| 摘要 |
A method and assembly for inserting a plurality of sensors into a biological fluid vessel for diagnosing the condition of the vessel or fluid. A pressure sensor is described which is particularly adapted for use with a steerable guidewire for selective positioning in the vessel. In one use, the method is used in coronary diagnosis, to determine the pressure gradient across a coronary valve or stenosis in the coronary arterial tree. In this method, a guiding catheter is percutaneously inserted with its distal end proximate the ostium. A guidewire is inserted through the guiding catheter and subselectively positioned in a region of interest in the coronary arterial tree. Multiple pressure sensors are then threaded down the guidewire and positioned in the region of interest. Advantageously, such pressure sensors are approximately 3 French in diameter, allowing multiple sensors to be threaded through the guiding catheter and positioned in the small arteries of the coronary arterial tree. Such pressure sensors can be used in conjunction with other sensors (e.g. temperature, pH, or Doppler sensors) and are useful in a variety of applications (e.g. venous, urinary tract, esophageal). |
