Observation of Balloon Dilatation Pressure Distribution by using a Flexible Thin Film Sensor

Abstract

Recently, a film-type sensor was developed for understanding the force between contact interfaces. This sensor is thin and flexible, and can easily measure force distribution quantitatively. In this study, we used the film sensor to measure the circumferential pressure distribution between a model tube and balloon catheter. The number of measurement points was 30, and the pitch was taken as 1.5 mm (9.5° apart in an 18-mm-diameter circle). The fabricated sensor sheet was rolled and inserted between the silicone model tube, with a pseudo-plaque, and the balloon. As a result, the contact pressure value measured at the step region near the plaque was significantly smaller than that at other regions. Poor contact was expected to occur because of the presence of the plaque. In addition, the contact pressure at the plaque region was slightly higher than that at the smooth surface region. This sensor is thought to be useful for understanding the balloon pressure distribution on irregularly shaped model vessels and/or special shaped balloons such as the scoring balloon.