Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to diagnostic instruments, and more particularly, to a system for circumferentially sensing manometry with a catheter utilizing pressure sensitive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

The esophagus is a tubular organ that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. Accurate measurements of physiological parameters of the esophagus under realistic swallowing conditions are valuable in diagnosing esophageal diseases such as achalasia, dysphagia, diffuse esophageal spasm, ineffective esophageal motility, and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When a person with a healthy esophagus swallows, circular muscles in the esophagus contract. The contractions begin at the upper end of the esophagus and propagate downwardly toward the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The function of the peristaltic muscle contractions, i.e., to propel food and drinks through the esophagus to the stomach, is sometimes called the motility function, but is also often referred to as peristalsis.

Esophageal manometry, in particular, is a test used to assess pressure and motor function of the esophagus, allowing physicians to evaluate how well the muscles in the esophagus work to transport liquids or food from the mouth into the stomach.

There is continuing interest in developing and improving systems and methods for assessing pressure and motor function of the esophagus. Such systems are known from document <CIT>.

In accordance with the disclosure, a manometric catheter probe includes a flexible printed circuit, at least one pressure sensor assembly coupled with the flexible printed circuit along a length of the flexible printed circuit, and a second sleeve disposed over the at least one pressure sensor assembly. Each pressure sensor assembly includes a body. The body includes a central cavity configured to receive the flexible printed circuit and an annular recess in the body. Each pressure sensor assembly further includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor disposed in the annular recess, an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit, and a first flexible sleeve disposed over the body in a manner forming a cavity between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess for containing a fluid. The fluid is configured to communicate pressure to the MEMS sensor.

In an aspect, the body of the at least one pressure sensor assembly may include a cylindrical shape.

In another aspect, each pressure sensor assembly may further include a fluid injection port configured for filling the fluid in the first flexible sleeve.

In an aspect, the electrical connector may include a flexible circuit and/or a printed circuit board.

In yet another aspect, the annular recess may be a ring configuration and is disposed about a midportion of a perimeter of the body.

In still yet another aspect, each pressure sensor assembly may be configured to sense pressure from any angle around the manometric catheter probe at the respective location of each pressure sensor assembly along a length of the manometric catheter probe.

In still yet another aspect, the fluid may include oil.

In still yet another aspect, the central cavity may be configured for a movement of air and/or a movement of a second fluid.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, each pressure sensor assembly may further include a first sealing channel disposed on a first end of the body and configured to seal the fluid in the first flexible sleeve and a second sealing channel disposed on a second end of the body and configured to seal the fluid in the first flexible sleeve.

In an aspect, the instructions, each pressure sensor assembly may further include a spring contact configured to electrically couple the MEMs sensor and the flexible printed circuit.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a manometry system includes a manometric catheter probe, a processor, and a memory. The manometric catheter probe includes a flexible printed circuit and at least one pressure sensor assembly coupled with the flexible printed circuit along a length of the flexible printed circuit. Each pressure sensor assembly includes a body, a central cavity through the body receiving at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit, and a pressure balloon disposed on an outside of the central cavity. The pressure balloon includes a fluid configured to communicate pressure to a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor, and a first flexible sleeve disposed over the body in a manner forming a cavity between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess for containing the fluid. The at least one pressure sensor assembly further includes a MEMS sensor disposed in the pressure balloon, in communication with the fluid, an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit, and a second sleeve disposed over the at least one pressure sensor assembly. The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the manometry system to acquire a pressure measurement from the at least one pressure sensor assembly, and determine, based on the measurement(s), a motility function of an esophagus and/or a bolus transit dynamics in the esophagus.

In another aspect, the body of the at least one pressure sensor assembly may include a cylindrical shape.

In yet another aspect, the at least one pressure sensor assembly may further include a fluid injection port configured for filling the fluid in the first flexible sleeve.

In still yet another aspect, the electrical connector may include of a flexible circuit and/or a printed circuit board.

