Integration of Microcomponents in an Interventional Cardiac Catheter

Objective

The IMICS project is concerned with the development of micro-mechanical and microelectronic components and subsystems, and their integration into an advanced cardiac catheter system for plaque removal. More specifically, the project will aim to develop a system which integrates the sensing and signal processing (diagnostic) function with the microactuating (therapeutic) function in a catheter head of overall external diameter between 2 and 4 mm.

To achieve this objective, efforts will be focused on the following areas:

- microactuating and therapeutic subsystems development, including both electrostatically and/or fluid-driven versions. 3D simulation studies will form the basis for the design of these components and fabrication will rely on advanced LIGA procedures.
- evolution of a micro-miniature ultrasonic sensing system capable of determining the location and quality of intravascular plaque deposits, and of monitoring the progress of therapy. Advanced ultrasonic array technology in conjunction with CMOS based microprocessor chip developments will be required to realise this task.
- development of a positioning system capable of fixing the catheter in position within the artery wall whilst therapeutic action being performed.
- integration of electronic and micro-mechanical subsystems within a 2 to 4 mm catheter head.

It will be based on a series of expandable units, constructed using biocompatible balloon technology, which, by dilation, will be brought into contact with the artery wall by means of an array of active micro-valves.

Successful integration will hinge on the development of novel techniques for fabricating, handling and assembling submillimetre and micron scale sub-assemblies and components, while assessment and evaluation of the biocompatibility and reliability of catheter materials and components will form a significant element in the programme.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering › electronic engineering › computer hardware › computer processors
• engineering and technology › electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering › electronic engineering › signal processing

Programme(s)

• FP3-ESPRIT 3 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of information technologies, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

Data not available

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

Data not available

Coordinator

Lilly Industries Ltd

Address

Kingsclere Road
RG21 2XA Basingstoke
United Kingdom

Participants (6)

Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Technik und Umwelt GmbH

Germany

Address

76021 Karlsruhe

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung eV (FhG)

Germany

Address

Ensheimer Straße 46
66386 St Ingbert

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderungder Angewandten Forschung e.V.

Germany

Address

Finkenstrasse
47057 Duisburg

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY

United Kingdom

Address

Riccarton
EH14 4AS Edinburgh

Papworth Hospital Trust

United Kingdom

Address

Papworth Everard
CB3 8RE Cambridge

VYGON ERZEUGNISSE FÜR MEDIZIN UND CHIRURGIE

Germany

Address

Prager Ring 100
52070 Aachen