Method and apparatus for measuring flow through a lumen
Inventors
Kuraguntla, David John • Gupta, Samit Kumar • Rushenberg, Robert Lawrence
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12064259-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
A prosthesis for monitoring a characteristic of flow includes a first tubular prosthesis having a lumen and a sensor for detecting the characteristic of flow through the lumen. The sensor may be covered with another tubular prosthesis or by a layer of material in order to insulate the sensor from the fluid flow. A pocket may be formed between the tubular prosthesis and the adjacent layer of material or prosthesis and the sensor may be disposed in the pocket.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to monitoring flow through a prosthesis that includes a tubular structure and a lumen configured for fluid flow therethrough. The system uses a sensor operatively coupled with the prosthesis to sense stress, strain, or pressure exerted on the prosthesis and output data related to the sensed quantity. The described monitoring integrates sensor placement with a coaxial tubular prosthesis architecture to obtain flow-related information from mechanical characteristics of the prosthesis.
In the described configurations, the prosthesis includes a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure coaxial to the first tubular structure. The sensor architecture includes a first sensor disposed axially along an outer surface of the first tubular structure and a second sensor disposed axially along an outer surface of the second tubular structure. The invention also includes sensor shielding by an insulating or encapsulating layer to shield the sensor from fluid contact, while enabling the sensor to generate signals corresponding to pressure, strain, stress, acoustic signal, and thermal properties.
The system architecture further supports remote review by providing a wireless transmitter and an extracorporeal receiver/display for clinician review. The described data pathway includes sensor outputting data related to sensed stress, strain, or pressure, transmission to a receiver, optional processing, and display for physician or caregiver access.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies two independent claims that each define a system for monitoring flow through a prosthesis using paired axially disposed sensors on coaxial tubular structures. The independent claims differ in whether the sensor is configured to sense stress/strain or pressure.
Flow monitoring using axially disposed sensors on coaxial tubular structures
A system for monitoring flow through a prosthesis including a first tubular structure, a second tubular structure coaxial to the first tubular structure, and a lumen configured for fluid flow; and a sensor operatively coupled with the prosthesis configured for sensing stress exerted on the prosthesis or strain exerted on the prosthesis and outputting data related to the sensed stress or strain, wherein the sensor comprises a first sensor disposed axially along an outer surface of the first tubular structure and a second sensor disposed axially along an outer surface of the second tubular structure.
Pressure monitoring using axially disposed sensors on coaxial tubular structures
A system for monitoring flow through a prosthesis including a first tubular structure, a second tubular structure coaxial to the first tubular structure, and a lumen configured for fluid flow; and a sensor operatively coupled with the prosthesis configured for sensing pressure exerted on the prosthesis and outputting data related to the sensed pressure, wherein the sensor comprises a first sensor disposed axially along an outer surface of the first tubular structure to monitor pressure exerted on the first tubular structure and a second sensor disposed axially along an outer surface of the second tubular structure to monitor pressure exerted on the second tubular structure.
Across the identified independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on monitoring flow through a tubular prosthesis by coupling sensors to coaxial tubular structures, with sensors disposed axially on the outer surfaces of the first and second tubular structures and producing output data based on sensed mechanical quantities (stress/strain or pressure).
Stated Advantages
Enables monitoring of changes associated with flow-related behavior, including detection of changes in flow rate, flow velocity, occlusion level, occlusion location, and flow turbulence.
Allows remote clinician review using wireless transmission to an extracorporeal receiver/display for physician or caregiver access.
Documented Applications
Monitoring flow through tubular prostheses, including vascular grafts and stent-grafts or stents, to detect flow-related behavior such as flow rate/velocity and occlusion/stenosis characteristics.
Use of sensor data with an extracorporeal receiver/display for clinician or physician review of monitored flow-related conditions.
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