IMAGING GUIDEWIRE WITH PRESSURE SENSING

摘要

An intravascular element, for example a guidewire, configured for pressure measurements and imaging within a patient. In an embodiment, the invention uses a system of optical fibers and photoabsorptive and/or photoreflective materials to make intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measurements. In an embodiment, the invention uses microfabricated pressure sensors to measure fluidic pressure adjacent to the element, such as the pressure of the blood within the vasculature. In a clinical setting, the invention can provide a surgeon with critical information about pressure, tissue composition, and luminal area while also reducing the time for procedures.

主权项

1. An intravascular element comprising:
a first optical fiber comprising a first blazed Bragg grating, the grating being at least partially reflective of a first wavelength; a photoabsorptive member that absorbs the first wavelength and is in photocommunication with the first blazed Bragg grating; and a sensor comprising a diaphragm and a piezoresistive element.