A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of medical measurement equipment technology and discloses a multi-point positioning measurement ruler for head and neck lymphedema, including a main ruler body, a flexible measuring tape, a pressure unit, an auxiliary positioning arm, and a data recording and display unit. The main ruler body is generally arc-shaped. The pressure unit includes a vernier, on which a pressure sensor and a timing module are integrated. The data recording and display unit has a display screen, a measurement point selection area, and a numerical input area. The measurement point selection area is pre-set with 12 measurement point numbers. The auxiliary positioning arm has a positioning post. This invention integrates multiple functions such as arc-shaped fitting positioning, flexible measuring tape measurement, pressure timing, standardized route guidance, and intelligent data management. It solves the problems of inaccurate positioning of bony landmarks, poor adaptability to facial curvature, inability to quantify the nature of tissue depression, and low standardization of measurement procedures in traditional measuring tape measurements, achieving accurate, objective, and efficient comprehensive assessment of head and neck lymphedema.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical measurement equipment technology, specifically a multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema. Background Technology

[0002] Head and neck cancer accounts for approximately 5% of all malignant tumors. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are the main treatments, but these treatments can damage lymphatic vessels and soft tissues, leading to scarring and fibrosis, which in turn can cause secondary lymphedema. Patients often present with localized swelling in the head and neck area, tight skin, sensory abnormalities, and functional impairment. Early detection and accurate assessment of the degree of edema are of significant clinical importance for intervention and improving prognosis.

[0003] Measurement of head and neck lymphedema typically involves measuring the distances between key bony landmarks on the face, as well as multiple circumference measurements of the face and neck. Therefore, using a standard measuring tape presents significant technical limitations, resulting in poor accuracy and repeatability. Specifically:

[0004] (1) Multiple bony landmarks on the face (such as the mandibular angle, mental process, tragus, etc.) are difficult to locate precisely, especially in obese or severely edematous subjects, where the landmarks are buried by soft tissue and the location deviation is large.

[0005] (2) Facial curvature, hair, beard, etc. can prevent the measuring tape from fitting completely against the skin, resulting in an inflated measurement value.

[0006] (3) The measurement of the recovery time of indentation at the swollen site is missing, thus missing an important assessment indicator of the nature of edema. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema, in order to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema includes a main ruler body, a flexible measuring tape, a pressure unit, and a data recording and display unit. The main ruler body is arc-shaped, and the inner side of the arc has graduations. The flexible measuring tape is slidably connected to the main ruler body and also has graduations. The pressure unit includes a vernier slidably connected to the flexible measuring tape. The vernier is connected to a pressure sensor and a timing module. The pressure sensor is slidably connected to the vernier, and the timing module is used to measure the reset time of the pressure sensor. The data recording and display unit has a display screen, a measurement point selection area, and a value input area. The measurement point selection area and the value input area are communicatively connected to the display screen. The measurement point selection area controls the position of the measurement point displayed on the display screen, and the value input area controls the measurement value and indentation recovery time displayed on the display screen.

[0010] Furthermore, the measurement point selection area has 12 measurement point numbers, and the measurement routes corresponding to the 12 measurement point numbers are: ① tragus to mental process, ② tragus to corner of mouth, ③ mental process to inner canthus, ④ mandibular angle to outer canthus, ⑤ mandibular angle to inner canthus, ⑥ mandibular angle to nasal ala, ⑦ mandibular angle to mental process, ⑧ chin to top of head, ⑨ in front of ear to top of head, ⑩ upper neck circumference, ⑪ middle neck circumference, ⑫ lower neck circumference.

[0011] Furthermore, both the main ruler and the flexible ruler are made of transparent material.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes markers and / or positioning stickers for marking the starting point of the measurement.

[0013] Furthermore, the scale of the main ruler has a range of 0~150mm, the scale of the flexible ruler has a range of 0~600mm, and both have a graduation value of 1mm.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes an auxiliary positioning arm, which is detachably connected to the main scale body, and the end of the auxiliary positioning arm away from the main scale body is provided with a positioning post, which is used to abut against the bony landmark to repeatedly position the measurement starting point.

[0015] Furthermore, both the main scale body and the auxiliary positioning arm are made of medical soft material.

