The devices and methods generally relate to vibratable sensors for measuring ambient fluid pressure, in particular implantable sensors. The devices and methods are suited to implantation within the body to monitor physiological conditions, such as portal and/or hepatic venous blood pressure, and allow frequent, remote interrogation of venous pressure. The sensor devices are relatively small compared to conventional devices for measuring fluid pressure and can be implanted in the portohepatic venous system, whereas conventional devices are too large. The small size of the device is accomplished by using a thick sensor membrane, compared to conventional devices, and by limiting the size of additional elements of the device relative to the size of the sensor membrane. The thicker sensor member also obviates the need for multiple sensor arrays and maintains the accuracy and robustness of the sensor device. A data capture, processing, and display system provides a pressure measurement reading.
A method for fabricating a multi-cell electroacoustic transducer comprises placing a rail layer onto a base, the rail layer comprising a plurality of apertures arranged in an array, filling cavities in the rail layer with a polymer, and applying a flexural plate to the rail layer. The transducer achieves high transmission sensitivity across a broad bandwidth. The transducer may be designed to have a broad or a focused directivity pattern, or may be multi-frequency, depending on the particular application and has a range of applications.
H10N 30/00 - Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
H10N 30/03 - Assembling devices that include piezoelectric or electrostrictive parts
3.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYMENT OF AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE HAVING AN ATTACHMENT ELEMENT AND METHODS OF MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA USING MULTIPLE SENSOR DEVICES
Systems and methods for deployment and implantation of an implantable device having an attachment element directly in a luminal wall or tissue to monitor or detect physiological conditions. In an embodiment of the invention, a device is positioned at one or more target locations in the body to enable a medical professional to obtain physiological information for the target site(s). The invention also provides novel methods of monitoring physiological conditions using multiple sensors via techniques such as ultrasound with frequency separation or spatial separation.
The invention provides an apparatus, system, and method employing a marker based on a membrane that is reflective of ultrasonic waves. The technique allows controlling the resonance frequency of the membrane, amplitude, non-linearity and reverberation period by modifying material properties and geometrical properties (membrane area and thickness) such that the marker appears prominently on ultrasound imaging. The marker can be tailored for use either in color Doppler mode or harmonics mode.
A method and system of the invention generally relate to measuring ambient pressure in systems comprising incompressible fluids. Particularly, the method and system relate to monitoring pressure within body lumens. The ambient pressure may be measured by transmitting a frequency comb having non-uniform spacing between transmitted frequencies at the passive sensor and measuring the frequency response of the passive sensor. In one embodiment, a higher-order harmonic of the sensor is excited and measured to determine the ambient pressure. In another embodiment, the frequency response of frequencies in-between the transmitted frequencies are measured to determine the ambient pressure.
This invention relates to an implantable device for a physiologic sensor, comprising an implantable expandable anchor, a bridge on which the sensor is secured, as well as an optional adapting ring. The invention also relates to a method of monitoring bodily functions using the anchor and sensor. The anchor is compressed and the bridge assumes an elongated shape during delivery to a target lumen. Upon deployment at the target site, the anchor expands and the bridge bows into the interior lumen of the expanded anchor, distancing the sensor from the vessel wall. This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said device and a method of implanting a sensor.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/0215 - Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by means inserted into the body
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elements; Stents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A61F 2/82 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value
A61F 2/86 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elements; Stents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
7.
Method of detecting portal and/or hepatic pressure and a portal hypertension monitoring system
The devices and methods generally relate to vibratable sensors for measuring ambient fluid pressure, in particular implantable sensors. The devices and methods are suited to implantation within the body to monitor physiological conditions, such as portal and/or hepatic venous blood pressure, and allow frequent, remote interrogation of venous pressure. The sensor devices are relatively small compared to conventional devices for measuring fluid pressure and can be implanted in the portohepatic venous system, whereas conventional devices are too large. The small size of the device is accomplished by using a thick sensor membrane, compared to conventional devices, and by limiting the size of additional elements of the device relative to the size of the sensor membrane. The thicker sensor member also obviates the need for multiple sensor arrays and maintains the accuracy and robustness of the sensor device. A data capture, processing, and display system provides a pressure measurement reading.
