Imaging guidewire with pressure sensing
AssigneeVolcano Corporation
InventorPaul Hoseit
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An intravascular element, for example a guidewire, configured for pressure measurements and imaging within a patient. In an embodiment, the invention uses a system of optical fibers and photoabsorptive and/or photoreflective materials to make intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measurements. In an embodiment, the invention uses microfabricated pressure sensors to measure fluidic pressure adjacent to the element, such as the pressure of the blood within the vasculature. In a clinical setting, the invention can provide a surgeon with critical information about pressure, tissue composition, and luminal area while also reducing the time for procedures.
Claims20
An intravascular element comprising:
- a first optical fiber comprising a first blazed Bragg grating, the grating being at least partially reflective of a first wavelength;
- a photoabsorptive member that absorbs the first wavelength and is in photocommunication with the first blazed Bragg grating;
- and
- a sensor comprising a diaphragm and a piezoresistive element.
A guidewire comprising:
- a first optical fiber comprising a first, a second, and a third blazed Bragg grating, the gratings being at least partially reflective of a first wavelength;
- a photoabsorptive member that absorbs the first wavelength and is in photocommunication with the first blazed Bragg grating;
- and
- a sensor comprising a diaphragm and a piezoresistive element.
A method of evaluating a subject, comprising:
- imaging a subject with acoustic energy produced from a guidewire;
- and
- measuring a fluidic pressure with a sensor coupled to the guidewire.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.