[0016] Furthermore, the data recording and display unit is also equipped with a storage module and a wireless transmission module, which are used to store the measurement values ​​and indentation recovery time data archived according to the measurement point number, and transmit them to an external terminal wirelessly.

[0017] Furthermore, the surfaces of the main ruler and the flexible ruler that come into contact with the skin are provided with anti-slip textures or coated with a skin-friendly silicone layer.

[0018] Furthermore, the main ruler body is also provided with a handle, which has anti-slip texture.

[0019] The principles and beneficial effects of the technical solution are as follows:

[0020] This invention provides a multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema. It comprises a main ruler body, a flexible measuring tape, a pressure unit, and a data recording and display unit. It integrates multiple functions, including arc-shaped fitting positioning, flexible measuring tape measurement, pressure timing, standardized route guidance, and intelligent data management. This solves core problems in traditional measuring tape methods, such as inaccurate positioning of bony landmarks, poor adaptability to facial curvature, inability to quantify tissue depression properties, and low standardization of the measurement process. It achieves accurate, objective, and efficient comprehensive assessment of head and neck lymphedema. Specifically:

[0021] (1) The main ruler is designed in an arc shape and made of transparent medical soft material. It is combined with the positioning post at the end of the detachable auxiliary positioning arm, as well as a marker or positioning sticker, to integrate the functions of contour fitting and anatomical reference point locking. The transparent material makes the bony landmarks clearly visible, and the positioning post can stably abut against the lower edge of the mandible and other fixed structures, effectively overcoming the positioning deviation caused by the large curvature of the face, interference from hair and beard and soft tissue swelling, and ensuring the consistency of the starting point of each measurement and the repeatability of the data from the source.

[0022] (2) The soft measuring tape is equipped with a pressure unit including a vernier. A pressure sensor and a timing module are integrated on the vernier. During measurement, the operator moves the vernier along the soft measuring tape to the area of ​​edema to be measured and presses the pressure sensor downwards, so that it is pressed vertically into the swollen tissue from its initial position. The pressure sensor detects the pressure intensity in real time during the downward movement and ensures that the applied pressure value remains constant at multiple positions during multiple presses or strokes. When the pressure intensity reaches the preset threshold and stabilizes, the timing module is triggered to enter the standby state. The operator then releases the pressure sensor, cancels the external pressure, and the swollen tissue begins to rebound under its own elasticity, pushing the pressure sensor's contact head to return to its original position from the lowest point of pressure. The timing module automatically records the time required from the moment the pressure is canceled to the moment the contact head fully returns to its initial position (the movement position of the pressure sensor contact head can be judged directly by the operator's eyes, or by using existing technologies such as infrared rangefinders, camera image processing, force attenuation sensors, etc.). This time is the recovery time of the tissue indentation at that location. It transforms the assessment of edema from qualitative palpation to quantitative indicators. By using a pressure sensor to ensure consistent pressure application each time, the subjective differences in pressure and duration caused by human touch are eliminated. Simultaneously, the timing module precisely measures the indentation recovery time, transforming the previously experience-based "finger-pressure indentation test" into an objective and repeatable numerical result. This provides a reliable basis for differentiating lymphedema from venous edema and assessing the degree of fibrosis. It also enables simultaneous distance measurement and indentation assessment. Integrating the pressure sensor and timing module onto the vernier of a flexible measuring tape allows the operator to simultaneously assess the edema site while measuring the distance or circumference of a route, without needing to change tools or interrupt the measurement process. This allows for the acquisition of two key indicators in a single operation, significantly improving assessment efficiency.

