Development of FBG-Embedded Catheter for Identifying the Region of Vascular Stenosis

Catheter-based assessment and treatment of vascular stenosis are widely used. In this process, contrast media are commonly employed for accurate imaging diagnosis; however, the increased use of contrast media is associated with a higher risk of allergic reactions. In this study, we propose a method for identifying the site of vascular stenosis and evaluating treatment effectiveness using a catheter embedded with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor capable of measuring pressure differences, thereby reducing the reliance on contrast media. By simulating blood pressure distribution at the stenotic site, we confirmed that the pressure difference can be used to position the catheter accurately and assess treatment outcomes. Furthermore, we developed a prototype catheter with an embedded FBG sensor and demonstrated its pressure measurement capability in a fluid environment. Our analysis and experiments confirm that an FBG-embedded catheter can effectively identify vascular stenosis and quantify its severity.