The present invention relates to a transducer device having a planar array of electroacoustic cells, each including a piezoelectric bilayer unit. The transducer device achieves high transmission sensitivity across a broad bandwidth. The transducer device may be designed to have a broad or a focused directivity pattern, or may be multi-frequency, depending on the particular application and has a range of applications. For example, the transducer device may be used with an implanted passive ultrasonically excitable resonating sensor, to excite the sensor and/or to interrogate the sensor, for example in conjunction with Doppler-based analysis of the resonance frequency of the sensor, and/or to locate an implanted sensor. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the device.
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
The present invention relates to a transducer device having a planar array of electroacoustic cells, each including a piezoelectric bilayer unit. The transducer device achieves high transmission sensitivity across a broad bandwidth. The transducer device may be designed to have a broad or a focused directivity pattern, or may be multi-frequency, depending on the particular application and has a range of applications. For example, the transducer device may be used with an implanted passive ultrasonically excitable resonating sensor, to excite the sensor and/or to interrogate the sensor, for example in conjunction with Doppler-based analysis of the resonance frequency of the sensor, and/or to locate an implanted sensor. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the device.
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
The present invention relates to a transducer device having a planar array of electroacoustic cells, each including a piezoelectric bilayer unit. The transducer device achieves high transmission sensitivity across a broad bandwidth. The transducer device may be designed to have a broad or a focused directivity pattern, or may be multi-frequency, depending on the particular application and has a range of applications. For example, the transducer device may be used with an implanted passive ultrasonically excitable resonating sensor, to excite the sensor and/or to interrogate the sensor, for example in conjunction with Doppler-based analysis of the resonance frequency of the sensor, and/or to locate an implanted sensor. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the device.
H01L 41/08 - Piezo-electric or electrostrictive elements
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
H01L 41/25 - Assembling devices that include piezo-electric or electrostrictive parts
This invention relates to an implantable device for a physiologic sensor, comprising an implantable expandable anchor, a bridge on which the sensor is secured, as well as an optional adapting ring. The invention also relates to a method of monitoring bodily functions using the anchor and sensor. The anchor is compressed and the bridge assumes an elongated shape during delivery to a target lumen. Upon deployment at the target site, the anchor expands and the bridge bows into the interior lumen of the expanded anchor, distancing the sensor from the vessel wall. This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said device and a method of implanting a sensor.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elements; Stents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
The device and method of the invention generally relate to a system and method for percutaneous delivery, implantation and securement of an anchor at a target site. The system comprises an anchor having a bridge, a first stabilizer having a crimped state and a deployed state, a second stabilizer having a crimped state and a deployed state, and a positioning arm. The system may further comprise a cannula, pushrod, and sheath. The system permits the deposit of an anchor at a target location in the body by utilizing a controlled amount of force. The anchors and methods are particularly well-suited to implantation within the body of a living animal or human to monitor various physiological conditions.
A61M 5/00 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests
This invention relates to an implantable device for a physiologic sensor, comprising an implantable expandable anchor, a bridge on which the sensor is secured, as well as an optional adapting ring. The invention also relates to a method of monitoring bodily functions using the anchor and sensor. The anchor is compressed and the bridge assumes an elongated shape during delivery to a target lumen. Upon deployment at the target site, the anchor expands and the bridge bows into the interior lumen of the expanded anchor, distancing the sensor from the vessel wall. This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said device and a method of implanting a sensor.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/0215 - Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by means inserted into the body
A61F 2/82 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elements; Stents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value
A61F 2/86 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elements; Stents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
The device and method of the invention generally relate to a system and method to implant an implantable device at a target site. The system comprises a cannula, pushrod, controlled deployment mechanism and said implantable device. The system permits the deposit of an implantable device at a target location in the body by utilizing a controlled amount of force. The devices and methods are particularly well-suited to implantation within the body of a living animal or human to monitor various physiological conditions.