[0023] (3) The data recording and display unit has a preset measurement point selection area covering 12 measurement routes, and is equipped with a numerical input area. The operator can switch measurement point numbers sequentially by pressing the button, complete the measurement one by one according to the system guidance, and confirm with one click; and through the built-in storage module and wireless transmission module, the distance, circumference and depression time measurement data are automatically archived and remotely transmitted according to the route, which is convenient for establishing a long-term edema change database for patients, supporting clinical follow-up and remote consultation, and improving data management efficiency and clinical practicality. Among them, the 12 routes extend from the mental process, corner of mouth, and nasal ala in the center of the face to the mandibular angle, tragus, and corner of eye in the periphery, and then to the top of the head and the entire circumference of the neck, forming a complete assessment network from point to line, from front to back, and from face to neck. Through this zoning design, clinicians can accurately identify the extent of edema, determine whether it is local edema or diffuse edema, and provide anatomical basis for the formulation of personalized intervention plans. Specifically:

[0024] Head and neck tumor surgery often involves unilateral or asymmetrical dissection, and secondary lymphedema also frequently presents as unilateral or asymmetrical. Routes such as ① tragus to mental process, ② tragus to corner of mouth, ④ angle of mandible to outer canthus, ⑤ angle of mandible to inner canthus, ⑥ angle of mandible to nasal ala, ⑦ angle of mandible to mental process, and ⑨ preauricular to vertex can all be measured and directly compared on both sides of the patient. This bilateral comparison strategy can sensitively detect early, mild unilateral swelling, facilitating timely detection and intervention while the edema is still reversible.

[0025] The areas around the corners of the mouth (route ②) and the sides of the nose (route ⑥) are core areas for the distribution of facial expression muscles and the perioral sphincter. Edema affecting these areas can directly impact eating, speech, and social expressions. Obstructed lymphatic drainage around the inner corners of the eyes (routes ③ and ⑤) can lead to eyelid swelling, affecting vision and appearance. Separating these functionally sensitive areas into separate measurement routes can promptly reflect the degree of impact of edema on the patient's daily life functions and psychological state.

[0026] Route ⑧ (chin to top of head) and ⑨ (in front of the ear to top of head) are long-range measurements covering the entire height from the lower edge of the face to the top of the skull. These two routes can reflect whether edema spreads to the top of the head and the degree of longitudinal expansion of the overall facial volume. When diffuse and severe facial edema occurs, the distance from the chin to the top of the head will increase significantly, and the dynamic change of this indicator can serve as a sensitive parameter for assessing the effectiveness of intervention.

[0027] The three routes—⑩ (upper neck circumference), ⑪ (middle neck circumference), and ⑫ (lower neck circumference)—correspond to three key planes: below the mandible, in the middle of the neck, and at the root of the neck, respectively, forming a gradient assessment system for neck edema. For patients presenting primarily with swelling after neck lymph node dissection, these three routes can clearly reflect the differences and trends in the distribution of edema across different segments of the neck. Comparing the upper and lower circumferences can reveal whether there is a "higher-heavy, lower-light" or "lower-heavy, upper-light" distribution pattern, helping to accurately determine the source of edema and the location of lymphatic drainage obstruction.

[0028] (4) The main ruler has a range of 0~150mm and the soft ruler has a range of 0~600mm, with a graduation value of 1mm. It integrates the measurement needs of fine facial distance and the full circumference of the head and neck. The anti-slip texture or skin-friendly silicone layer on the skin contact surface increases the stability of the fit and improves the comfort of the subject, while reducing the error caused by measurement slippage. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view of a multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a measurement route map corresponding to the measurement point numbers of this invention.

[0031] The names of the corresponding labels in the attached diagram are:

[0032] 1. Main scale body, 2. Flexible measuring tape, 3. Touch pressure unit, 4. Auxiliary positioning arm, 5. Data recording and display unit, 6. Display screen, 7. Measurement point selection area, 8. Numerical input area, 9. Handheld part. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema includes a main ruler body 1, a flexible ruler 2, a pressure unit 3, an auxiliary positioning arm 4, and a data recording and display unit 5. The main ruler body 1 is made of transparent medical rubber material and is arc-shaped to conform to the contour of the head and neck. The inner side of the arc is engraved with a range of 0-150mm and a graduation value of 1mm. A handle 9 is provided on the right side of the main ruler body 1, and the handle 9 has anti-slip texture for stable grip. There are two flexible rulers 2, which are slidably connected to the left and right sides of the main ruler body 1, respectively. The flexible rulers 2 are printed with a range of 0-600mm and a graduation value of 1mm. The surfaces of the main ruler body 1 and the flexible ruler 2 that come into contact with the skin are provided with anti-slip textures or coated with a skin-friendly silicone layer to increase the stability of the fit.