In still yet another aspect, the pressure balloon is disposed about a midportion of a perimeter of the body.

In still yet another aspect, the system may further include a temperature sensor and/or an impedance sensor.

In still yet another aspect, the system may further include a wireless communication module.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a manometric catheter sensor assembly includes a body. The body includes a central cavity and an annular recess around a circumference of the body. The manometric catheter sensor assembly further includes: a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor disposed in the annular recess of the body; an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and a flexible printed circuit; a first flexible sleeve disposed over the body in a manner forming a cavity between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess of the body for containing a fluid, the fluid configured to communicate pressure to the MEMS sensor; a first sealing channel disposed on a first end of the body and configured to seal the fluid in the first flexible sleeve; a second sealing channel disposed on a second end of the body and configured to seal the fluid in the first flexible sleeve; and an second sleeve disposed over the MEMS sensor.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a manometric catheter probe kit includes a flexible printed circuit, at least one pressure sensor assembly, and a second sleeve configured to be disposed over the at least one pressure sensor assembly. The at least one pressure sensor assembly includes a body including a central cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit; an annular recess around the body; a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor configured to be disposed in the annular recess; an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit; and a first flexible sleeve configured to be disposed over the body in a manner forming a cavity between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess for containing a fluid, the first flexible sleeve including the fluid configured to communicate pressure to the MEMS sensor.

Various aspects of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:.

The disclosed surgical device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. In addition, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, distal, proximal, and similar terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

This disclosure relates generally to diagnostic instruments, and more particularly, to a manometry system for circumferentially sensing manometry with a catheter utilizing pressure-sensitive MEMS.

Esophageal manometry, in particular, is a test used to assess pressure and motor function of the esophagus, allowing physicians to evaluate how well the muscles in the esophagus work to transport liquids or food from the mouth into the stomach. To perform this test, the manometry system operates in conjunction with a manometric catheter probe placed in the esophagus of a patient to record pressure and/or impedance data over a period of time using various sensors placed on the catheter. The data is analyzed using analysis software to evaluate causes of, and help diagnose conditions such as gastric reflux, difficulty swallowing, functional chest pain, achalasia, and hiatal hernia.

The manometry system obtains high resolution and/or three-dimensional (3D) mapping of pressure levels within the tubular organs of the human gastrointestinal tract and, optionally, pressure with impedance levels within the tubular organs of the human upper gastrointestinal tract which may include the pharynx, esophagus, proximal gut (stomach/duodenum), anus, and rectum. The manometry system is used in a medical clinical setting to acquire the pressure and impedance levels and store the corresponding data for visualization and analysis using the software. Esophageal manometry is used as an example, the systems and methods of the disclosure are applicable to other forms of manometry systems, for example, a rectal manometry system.

<FIG> illustrates a manometry system <NUM>. The manometry system <NUM> generally includes a controller <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a manometric catheter probe <NUM>. The controller <NUM> (<FIG>) is configured to execute software for data acquisition and analysis. Various manometric catheter probe <NUM> configurations may be used depending on the application (esophageal/anorectal manometry), size, and catheter diameter.

The manometry system <NUM> enables full evaluation of the motor functions of an esophagus. The system allows for enhanced sensitivity that provides useful information to support diagnosis of conditions like dysphagia, achalasia, and hiatal hernia. By precisely quantifying the contractions of the esophagus and its sphincters, this procedure helps provide a more complete esophageal pressure profile of the patient.

Esophageal pressure measurement, or manometry, as well as electrical impedance, can be used to assess motility function of the esophagus and bolus transit dynamics in the esophagus. The manometric catheter probe <NUM> includes sensor assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) (e.g., pressure sensors) located along its length. The manometric catheter probe <NUM> can be inserted into the esophagus, typically reaching the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and extending into the stomach of a patient, with the pressure sensors positioned at the LES and at a plurality of other specific points along the length of the esophagus at predetermined distances above the LES. The LES is a muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. It acts as a valve that normally stays tightly closed to prevent contents in the stomach from backing up into the esophagus.

