Microsensor for physiological pressure measurement
First Claim
1. A body implantable sensor for sensing pressure in an environment within internal body tissue comprising:
- a housing;
an optical waveguide attached to the housing;
a diaphragm having a reflective surface that faces a waveguide distal end and that reflects at least a portion of the signals exiting the waveguide distal end back into the waveguide, the diaphragm being movable relative to the waveguide distal end, wherein the distance between the waveguide distal end and the diaphragm reflective surface is determined by pressure forces acting on a sensing surface of the diaphragm that is opposite the reflective surface; and
a cover surrounding the diaphragm to protect the diaphragm from impingement, but leaving the diaphragm sensing surface exposed to pressure forces.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A body implantable sensor for sensing pressure in an environment within internal body tissue is described. In an implementation, the sensor includes a housing, an optical waveguide and a diaphragm with a reflective surface that faces a waveguide distal end and that reflects at least a portion of the signals exiting the waveguide distal end back into the waveguide. The diaphragm is movable relative to the waveguide end. The distance between the waveguide distal end and the diaphragm reflective surface is determined by pressure forces acting on a sensing surface of the diaphragm that is opposite the reflective surface. A cover surrounds the diaphragm and protects it from impingement, but leaves the diaphragm sensing surface exposed to pressure forces. In some implementations, an attachment mechanism stabilizes the sensor when implanted in the bodily tissue.
37 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A body implantable sensor for sensing pressure in an environment within internal body tissue comprising:
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a housing;
an optical waveguide attached to the housing;
a diaphragm having a reflective surface that faces a waveguide distal end and that reflects at least a portion of the signals exiting the waveguide distal end back into the waveguide, the diaphragm being movable relative to the waveguide distal end, wherein the distance between the waveguide distal end and the diaphragm reflective surface is determined by pressure forces acting on a sensing surface of the diaphragm that is opposite the reflective surface; and
a cover surrounding the diaphragm to protect the diaphragm from impingement, but leaving the diaphragm sensing surface exposed to pressure forces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A body implantable sensor for sensing pressure in an environment with internal body tissue comprising:
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a pressure transducer; and
an attachment mechanism that is associated with the pressure transducer, wherein the attachment mechanism secures the sensor to the internal body tissue. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20)
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15. A body implantable sensor for sensing pressure in an environment within internal body tissue comprising:
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a housing;
an optical waveguide attached to the housing;
a diaphragm having a reflective surface that faces a waveguide distal end and that reflects at least a portion of the signals exiting the waveguide distal end back into the waveguide, the diaphragm being movable relative to the waveguide distal end, wherein the distance between the waveguide distal end and the diaphragm reflective surface is determined by pressure forces acting on a sensing surface of the diaphragm that is opposite the reflective surface; and
a cover surrounding the diaphragm to protect the diaphragm from impingement, but leaving the diaphragm sensing surface exposed to pressure forces, and having an attachment mechanism formed thereon that secures the sensor to the bodily tissue.
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16. A body implantable sensor for sensing pressure in an environment with internal body tissue comprising:
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a housing;
an optical waveguide attached to the housing;
a diaphragm having a reflective surface that faces a waveguide distal end and that reflects at least a portion of the signals exiting the waveguide distal end back into the waveguide, the diaphragm being movable relative to the waveguide distal end, wherein the distance between the waveguide distal end and the diaphragm reflective surface is determined by pressure forces acting on a sensing surface of the diaphragm that is opposite the reflective surface; and
a cover surrounding the diaphragm to protect the diaphragm from impingement, but leaving the diaphragm sensing surface exposed to pressure forces, and having a wire with a first end connected to the cover and a second hooked end the wire securing the sensor to the bodily tissue.
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17. A body implantable sensor for sensing pressure in an environment within internal body tissue, comprising:
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a housing;
an optical waveguide attached to the housing;
a deformable diaphragm having a reflective surface that faces a waveguide distal end and that reflects at least a portion of signals exiting the waveguide back into the waveguide, wherein the distance between the waveguide distal end and the diaphragm reflective surface is determined by pressure forces acting on a sensing surface of the diaphragm that is opposite the reflective surface; and
a cover surrounding the diaphragm to protect the diaphragm from impingement, but leaving the diaphragm sensing surface exposed to pressure forces.
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18. A method of measuring physiological pressure comprising:
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implanting an optical pressure sensor into an organism;
anchoring the sensor within the organism;
transmitting light into the sensor;
receiving a returned light signal; and
processing the returned light signal to determine the physiological pressure.
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19. A method of measuring intramuscle pressure comprising:
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implanting an optical pressure sensor into a muscle;
anchoring the sensor within the muscle;
transmitting light into the sensor;
receiving a returned light signal; and
processing the returned light signal to determine intramuscular pressure.
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21. A method of measuring intramuscle pressure comprising:
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fabricating an optical pressure sensor having a cover to protect the sensor from impingements;
implanting the sensor into an organism;
anchoring the sensor within the organism;
transmitting light into the sensor;
receiving a returned light signal; and
processing the returned light signal to determine the physiological pressure.
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22. A system for measuring physiological pressure comprising:
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a light source;
an optical coupler including a first waveguide coupled to the light source;
an optical sensor including, a second optical waveguide;
a deformable diaphragm having a reflective surface that faces a distal end of the second waveguide and that reflects at least a portion of the signals exiting the second waveguide distal end back into the second waveguide, wherein the distance between the second waveguide distal end and the diaphragm reflective surface is determined by pressure forces acting on a sensing surface of the diaphragm that is opposite the reflective surface; and
a cover surrounding the diaphragm to protect the diaphragm from impingement, but leaving the diaphragm sensing surface exposed to pressure forces;
a spectrometer having a third waveguide coupled to the coupler; and
a signal processor coupled to the spectrometer.
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Specification