The devices and methods generally relate to vibratable sensors for measuring ambient fluid pressure, in particular implantable sensors. The devices and methods are particularly well-suited to implantation within the body of a living animal or human to monitor physiological conditions, such as portal and/or hepatic venous blood pressure, and allow frequent, remote interrogation of venous pressure using the resonance frequency of an implanted sensor. The sensor devices are relatively small compared to conventional devices for measuring fluid pressure and can be implanted in the porto-hepatic venous system, whereas conventional devices are too large. The small size of the device is accomplished by using a thick sensor membrane, compared to conventional devices, and by limiting the size of additional elements of the device relative to the size of the sensor membrane. The thicker sensor member also obviates the need for multiple sensor arrays and maintains the accuracy and robustness of the sensor device. A data capture, processing, and display system provides a pressure measurement reading, and is particularly well-suited for detecting portal hypertension in patients with liver disorders.
The devices and methods generally relate to vibratable sensors for measuring ambient fluid pressure, in particular implantable sensors. The devices and methods are particularly well-suited to implantation within the body of a living animal or human to monitor physiological conditions, such as portal and/or hepatic venous blood pressure, and allow frequent, remote interrogation of venous pressure using the resonance frequency of an implanted sensor. The sensor devices are relatively small compared to conventional devices for measuring fluid pressure and can be implanted in the porto- hepatic venous system, whereas conventional devices are too large. The small size of the device is accomplished by using a thick sensor membrane, compared to conventional devices, and by limiting the size of additional elements of the device relative to the size of the sensor membrane. The thicker sensor member also obviates the need for multiple sensor arrays and maintains the accuracy and robustness of the sensor device. A data capture, processing, and display system provides a pressure measurement reading, and is particularly well-suited for detecting portal hypertension in patients with liver disorders.
The devices and methods generally relate to vibratable sensors for measuring ambient fluid pressure, in particular implantable sensors. The devices and methods are particularly well-suited to implantation within the body of a living animal or human to monitor physiological conditions, such as portal and/or hepatic venous blood pressure, and allow frequent, remote interrogation of venous pressure using the resonance frequency of an implanted sensor. The sensor devices are relatively small compared to conventional devices for measuring fluid pressure and can be implanted in the porto- hepatic venous system, whereas conventional devices are too large. The small size of the device is accomplished by using a thick sensor membrane, compared to conventional devices, and by limiting the size of additional elements of the device relative to the size of the sensor membrane. The thicker sensor member also obviates the need for multiple sensor arrays and maintains the accuracy and robustness of the sensor device. A data capture, processing, and display system provides a pressure measurement reading, and is particularly well-suited for detecting portal hypertension in patients with liver disorders.
The devices and methods generally relate to vibratable sensors for measuring ambient fluid pressure, in particular implantable sensors. The devices and methods are particularly well-suited to implantation within the body of a living animal or human to monitor physiological conditions, such as portal and/or hepatic venous blood pressure, and allow frequent, remote interrogation of venous pressure using the resonance frequency of an implanted sensor. The sensor devices are relatively small compared to conventional devices for measuring fluid pressure and can be implanted in the porto-hepatic venous system, whereas conventional devices are too large. The small size of the device is accomplished by using a thick sensor membrane, compared to conventional devices, and by limiting the size of additional elements of the device relative to the size of the sensor membrane. The thicker sensor member also obviates the need for multiple sensor arrays and maintains the accuracy and robustness of the sensor device. A data capture, processing, and display system provides a pressure measurement reading, and is particularly well-suited for detecting portal hypertension in patients with liver disorders.
