This article is
focused on reviewing the current state-of-the-art of optical fibre
pressure sensors for medical applications. Optical fibres 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 fibre-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 fibre-based pressure measurements with
particular reference to these application areas.