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Pressure-sensitive conductive composite contact sensor and method for contact sensing

  • US 9,579,483 B2
  • Filed: 12/29/2006
  • Issued: 02/28/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A sensor assembly for assessing contact between the sensor assembly and tissue, said assembly comprising:

  • a catheter shaft;

    a conductive core having a first measurement terminala continuous layer of a pressure sensitive conductive composite in electrical contact with said conductive core, said layer including a tissue contact surface that may be placed in contact with tissue, wherein the continuous layer of pressure sensitive conductive composite consists essentially of a non-conductive polymer substrate having a plurality of conductive particles embedded therein, and wherein the pressure sensitive conductive composite has a resistance that varies anisotropically and inversely with pressure to less than one ohm; and

    a measurement device coupled to the first measurement terminal such that said measurement device measures an electrical characteristic of the pressure sensitive conductive composite;

    wherein when the tissue contact surface applies pressure to the tissue, the measurement device will measure a change in electrical characteristics of the pressure sensitive conductive composite and provide a user with information regarding a degree of contact between the sensor assembly and the tissue being contacted.

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