Catheter or guidewire device including flow sensing and use thereof

摘要

Devices and methods are provided for performing procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include an elongated member, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the elongated member. The flow sensor includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one heating element having a cavity. At least a portion of the at least one temperature sensor is housed in the cavity. A temperature measurement of the temperature sensor provides an indication of the flow rate of a fluid proximate to the flow sensor.

主权项

1. A method of performing a medical treatment procedure on a tissue, the method comprising:
disposing in proximity to the tissue an apparatus comprising:
an elongated member having a proximal portion and a distal portion;at least one flow sensor disposed proximate to the distal portion of the elongated member, each of the at least one flow sensor comprising:
at least one temperature sensor; andat least one heating element disposed proximate to the at least one temperature sensor;a reference temperature sensor disposed on a proximal portion of the elongated member; anda control module coupled to the at least one flow sensor and the reference temperature sensor; using the control module to maintain a temperature difference between the reference temperature sensor and the temperature sensor of the at least one flow sensor at a stage of performance of the medical treatment procedure, comprising:
monitoring a value of a temperature measurement of the reference temperature sensor and/or a temperature measurement of the temperature sensor of the at least one flow sensor; andcontrolling a first signal to the at least one heating element to cause the at least one heating element to emit heat or discontinue emitting heat, such that that the temperature difference is maintained, wherein the temperature difference is a constant temperature difference or a time varying temperature difference.