Vessel Wall Characterization via Pressure-Flow Phase Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the condition of a vessel wall, particularly in the context of aneurysms, rely on complex computational fluid dynamics and multiple measurement techniques, which can be cumbersome and less effective in discriminating between healthy and weakened vessel walls.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a processor to analyze the phase difference between temporal pressure and flow measurement signals within a vessel, allowing for improved characterization of vessel wall conditions through simplified discrimination between healthy and weakened walls by integrating imaging and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computational fluid dynamics modeling and multiple measurement techniques are used to assess vessel wall conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic information from complex CFD modeling by focusing on a single critical parameter: the phase difference between pressure and flow signals. This phase difference becomes the key indicator for identifying weakened vessel walls, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the assessment from multiple complex parameters (flow velocity, pressure, shear stress gradients) to a single simplified parameter - the phase difference between pressure and flow signals. This parameter change enables easier measurement and interpretation while preserving the ability to detect vessel wall weakness.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement techniques and computational models are integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the most operationally simple yet diagnostically valuable parameter from complex measurement systems - the phase difference between pressure and flow signals. This single parameter can be obtained from standard pressure and flow measurements without requiring complex computational modeling, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified representation of vessel wall condition through the phase difference parameter, which copies the essential diagnostic information from complex CFD models into a format that is easier to measure and interpret in clinical practice.
3Measurement precision
If complex computational fluid dynamics analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-critical diagnostic information by using the phase difference between pressure and flow signals, which can be calculated directly from measured waveforms without requiring time-consuming CFD computations. This approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing assessment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the computationally intensive CFD mechanical system with a simpler signal processing approach that analyzes phase differences in pressure and flow waveforms. This substitution eliminates the need for complex computational models while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention presents an apparatus (6) for characterization of a condition of a vessel (12) wall of a living being (2). The relationship between temporal blood pressure (621) and blood flow (622) measurements of pulsatile blood motion within the vessel (12) is an indication of the health of the vessel (12) wall. Furthermore, the invention discloses a system (1) comprising the apparatus (6), and a method (100) of characterizing the condition of vessel (12) walls.