During a procedure, the patient swallows a specific amount of water with the manometric catheter probe <NUM> placed in the esophagus. The esophageal pressure at the sensor assemblies <NUM> (<FIG>) can be measured and used as an indication of the magnitude and sequence of the peristaltic contractions. In addition, because the positions of the sensor assemblies <NUM> are known, the velocity of the peristaltic motion can also be ascertained from the location of the peak pressure, or onset of pressure rise, at each location as a function of time. The test can be repeated a number of times to obtain a set of pressure and velocity values, a statistical analysis of which may be used for diagnostic purposes.

High-resolution manometry involves the collection of data with a catheter having closely spaced sensors. Such high-resolution data enables spatiotemporal contour plots visualization of contractile pressure physiology. Products such as ManoScan™ data acquisition software and ManoView™ data analysis software may be used to aid in visualizing high-resolution manometry data.

The manometric catheter probe <NUM> may include other sensors <NUM> (<FIG>) such as impedance sensors. High-resolution impedance measurements provide for spatiotemporal plotting of bolus movement. Electrical impedance at a plurality of points in the esophagus can be used to detect and monitor the movement of a bolus through the esophagus. A bolus of water or food will have different electrical impedance than the non-filled esophagus, so a change in impedance in the esophagus indicates the presence of a bolus. Therefore, the manometric catheter probe <NUM> positioned in the esophagus with a plurality of impedance and/or acidity sensors dispersed along its length can be used to detect and monitor the bolus transit, i.e., the movement of a bolus through the esophagus.

<FIG> illustrates the controller <NUM>, in accordance with the disclosure, which includes a processor <NUM> that is connected to a computer-readable storage medium or a memory <NUM>. The computer-readable storage medium or memory <NUM> may be a volatile type memory, e.g., RAM, or a non-volatile type memory, e.g., flash media, disk media, etc. In various aspects of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may be any type of processor such as, without limitation, a digital signal processor, a microprocessor, an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a central processing unit (CPU).

In aspects of the disclosure, the memory <NUM> can be random access memory, read-only memory, magnetic disk memory, solid-state memory, optical disc memory, and/or another type of memory. In some aspects of the disclosure, the memory <NUM> can be separate from the controller <NUM> and can communicate with the processor <NUM> through communication buses of a circuit board and/or through communication cables such as serial ATA cables or other types of cables. The memory <NUM> includes computer-readable instructions that are executable by the processor <NUM> to operate the controller <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include volatile (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile storage configured to store data, including software instructions for operating the manometry system <NUM>. In other aspects of the disclosure, the controller <NUM> may include a network interface <NUM> to communicate with other computers or to a server. A storage device <NUM> may be used for storing data.

<FIG> illustrates a manometric catheter probe <NUM>. The manometric catheter probe <NUM> generally includes a second sleeve <NUM> disposed over sensor assembly(s) <NUM>. It is contemplated that the manometric catheter probe <NUM> May contain any number (including <NUM>) of additional sleeves past the first sleeve. The manometric catheter probe <NUM> may have any number of connectors for communicating signals (e.g., sensed pressure signals) to the controller <NUM> (<FIG>). Analog signals from the manometric catheter probe <NUM> may be converted to digital signals for further processing by the controller <NUM> (<FIG>). In aspects, the manometric catheter probe <NUM> may communicate the signals wirelessly to controller <NUM> (<FIG>). The second sleeve <NUM> may be a flexible tubular membrane. The second sleeve <NUM> may be configured to protect the sensor assembly(s) <NUM> and/or other portions of the manometric catheter probe <NUM> from body fluids of a patient during a procedure. In aspects, the manometric catheter probe <NUM> may include multiple sensor assemblies <NUM> evenly spaced along the length of the manometric catheter probe <NUM>. The manometric catheter probe <NUM> may have any suitable number of sensor assemblies <NUM>. For example, the manometric catheter probe <NUM> may have sixteen sensor assemblies <NUM>, such that during a procedure, pressure, impedance, etc. can be measured along the length of the esophagus.