[0035] The pressure unit 3 includes a vernier that is slidably connected to the ruler 2. The vernier integrates a pressure sensor and a timing module. The pressure sensor can slide up and down along the vernier to contact the skin, and the timing module is used to automatically measure the time from the application of pressure to the recovery of the skin depression.

[0036] The data recording and display unit 5 is fixed to the outer side of the main scale body 1. It has a display screen 6, a measurement point selection area 7, and a value input area 8. Both the measurement point selection area 7 and the value input area 8 are communicatively connected to the display screen 6. The measurement point selection area 7 has 12 preset measurement point numbers; these 12 measurement point numbers correspond to standardized measurement routes, such as... Figure 2 As shown: ① Tragus to mental process, ② Tragus to corner of mouth, ③ Mental process to inner canthus, ④ Mandibular angle to outer canthus, ⑤ Mandibular angle to inner canthus, ⑥ Mandibular angle to nasal ala, ⑦ Mandibular angle to mental process, ⑧ Chin to top of head, ⑨ Preauricular region to top of head, ⑩ Upper neck circumference, ⑪ Middle neck circumference, ⑫ Lower neck circumference; The data recording and display unit 5 also integrates a storage module and a wireless transmission module.

[0037] The auxiliary positioning arm 4 is detachably connected to the main scale body 1. The end of the auxiliary positioning arm 4 is equipped with a positioning post, which is used to abut against bony landmarks. In addition, the measuring scale is equipped with a marker pen and / or positioning stickers for pre-marking the start and end points of the measurement on the skin.

[0038] The specific implementation process is as follows:

[0039] When using this measuring ruler, first determine whether to install the auxiliary positioning arm 4 based on the measurement route. If longitudinal alignment or a fixed reference is required, install the auxiliary positioning arm 4 at the corresponding position on the main ruler body 1, with its end positioning post abutting against bony landmarks such as the lower edge of the mandible and the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, to achieve repeated positioning of the measurement starting point. For subjects with significant soft tissue swelling or unclear landmarks, the transparency of the main ruler body 1 can be used to directly observe the skin surface, and markings can be made at locations such as the angle of the mandible and the mental process using a marker or positioning sticker. The operator holds the handheld part 9 and selects the current measurement point number using the buttons in the measurement point selection area 7; the display screen 6 then displays the corresponding route name.

[0040] When measuring distance, pull out the flexible measuring tape 2 from the main measuring tape 1, align the end of the tape 2 with another anatomical landmark or skin marker, and let the tape 2 naturally conform to the curve of the face or neck. The curved main measuring tape 1 and the non-slip surface ensure that the tape 2 does not hang in the air or slip. Input the length value into the display screen 6 through the value input area 8. When measuring circumference, wrap the tape 2 around the lower part of the mandible, the middle of the neck, or the base of the neck, and read the value after the tape 2 is completely in contact with the skin. At the same time, record the circumference value under the current measurement point number.

[0041] During the measurement process, if it is necessary to assess the nature of the tissue depression in the swollen area, the operator slides the vernier of the pressure unit 3 along the flexible ruler 2 to the area of ​​obvious edema, and presses the vernier downwards to make the pressure sensor vertically press into the swollen tissue from its initial position. When the pressure reaches the preset threshold and stabilizes, the timing module is triggered to enter standby mode. The operator then releases the pressure sensor, canceling the external pressure. The swollen tissue begins to rebound under its own elasticity, pushing the pressure sensor's contact point upwards from the lowest point of pressure. The operator observes and judges the state of the pressure sensor returning to its initial position using their eyes and experience. The timing module records the time required from the moment the pressure is released to the moment the contact point fully returns to its initial position. This time is the recovery time of the tissue depression at that location. The depression recovery time is input to the display screen 6 through the numerical input area 8, and this data is archived and stored in the storage module according to the current measurement point number.

