Microwave-Based Approach in Non-invasive Intra-Cranial Pressure Monitoring(nICP)

Sammanfattning: In the past few decades, microwave technology has been playing a pivotal role in the medical field. This technique has paved the way for significant inventions for adapting from invasive to non-invasive methods. This thesis aims to design a functional prototype of a microwave-based sensor device in a non-invasive method to monitor Intra Cranial Pressure(ICP) in clinical and non-clinical situations. The existing techniques have been invasive, involve higher risk, and cost involved in operations. A less-invasive method would eradicate most concerns said above as it would be placing an implant under the scalp of the skin, above the skull. The measurement involves a handheld pc-based Network Analyzer such as a Mini-VNA that can measure a frequency range of 1 MHz to 3 GHz. The power usage would be very minimal in this process. The measurements are conducted using phantoms that mimic the dielectrics of a human body. The Mini-VNA would measure the S11 scattering parameter, which is the reflection coefficient describing the amount of electromagnetic wave reflected by an impedance discontinuity corresponding to pressure variations in measurement. The experimental results depict a significant resonant frequency shift for a gradual increase of fluid inside the setup. This thesis would have the groundwork for non-invasive techniques in ICP measurements and assist future research works by providing a baseline parameter.