics, potentially aided by computer analysis and imaging data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging methods are used in parallel to obtain comprehensive information about tissue properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a therapeutic device (e.g., stent) and a diagnostic sensor. The element includes sensing capabilities that allow it to measure mechanical properties, flow characteristics, and other physiological parameters while simultaneously performing its primary therapeutic function, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines previously separate diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single integrated system. The element merges the structural/therapeutic component with embedded sensors and measurement capabilities, allowing simultaneous data collection and treatment in one device
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging methods are used in parallel to obtain comprehensive information about tissue properties, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The element continuously collects and transmits physiological data in real-time during its operation. The sensing capabilities operate continuously while the element is in place, providing ongoing information about tissue properties, flow characteristics, and mechanical conditions without requiring intermittent imaging procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The element performs both therapeutic and diagnostic functions simultaneously, allowing comprehensive data collection to occur during the treatment period rather than requiring separate diagnostic sessions before or after treatment
3Loss of information
If traditional imaging techniques are used to obtain mechanical and flow properties, then anatomic information is provided, but measurement precision of mechanical properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The element acts as an intermediary between the physiological environment and the measurement system. It directly interacts with the tissue and fluid flow, sensing mechanical properties and flow characteristics first-hand, then transmitting this data externally for analysis, providing accurate mechanical measurements while maintaining anatomical context
4Ease of operation
If minimally invasive treatments are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information about surrounding tissue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The element performs self-diagnosis by incorporating sensing capabilities within itself. The device monitors its own operational environment, measuring tissue properties, flow conditions, and mechanical characteristics in real-time, providing comprehensive information about surrounding tissues without requiring external diagnostic procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The element combines therapeutic and diagnostic functions in a single minimally invasive device, allowing comprehensive tissue characterization to be obtained during the treatment procedure itself rather than requiring separate invasive diagnostic procedures
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method of determining properties in a vessel or the heart (V) of a patient. It comprises the steps of placing an element in a vessel or the heart(V) and determining a propulsion force (2) acting on the element. Furthermore, at least one of acceleration (3) and velocity (4) of the element is determined. At least one property of a neighbouring medium of the element is determined based on the propulsion force and at least one of acceleration (3) and velocity (4) of the element.