Ultra-low profile wireless flow sensors to monitor hemodynamic alterations in the vascular system

A method of measuring blood flow in a vascular system of a patient body, comprising:

• forming an integrated sensor and flow diverter, comprising:
• fabricating a flow diverter, comprising:
• forming a framework having a surface and composed of a biocompatible material;
• and
• connecting a thin film nitinol cover to at least a portion of the surface of the framework;
• fabricating a microflow sensor component, comprising:
• forming a first metallic layer comprising an etched overall pattern;
• connecting the first metallic layer to at least a portion of the flow diverting device;
• depositing a dielectric elastomer on the first metallic layer;
• and
• depositing a second metallic layer on the dielectric elastomer comprising an etched overall pattern;
• connecting the microflow sensor component to at least a portion of the flow diverter to form the integrated sensor and flow diverter,
• wherein the first metallic layer, the dielectric elastomer and the second metallic layer are in a stacked configuration;
• deploying the integrated sensor and flow diverter in the patient body to a target site;
• deflecting the microflow sensor component with a flow of blood and deforming the dielectric elastomer layer, resulting in the microflow sensor component producing a capacitive change and measuring a flow rate of the blood;
• and
• transferring data in real time from the integrated sensor and flow diverter to an external data receiving device.