Vessel Stenosis Assessment Using Single-Probe Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing and treating stenoses in blood vessels, such as fractional flow reserve (FFR), often require the use of pharmacological hyperemic agents like adenosine, which can be costly, time-consuming, and contraindicated in certain patients, and do not always accurately account for coronary blood flow dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for assessing and treating stenoses in blood vessels that use pressure measurements from instruments positioned within the vessel to provide visual depictions and simulate treatment options, allowing for the guided placement of treatment devices without the need for hyperemic agents, by obtaining and analyzing pressure measurements from both proximal and distal positions of a stenosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hyperemic agents are administered to reduce vascular resistance for accurate FFR measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for additional pharmacological intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for hyperemic agents from the FFR measurement process. By using a single pressure-sensing instrument that measures pressure at multiple locations along the vessel, the system obtains accurate pressure differentials without needing to administer pharmacological substances to reduce vascular resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure-sensing instrument performs multiple functions: it measures pressure at the first location (distal to stenosis), moves to measure pressure at the second location (proximal to stenosis), and provides visual depiction of the vessel. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional multi-component system requiring hyperemic agents.
2Reliability
If hyperemic agents are used to stabilize microcirculation resistance, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to preparation and administration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by positioning the pressure-sensing instrument at the first location to obtain baseline pressure measurements before moving to the second location. This sequential measurement approach establishes reliable pressure differentials without requiring preliminary administration of hyperemic agents.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure measurements are taken at different locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple instruments required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple pressure-sensing instruments into a single pressure-sensing instrument. This single instrument sequentially measures pressure at multiple locations (first location distal to stenosis, second location proximal to stenosis) along the vessel, eliminating the need for multiple simultaneous instruments while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate assessment and treatment of stenoses without the limitations of hyperemic agents, improving treatment efficacy and reducing logistical and patient comfort issues, while providing real-time data for optimal device placement.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a first pressure measurement at a first location in the vessel distal of the stenosis with a first pressure sensor; move the first pressure sensor to a second location in the vessel proximal of the stenosis; obtain a second pressure measurement at the second location
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel, provide visual depictions of vessel that allow assessment of the vessel and,in particular, any stenosis or lesion of the vessel, simulate one or more treatment options for the vessel, and perform treatment on any stenosis or lesion of the vessel, including guiding placement of one or more treatment devices are provided. The method can include obtaining pressure measurements from first and second instruments positioned within a vessel of a patient during a diagnostic procedure where the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel; identifying a treatment option based on the obtained pressure measurements; and performing the identified treatment option, wherein a user display guides placement of one or more treatment devices associated with the identified treatment option.