Method for generating one or more strain measurements associated with a biological surface
Inventors
Majerus, Steve J A • Dunning, Jeremy • Bogie, Katherine M. • Potkay, Joseph A.
Assignees
Case Western Reserve University • US Department of Veterans Affairs
Publication Number
US-12036042-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-16
Expiration Date
2038-10-12
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Abstract
A sensor apparatus includes at least one substrate layer of an elastically deformable material, the substrate layer extending longitudinally between spaced apart ends thereof. A conductive layer is attached to and extends longitudinally between the spaced apart ends of the at least one substrate layer. The conductive layer includes an electrically conductive material adapted to form a strain gauge having an electrical resistance that varies based on deformation of the conductive layer in at least one direction.
Core Innovation
This disclosure relates to a sensor apparatus and a method of making a sensor that includes at least one substrate layer of an elastically deformable material and a conductive layer attached to and extending longitudinally between the substrate ends. The conductive layer comprises an electrically conductive material that forms a strain gauge with electrical resistance varying based on deformation in at least one direction.
The sensor apparatus can have anisotropic or isotropic compliance, being strain-sensitive along a predetermined direction and less compliant transversely. This is achieved by layers fabricated as parallel strands spaced apart, often formed by additive manufacturing, allowing control of compliance and elasticity in different directions. The conductive layer may be integrated with the elastically deformable substrate materials to provide compliance commensurate with the substrate layers.
The problem addressed arises from existing sensors used to monitor biological conditions such as blood flow in grafts, which contact the bloodstream and may stimulate hypercellular processes causing graft failure or alter graft mechanical structure. Improved sensor designs are needed to avoid such adverse effects while providing effective strain measurements associated with biological surfaces.
Claims Coverage
The claims include one independent claim detailing a method involving a sensor apparatus and wireless measurement system, highlighting key inventive features related to the sensor structure, compliance, and wireless communication.
Sensor apparatus with elastically deformable substrate and conductive strain gauge layer
The method includes advancing a sensor apparatus into a patient comprising at least one elastically deformable substrate layer extending longitudinally between spaced apart ends and a conductive layer disposed over the substrate layer. The conductive layer forms a strain gauge having anisotropic or isotropic compliance, wherein its electrical resistance varies based on deformation.
Incorporation of a wireless communication interface in the measurement system
The sensor apparatus includes a measurement system having a wireless communication interface adapted to transmit measurement data wirelessly to a remote device in communication with the interface.
Mounting the sensor apparatus to a biological surface and generating strain measurements
The method comprises mounting the sensor apparatus to a biological surface of the subject and generating one or more strain measurements associated with that biological surface, enabling monitoring of conditions internal to the biological surface.
Remote device communication and alert generation
The system includes providing a remote device (e.g., smartphone, server, or wireless receiver) that communicates with the wireless interface. The measurement system can monitor conditions, detect dysfunctions, generate alerts, and communicate such alerts to patients or caregivers.
The claimed invention centers on a sensor system with an elastically deformable substrate and conductive strain gauge layer capable of anisotropic or isotropic compliance, combined with a wireless measurement system and methods for mounting on biological surfaces to generate strain measurements and communicate data and alerts remotely.
Stated Advantages
The sensor apparatus enables detection of graft dysfunction without adversely affecting blood flow through the graft.
The multi-layer strand structure design provides tailored compliance and strain sensitivity in desired directions.
The sensor system supports wireless data transmission for remote monitoring and alerting of physiological conditions.
Additive manufacturing techniques enable customization of sensor size, geometry, and compliance for specific applications.
Documented Applications
Monitoring graft wall motion and blood flow characteristics in vascular grafts to detect dysfunction such as occlusion or stenosis.
Measuring deformation and strain on biological or synthetic tissue surfaces, including vessel walls or surfaces of organs like stomach, liver, heart, or skin.
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