Measurement and spectral analysis of medical shock wave parameters based on flexible PVDF sensors

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) achieves its therapeutic purpose mainly through the biological effects produced by the interaction of shock waves with tissues, and the accurate measurement and calculation of the mechanical parameters of shock waves in tissues are of great significance in formulating the therapeutic strategy and evaluating the therapeutic effect. This study utilizes the approach of implanting flexible polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) vibration sensors inside the tissue-mimicking phantom of various thicknesses to capture waveforms at different depths during the impact process in real time. Parameters including positive and negative pressure changes (P₊, P_-), pulse wave rise time ([Formula: see text]), and energy flux density (EFD) are calculated, and frequency spectrum analysis of the waveforms is conducted. The dynamic response, propagation process, and attenuation law of the shock wave in the phantom under different impact intensities were analyzed. Results showed that flexible PVDF sensors could precisely acquire the characteristics of pulse waveform propagating within the phantom. At the same depth, as the driving pressure increases, P₊ and P_- increase linearly, and [Formula: see text] remains constant. At the same driving pressure, P₊, P_-, and EFD decay exponentially with increasing propagation depth. At the same depth, the spectra of pulse waveforms are similar, and the increasing driving pressure does not cause significant changes in carrier frequency and modulation frequency. The research findings could provide a reference for developing ESWT devices, improving treatment strategies, and enhancing the safety of clinical applications.