<FIG> illustrates a view of the manometric catheter probe <NUM> of <FIG> without a second sleeve <NUM>. The manometric catheter probe <NUM> may further include a flexible printed circuit <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit <NUM> includes electrical conductors 314a and is configured for electrical communication with at least one pressure sensor assembly <NUM> and/or other sensors <NUM> (e.g., a temperature sensor, and/or an impedance sensor) coupled with the flexible printed circuit along the length of the flexible printed circuit <NUM>. Flexible printed circuits (also variously referred to as flex circuits, flexible printed circuit boards, flex print, and/or flexi-circuits) are members of electronic and interconnection family. Flexible printed circuits typically include a thin insulating polymer film having conductive circuit patterns affixed thereto and typically supplied with a thin polymer coating to protect the conductor circuits. The sensors <NUM>, <NUM> slide onto the flex printed circuit <NUM> and are wired to the respective pads and fixed in place. In aspects, custom-molded silicone parts may slide in between the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. In aspects, the manometric catheter probe <NUM> may include multiple sensor assemblies <NUM> evenly spaced along the length of the manometric catheter probe <NUM>. For example, the manometric catheter probe <NUM> may have <NUM> sensor assemblies <NUM>, such that during a procedure, pressure, impedance, etc. can be measured along the length of the esophagus.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the sensor assembly <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> generally includes a body <NUM>, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor <NUM>, an electrical connector <NUM> (e.g., contacts, connections, and/or connectors), and a flexible sleeve <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> may include a first cylindrical seal 330a and a second cylindrical seal 330b, configured for sealing the flexible sleeve <NUM>. The cylindrical seals may be mechanical (e.g., rings), physical (e.g., melted/welded), or chemical (e.g., adhesive) in nature. The body <NUM> may be any suitable shape, for example, a cylindrical shape. However, other shapes are contemplated.

illustrates a perspective view of the sensor assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The body <NUM> includes a central cavity <NUM> (e.g., a flex travel slot) configured to allow passage of the flexible printed circuit <NUM> (<FIG>). The central cavity may permit air movement and/or fluid movement (separated from the intermediary pressure fluid). For example, air movement and/or fluid movement may be used for anorectal probe designs that may require integrated balloon inflation. In aspects, the air and/or fluid remains separate from the fluid used in a pressure balloon <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM>. Integrated wire bundles and/or flex circuits may be used for pressure signals and/or other signals such as impedance measurements, temperature measurements, and/or digital signals. An annular recess <NUM> is formed around a circumference of the body <NUM>. The annular recess <NUM> may be formed about a midportion 322b of the perimeter of the body <NUM>. The annular recess <NUM> may be around portions of or the entirety of the circumference of the body <NUM>. The body may further include a first support wall 327a and a second support wall 327b defining a cavity for supporting the MEMS sensor <NUM>. The first support 327a and the second support 327b extend longitudinally in a mirrored relationship with each other. The first support 327a and the second support 327b include a flat inner surface 327e to help secure the MEMS sensor <NUM> in the cavity 327c and an outer surface 327d. The outer surface 327d may be of any suitable shape or configuration, including flat, beveled, and/or chamfered.

The MEMS sensor <NUM> is disposed within the annular recess <NUM> of the body <NUM> on an outer surface of the body <NUM>. The MEMS sensor <NUM> is configured to sense pressure and generate a signal, including the sensed pressure information. MEMS devices combine small mechanical and electronic components on a silicon chip. Generally, MEMS are made up of components from about <NUM> and to about <NUM> micrometers in size (i.e., <NUM> to <NUM>), and MEMS devices generally range in size from about <NUM> micrometers to about a millimeter (i.e., <NUM> to <NUM>). They typically include a central unit that processes data (an integrated circuit chip such as a microprocessor) and several components that interact with the surroundings (such as microsensors). MEMS technology is distinguished from molecular nanotechnology or molecular electronics in that the latter must also consider surface chemistry.

