The Development of a Fibre Optic Catheter Tip Pressure Transducer

Abstract

There has been much discussion on the distortion of intracardiac pressure waveforms measured by catheter methods. Tip transducers, which can eliminate this waveform distortion, have several problems. There are manufacturing difficulties with the mechano-electric transducing element. The devices also do not remain stable over variations in temperature and with long term clinical use. Safety problems may also be experienced due to the direct connection between external electronic devices and the heart. In order to overcome these difficulties, the application of fibre optics to the measurement of intracardiac pressure has been proposed. In this paper, the design, construction, and evaluation of a side-hole optic catheter, intended for intracardiac pressure measurement, is described.

Optical fibres and sensors for biomedical applications

“…The principle of operation depends on monitoring the movement of mirrors that are mechanically coupled to pressure-sensitive membranes (Matsumoto et al, 1978). The principle of operation depends on monitoring the movement of mirrors that are mechanically coupled to pressure-sensitive membranes (Matsumoto et al, 1978).…”

Fiber optic intensity-modulated sensors: a review in biomechanics

“…Nevertheless, sensors with membranes located at the tip of the probe could lead to erroneous intravascular readings due to tip collisions with the blood vessels or the ventricular walls (the so-called wall or piston effect) and promote clot formation for long periods of monitoring [47,48]. These drawbacks could be reduced by changing the location of the sensing membranes to the sides of the probe.…”

“…These drawbacks could be reduced by changing the location of the sensing membranes to the sides of the probe. Taylor et al in 1972 [47] and Matsumoto et al [48] in 1978, implemented this feature in fiber optic sensors, intended to monitor multiple physiologic changes, such as the cardiac output, oxygen saturation, dye clearance, intravascular pressure, and heart rhythm ( Fig. 5).…”

Review of fiber-optic pressure sensors for biomedical and biomechanical applications

“…Sensor's resolution (<1 mmHg) and accuracy Fig . 9 Schematic drawing of the pressure and oxygen saturation sensor proposed by Matsumoto et al 124 A side membrane was used to sense pressure and a tip configuration for measurement of oxygen saturation. 88,138 (AE1 mmHg) fulfilled AAMI medical standards.…”

“…45 In the following years, similar sensors with vibrating membranes located at the tip 39,97,98 or at the side of a catheter have been proposed. 123,124 Side membranes should contribute to reduce pressure artifacts due to tip collisions with the blood vessels or the ventricular walls (the so-called wall or piston effect) [124][125][126] and to avoid clot formation occurring for long periods of monitoring. 123, 124 An earlier application of a pressure sensor incorporating a side membrane was proposed by Matsumoto et al 124 ( Fig.…”