Basket forceps with flow sensor for evaluating breathing characteristics in small airway

We developed a basket forceps with a flow sensor for evaluating the breathing characteristics in small airways. The flow sensor, fabricated using mirco-eletro-mechanical systems technologies, was integrated into a guide wire with the basket forceps. The fundamental sensor characteristics, response time and flow rate vs. sensor output curve, were experimentally confirmed. The sensor was successfully fixed to the inside surface of a small tube by using the bending arms of the basket forceps. We confirmed that the breathing properties of a rat were successfully detected with the integrated flow sensor.