Optical fibre pressure sensors in medical applications

Abstract

This article is focused on reviewing the current state-of-the-art of optical fiber pressure sensors for medical applications. Optical fibers have inherent advantages due to their small size, immunity to electromagnetic interferences and their suitability for remote monitoring and multiplexing. The small dimensions of optical fiber-based pressure sensors, together with being lightweight and flexible, mean that they are minimally invasive for many medical applications and, thus, particularly suited to in vivo measurement. This means that the sensor can be placed directly inside a patient, e.g., for urodynamic and cardiovascular assessment. This paper presents an overview of the recent developments in optical fiber-based pressure measurements with particular reference to these application areas.