Optical pressure sensor assemblies that can be used with existing catheters and imaging systems. Pressure sensors may be compatible with atherectomy and occlusion-crossing catheters, where intravascular pressure measurements at various vessel locations are needed to determine treatment efficacy. The pressure sensors may employ an optical pressure measurement mechanism using optical interferometry, and may be integrated with existing imaging modalities such as OCT. The pressure sensor assemblies may include a movable membrane that deflects in response to intravascular pressure; an optical fiber that transmits light to the movable membrane and receives light reflected or scattered back from the movable membrane into the fiber; and a processor or controller configured to determine the distance traveled by the light received in the fiber from the movable membrane, where the distance traveled is proportional to the intravascular pressure exerted against the membrane.

A pressure sensing guidewire includes a distal end and a proximal end. The guidewire includes a tubular member having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The guidewire includes an optical pressure sensor disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member, and a polymer fiber optic cable extending proximally from the optical pressure sensor. The optical pressure sensor is located at a position that is about 3 centimeters or less from the distal end of the pressure sensing guidewire.

The present invention relates to a pressure sensing device (10) comprising an optical fiber (12), the optical fiber (12) comprises a central axis (L) and at least one optical fiber core (14), the at least one optical fiber core (14) having one or more reflective FBG structures, and a coating (16) surrounding the optical fiber (12), the coating (16) having mechanical properties which are radially asymmetric along the central axis (L).

A sensor is provided for measuring a flow of a fluid in a physiological environment, such as within a vessel of a human or animal subject. The sensor comprises an interrogation light guide extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the sensor. The interrogation light guide is configured to transmit interrogation light to, and receive reflected interrogation light from, the distal end of the sensor. The sensor further comprises an excitation light guide configured to transmit excitation light to the distal end of the sensor. The excitation light is provided for heating the fluid (directly or indirectly). The sensor further comprises a sensing element located at the distal end of the sensor. The sensing element comprises at least two etalons for reflecting interrogation light back along the interrogation light guide towards the proximal end of the sensor. Each etalon has a respective optical path length and further has at least one reflective surface external to the interrogation light guide. The sensing element is configured to be in thermal contact with the fluid such that the optical path length of at least one etalon is dependent on a temperature of the fluid. The reflected interrogation light forms an interferogram which is dependent on the optical path lengths of the respective etalons.

Provided is a pressure guide wire, including a proximal portion (1), an intermediate portion (2) and a distal portion (12), the intermediate portion (2) is composed of one or more woven layers, wherein each woven layer includes a plurality of woven wires, the distal portion (12) includes a sensor housing (4) that holds a pressure sensor (5) and a head end assembly (11), the head end assembly (11) includes a developing spring (9) and a head end core wire (11) nested within the developing spring (9). The pressure guide wire having such a structure has good flexibility and supportability, meanwhile, the cost of the pressure guide wire can be reduced due to the low cost of the woven wire and the weaving process.

Pressure sensing guidewires and methods for making and using pressure sensing guidewires are disclosed. An example pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal region and a housing region. An optical pressure sensor may be disposed within the housing region. The optical pressure sensor may include a sensor body and a deflectable membrane coupled to the sensor body. The deflectable membrane may include a polymer. An optical fiber may be coupled to the sensor body and may extend proximally therefrom. A pressure equalization channel is formed in the optical fiber, the sensor body, or both.

Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a catheter having a proximal end region and a distal tip and an array of sealed chambers disposed along the distal tip, wherein each of the chambers includes a distal membrane disposed along an outer surface of the distal tip and a proximal membrane extending radially inward from the outer surface. Further, each proximal membrane is configured to shift between a first position and an expanded position in response to a change in pressure within the chamber.

Medical devices including optical connector cable assemblies are disclosed. An optical connector cable assembly may include an optical connector cable having a first optical fiber extending therefrom. The optical connector cable may include a distal connector configured to connect to a guidewire. The distal connector may include an inner housing and a guidewire locking mechanism. The distal connector may also include an actuator. Actuation of the actuator may move the inner housing from a first position to a second position. When the inner housing is in the first position the guidewire locking mechanism is configured to secure the guidewire and the guidewire is rotatable with respect to the optical connector cable. When the inner housing is in the second position the guidewire locking mechanism is in an open state for receiving or removing the guidewire.

Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed.

Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for measuring blood pressure. The medical device may include an elongated shaft having a proximal region and a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough and an optical pressure sensing block disposed within the lumen, the optical pressure sensing block including a distal portion bearing a pressure sensing membrane and a proximal portion forming an optical fiber connector extending proximally from the proximal portion. The optical fiber connector may be configured to be coupled to an optical fiber extending through the lumen.