Several types of pressure sensors can be built using MEMS techniques, including piezoresistive (e.g., ohmic) and capacitive. In both of these, a flexible layer is created, which acts as a diaphragm that deflects under pressure, but different methods are used to measure the displacement. In a capacitive sensor, conducting layers are deposited on the diaphragm and the bottom of a cavity to create a capacitor. Deformation of the diaphragm changes the spacing between the conductors and hence changes the capacitance. For example, the change can be measured by including the sensor in a tuned circuit, which changes its frequency with changing pressure. Alternatively, the capacitance can be measured more directly by measuring the time taken to charge the capacitor from a current source. For example, this can be compared with a reference capacitor to account for manufacturing tolerance and to reduce thermal effects.

The electrical connector <NUM> is configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit <NUM>. The electrical connector <NUM> may be any suitable electrical connector, including, for example, a non-limiting list of a flex circuit, a printed circuit board, wires, and/or gold traces. The pressure sensed by the MEMS sensor <NUM> is electrically communicated to the electrical connector <NUM>. The electrical connector <NUM> may be electrically attached to the flexible printed circuit <NUM> and configured to communicate the electrical signals generated by the MEMS sensor <NUM>. In various aspects, the MEMS sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the electrical connector <NUM> prior to installing the MEMS sensor <NUM> into the body <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM>. In various aspects, the each of the electrical connectors <NUM> of each of the sensor assemblies <NUM> may be connected to its own set of electrical connections to the flexible printed circuit <NUM>, and/or they may be connected in a matrix, for example, the output of two or more sensor assemblies <NUM> may be electrically grouped together.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the sensor assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. A pressure balloon <NUM> is formed by disposing the flexible sleeve <NUM> over the MEMS sensor <NUM>, sealing the flexible sleeve <NUM>, and filling it with a fluid <NUM>. The flexible sleeve <NUM> is disposed over the annular recess <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The flexible sleeve <NUM> may include any flexible material including, for example, thermoplastic elastomer and/or silicone. In various aspects, the thickness of the flexible sleeve <NUM> should be thick enough to retain the fluid but thin enough to transfer the pressure changes. For example, the flexible sleeve <NUM> may include a thickness of between approximately <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches.

The flexible sleeve <NUM> includes a fluid <NUM> (e.g., oil) configured to communicate pressure to the MEMS sensor <NUM>, which is disposed in the fluid <NUM>. The fluid <NUM> may include any stable non-conductive fluid that is not too viscous and is compatible with the flexible sleeve <NUM> material, for example, vegetable/seed oil (e.g., canola oil), mineral oil, and/or deionized water. The flexible sleeve <NUM> may be comprised of, for example, silicon. In an aspect, a set of rings 330a and 330b may be disposed on opposing ends of the flexible sleeve <NUM> and configured to seal the flexible sleeve <NUM> by, for example, crimping the cylindrical seals 330a and 330b. The cylindrical seals 330a and 330b may be made of, for example, a metal such as brass, and/or plastic.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the sensor assembly <NUM>. It is contemplated that other ways of sealing the flexible sleeve <NUM> may be used, such as, for example, an adhesive stopper. In an aspect, sealing channels <NUM> may be formed in a first end 322d and a second end 322e of the body <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM>. The sealing channels <NUM> may include a port <NUM> (e.g., an adhesive injection hole) for filling the sealing channels when the flexible sleeve <NUM> is installed. The adhesive may include any adhesive that is compatible with the material of the flexible sleeve <NUM>, including, for example, cyanoacrylate.

