Implantable flexible pressure measurement system based on inductive coupling.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a common treatment for aortic aneurysms.
• Lifelong surveillance is recommended post-EVAR due to potential complications.
• Current surveillance methods involve frequent imaging, increasing costs and patient burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a flexible remote pressure measurement system for post-EVAR monitoring.
• To reduce reliance on traditional imaging surveillance methods.
• To decrease the overall cost of follow-up care for EVAR patients.

Main Methods:

• Design and development of a flexible, inductive-coupling-based remote pressure sensor system.
• Modeling and simulation of the implantable sensor and reading circuit.
• Performance characterization using a controlled pressure vacuum chamber and a hydraulic test bench emulating the aorta.

Main Results:

• Successful development and characterization of the flexible remote pressure measurement system.
• Validation of sensor and circuit models through simulations and experimental measurements.
• Demonstration of system functionality in an aortic emulation test bench, showing a clear pressure versus frequency transfer characteristic.

Conclusions:

• The developed inductive-coupling pressure sensor system offers a promising technological solution for post-EVAR monitoring.
• This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for lifelong imaging surveillance.
• The system represents an advancement in reducing follow-up costs and improving patient management after EVAR.