Miniaturization of Catheters and Pressure Sensors

描述(申请人提供)：这个项目是开发一种超微型导管尖端压力传感器，安装在适合体重20克或更少的转基因小鼠的导管中。初始原型换能器的直径将为1.OF(0.33 mm外径)，该换能器已在第一阶段项目下建模。在第二阶段的工作中，将开发一种直径较小的换能器。该传感器将具有足够的高频响应，足以准确复制转基因小鼠的血压波形，心率高达每分钟1000次，压力变化率高达每秒20,000毫米汞。这种高保真的超微型导管将使研究人员能够研究包括肾动脉在内的整个心血管系统的小鼠血流动力学。股骨入路现在将成为可能，类似于人类心脏插管中使用的程序。由于许多形式的心脏病都是由遗传因素引起或受遗传因素影响，转基因小鼠是首选的研究动物。通过进入较小的动脉，现在可以研究幼年鼠的活跃基因，而不是成年鼠的活跃基因。对单个基因对心血管系统的影响进行更全面的描述，将进一步探索这些疾病的治疗方法，这些疾病是美国的主要死亡原因。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project is to develop an ultra-miniature catheter-tip pressure transducer to be mounted in a catheter suitable for use in transgenic mice weighing twenty grams or less. The initial prototype transducer will be 1.OF (0.33 mm OD) in diameter, which has been modeled under the Phase I project. A smaller diameter transducer will be developed in this Phase II effort. The sensor will have a high frequency response sufficient for accurate reproduction of transgenic mouse blood pressure waveforms, at heart rates of up to 1,000 beats per minute with pressure change rates of up to 20,000 mmHg per second. The high-fidelity ultra-miniature catheter will enable researchers to investigate mouse hemodynamics throughout the cardiovascular system, including renal arteries. A femoral approach will now be possible, similar to the procedure used in human cardiac catheterizations. Since many forms of heart disease are caused by or affected by genetic factors, the transgenic mouse is the research animal of choice. Investigations of genes active in juvenile mice but not in adult mice will now be possible with access to smaller arteries. A more complete description of the effect of a single gene on the cardiovascular system would further the search for cures of these diseases, the leading cause of death in America.