The sensor assembly <NUM> may further include a fluid injection port configured for filling the fluid in the flexible sleeve <NUM>. The pressure balloon <NUM> extends the pressure measurement surface area of the MEMS sensor <NUM> to the entire circumference of the manometric catheter probe <NUM>. The pressure balloon <NUM> allows the sensing of pressure from any angle around the manometric catheter probe <NUM>. For example, during a procedure, the patient swallows a specific amount of water, or other liquid, with the manometric catheter probe <NUM> (<FIG>) placed in the esophagus. The esophageal pressure communicates pressure to the pressure balloon <NUM> and causes the fluid <NUM> to induce a pressure on the MEMS sensor <NUM>. This pressure can be measured by the MEMS sensor <NUM>, communicated to the manometry system <NUM>, and used as an indication of the magnitude and sequence of the peristaltic contractions.

The manometry system <NUM> communicates a small voltage, low current, sine wave to the MEMS sensor <NUM>. As a diaphragm of the MEMS sensor <NUM> is displaced in reaction to the pressure communicated to the MEMS sensor <NUM> via the fluid <NUM>, the capacitance of the MEMS sensor <NUM> changes. The change in capacitance changes the amplitude and/or phase of the sine wave, which is then measured and processed by the manometry system <NUM> into a pressure measurement.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the sensor assembly <NUM>. In aspects, the sensor assembly <NUM> may include a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> for mounting the MEMs sensor <NUM> to the body <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM> is shown. The MEMs sensor <NUM> may be soldered or conductive epoxied to the PCB <NUM>. The central cavity <NUM> of the body <NUM> may include a recess 332c configured for mounting the PCB <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> may be disposed on the body <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM> by a sealant, including, but not limited to, for example, silicone and/or epoxy.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the sensor assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The flexible printed circuit <NUM> includes electrical conductors 314a and is configured for electrical communication with at least one pressure sensor assembly <NUM> disposed along the length of the flexible printed circuit <NUM>. For example, pressure signals generated by the MEMS sensor <NUM> are electrically communicated to conductors on the PCB <NUM>, which, in turn are electrically communicated to the flexible printed circuit <NUM> via electrical conductors 314a.

<FIG> illustrates a spring contact <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM>. The spring contact <NUM> makes an electrical connection between PCB <NUM> that the MEMs sensor <NUM> is disposed on and the flexible printed circuit <NUM>. For example, the MEMs sensor <NUM> generates a signal and conducts the signal via the sensor PCB <NUM>, and/or the electrical connector <NUM> to which it is electrically connected. The signal is then conducted via the spring contact <NUM> to the flexible printed circuit <NUM> for further processing by the system. The spring contact <NUM> generally includes a single piece of conductive metal folded over in a spring leaf formation. The spring contact <NUM> may save assembly time and process, as well as improve efficiencies by reducing the amount of soldering or conductive epoxying that would otherwise be used to assemble the sensor assembly <NUM>. The spring contact <NUM> may be made of, for example, a copper alloy, spring steel, nickel, and/or beryllium copper. In various aspects, the spring contact <NUM> may include a pogo pin, and/or a spring-loaded pin.

<FIG> illustrates an end view of the sensor assembly <NUM>. The MEMs sensor <NUM> (<FIG>) is disposed on a top surface 806A of the PCB <NUM>. A bottom surface 806B of the PCB <NUM> is disposed on a top portion 1102A of the spring contact <NUM>. A bottom portion 1102B of the spring contact <NUM> is disposed on the electrical contacts 314A of the flexible printed circuit <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A manometric catheter probe, comprising:
a flexible printed circuit;
at least one pressure sensor assembly, disposed along the flexible printed circuit and coupled therewith, the at least one pressure sensor assembly including:
a body including a central cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit;
an annular recess around the body;
a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor configured to be disposed in the annular recess;
an electrical connector configured to electrically couple the MEMS sensor and the flexible printed circuit; and
a first flexible sleeve configured to be disposed over the body in a manner forming a cavity between the first flexible sleeve and the annular recess for containing a fluid, the fluid configured to communicate pressure to the MEMS sensor;; and
a second sleeve configured to be disposed over the at least one pressure sensor assembly.