A method of protecting a resonating sensor is described. The protected resonating sensor may include at least one passive ultrasonically excitable resonating sensor unit. Each sensor unit has one or more vibratable members having a resonating frequency that varies as a function of a physical variable in a measurement environment. The sensor is protected by forming one or more protective chambers defined between a compliant member and the vibratable member(s). A substantially non-compressible medium is disposed within the protective chamber(s). The compliant member has a first side that may be exposed to a measurement environment and a second side that may be exposed to the substantially non-compressible medium. The substantially non-compressible medium may be a liquid or gel and is in contact with the vibratable member(s). When the medium is a liquid, the chamber is sealed. When the medium is a gel, the chamber may be sealed or non-sealed.
A protected resonating sensor may include at least one resonating sensor unit, each sensor unit has one or more vibratable members. The protected sensor includes at least one body of gel for protecting the vibratable member(s) of the sensor. The gel may be disposed on or attached to the sensor unit(s) covering the vibratable member(s) of the sensor unit(s). The gel may also be disposed in an open housing including one or more sensor units, and may cover vibratable members of different sensor units. The sensor unit may be any resonating sensor unit having a resonance frequency that depends on the value of a physical variable in a measurement environment. The protected sensor may also be attached to or included in or formed as part of any suitable device or sensor anchoring device and may also be implanted or inserted into a body or an organism. Methods are described for constructing the gel-protected sensor. The gel may have modified surface properties and may contain one or more drugs or therapeutic agents or other releasable substances. The gel may be formulated to retard or reduce diffusion of substances from the measurement environment into the gel and their deposition on the vibratable member(s).
A protected resonating sensor may include at least one resonating sensor unit. Each sensor unit has one or more vibratable members. The protected sensor includes a compliant member that forms part of one or more chambers. A first side of the compliant member may be exposed to a medium in a measurement environment. The sensor unit may be any resonating sensor unit having a resonance frequency that depends on the value of a physical variable in a measurement environment. The protected sensor includes a substantially non-compressible medium disposed within the chamber(s). The substantially non-compressible medium may be a liquid or a gel. When the medium is a liquid, the chamber is sealed. When the medium is a gel, the chamber may be sealed or non-sealed. The medium is in contact the vibratable member(s) and with a second side of the compliant member. The medium may have a low vapor pressure. The protected sensor may also be attached to or included in or formed as part of any suitable device or sensor anchoring device and may also be implanted or inserted into a body or an organism. Methods are described for constructing the protected sensor.
Methods and systems for determining the resonance frequency of a resonator by Doppler effect. An interrogating sonic beam including a carrier and one or more resonator exciting frequencies is used to excite a resonator (20). The carrier frequency is modulated by the resonator~s vibrations. The received signal is analyzed (38) to determine the amplitude of the Doppler shifted sideband frequencies, and the data processed to determine resonance frequency and/or to center the sonic beam on the sensor. Calibration of the sensor~s resonance as a function of a physical parameter in the measurement environment allows the determination of the parameter value. The methods and system may be used to determine cardiovascular or intra-cranial pressure or pressure in other body cavities or in an industrial environment.
Methods and systems for determining the resonance frequency of a resonator, using the Doppler effect. An interrogating sonic beam including a carrier frequency and one or more resonator exciting frequencies is directed at a resonator disposed in a measurement environment. Resonator vibrations are excited by the resonator exciting frequencies. The carrier frequency is modulated by the vibrating part(s) of the resonator. The returning signal is received and analyzed to determine the amplitude of the Doppler shifted sideband frequencies. The resulting data is processed to determine the resonator's resonance frequency. Using calibrated resonating sensors having a resonance frequency that varies as a function of a physical parameter in a measurement environment, the method and systems allow determining the value of the physical variable from the sensor's resonance frequency. The methods and systems may be used, inter alia, to determine intraluminal blood pressure in various parts of a cardiovascular system, the pressure of intra-cranial fluids, the pressure of fluids in various bodily cavities by using implantable calibratable resonating pressure sensors. The methods and systems may also be used for determining the pressure in various industrial measurement environments and enclosures. Methods and systems are provided for detecting the sensor and for centering the interrogating beam on the sensor.
patents
