New pressure sensing elements for FFR coronary catheter.

The next generation FFR Coronary Catheter includes a new stable pressure sensor, AD conversion at the tip of the catheter and mount of these components on the sidewall of the catheter instead of the guide wire enabling thus to use standard guide wires. The new ultrathin capacitive MEMS pressure sensor die with corresponding readout ASIC circuit offers better accuracy, robustness and automated assembly. The measured performance values of the fabricated chips correlate well with the simulated ones indicating comprehensive understanding of the sensor operation and control of the fabrication process. The test measurements outperformed the specifications for the FFR pressure sensing.