Solid state sphincter myometers

• Main Authors: LANE; ALAN J, NAPPI; BRUCE, COLLER; JOHN A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 09.07.1996
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: DIAGNOSIS; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; IDENTIFICATION; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; SURGERY

A system for providing real-time measurements of constriction pressure applied by the inner surface of a body lumen, such as a sphincter, includes a probe comprising an elongated core member having a matrix of pressure transducer regions distributed over the surface of the elongated core member. The preferred matrix of pressure transducer regions is addressed by a first inner array of substantially parallel electrically conductive strips substantially conformed circumferentially to at least a portion of the elongated core member, the first array being disposed in overlapping relationship with a second outer array of substantially parallel electrically conductive strips, and substantially conformed axially to at least the same portion of the elongated core member, so as to provide a matrix of intersection regions. Each pressure transducer region is disposed at a corresponding intersection region, and is in electrical contact with both a electrically conductive strip of the first array, and a electrically conductive strip of the second array. In the preferred embodiment the strips of the outer array are mechanically decoupled from one another by axially-directed slits to allow each individual strip to respond independently under hydrostatically applied pressures. A method of making the probe from commercially available materials is also disclosed.