[0042] Repeat the above steps, completing the measurements of all 12 routes in the order of the measurement point selection area 7. Routes ① from the tragus to the mental process, ② from the tragus to the corner of the mouth, ④ from the angle of the mandible to the outer corner of the eye, ⑤ from the angle of the mandible to the inner corner of the eye, ⑥ from the angle of the mandible to the nasal ala, ⑦ from the angle of the mandible to the mental process, and ⑨ from the preauricular region to the top of the head can all be measured on both sides of the patient for direct comparison, facilitating accurate identification of unilateral swelling. The area around the corner of the mouth (route ②) and the nasal ala (route ⑥) is a core area for the distribution of facial expression muscles and perioral sphincter muscles; edema affecting this area directly impacts eating, speech, and social expressions. Obstructed lymphatic drainage around the inner corner of the eye (routes ③ and ⑤) can lead to eyelid swelling, affecting vision and appearance. Routes ⑧ from the chin to the top of the head and ⑨ from the preauricular region to the top of the head are large-span longitudinal measurements; these two routes can reflect whether edema is spreading towards the top of the head and the degree of longitudinal expansion of the overall facial volume. When diffuse, severe facial edema occurs, the distance from the chin to the top of the head increases significantly. The dynamic changes in this indicator can serve as a sensitive parameter for assessing the effectiveness of interventions. Routes ⑩ (upper neck circumference), ⑪ (middle neck circumference), and ⑫ (lower neck circumference) correspond to three key planes: below the mandible, in the middle of the neck, and at the root of the neck, respectively, forming a gradient assessment system for neck edema. For patients primarily experiencing swelling after neck lymph node dissection, these three routes clearly reflect the differences and trends in the distribution of edema across different segments of the neck. Comparing the upper and lower circumferences can reveal whether there is a "top-heavy, bottom-light" or "bottom-heavy, top-light" distribution pattern, helping to accurately determine the source of edema and the location of lymphatic drainage obstruction. All measured data can be wirelessly transmitted to a computer or mobile terminal with a single click, facilitating the establishment of a long-term database of patient edema changes.

[0043] The main scale 1 features a transparent arc design, eliminating the influence of facial curvature and hair on fit and making the marking points clearly visible. The pressure unit 3 integrates a pressure sensor and timing module to ensure constant pressure for each measurement, enabling simultaneous distance measurement and quantitative assessment of tissue depression. The data recording and display unit 5 presets 12 standard routes and forces sequential operation, effectively avoiding missed measurements or data mismatches. The positioning post of the auxiliary positioning arm 4 works in conjunction with the marker pen to provide double protection from locking the measurement origin to marking the endpoint, significantly improving the repeatability of multiple measurements. The 0-150mm range of the main scale 1 and the 0-600mm range of the flexible ruler 2 both use 1mm graduations, satisfying both the precise measurement of facial fine structures and complete coverage of the neck circumference range to ensure measurement accuracy.

[0044] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge regarding specific technical solutions or characteristics is not elaborated upon here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solutions of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema, characterized in that, The device includes a main scale body, a flexible measuring tape, a pressure unit, and a data recording and display unit. The main scale body is arc-shaped, and the inner side of the arc has graduations. The flexible measuring tape is slidably connected to the main scale body and also has graduations. The pressure unit includes a vernier slidably connected to the flexible measuring tape. The vernier is connected to a pressure sensor and a timing module. The pressure sensor is slidably connected to the vernier, and the timing module is used to measure the reset time of the pressure sensor. The data recording and display unit includes a display screen, a measurement point selection area, and a value input area. The measurement point selection area and the value input area are communicatively connected to the display screen. The measurement point selection area controls the position of the measurement point displayed on the display screen, and the value input area controls the measurement value and indentation recovery time displayed on the display screen.

2. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement point selection area has 12 measurement point numbers, and the measurement routes corresponding to the 12 measurement point numbers are: ① Tragus to mental process, ② Tragus to corner of mouth, ③ Mental process to inner canthus, ④ Mandibular angle to outer canthus, ⑤ Mandibular angle to inner canthus, ⑥ Mandibular angle to nasal ala, ⑦ Mandibular angle to mental process, ⑧ Chin to top of head, ⑨ Preauricular region to top of head, ⑩ Upper neck circumference, ⑪ Middle neck circumference, ⑫ Lower neck circumference.

3. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the main ruler and the flexible ruler are made of transparent material.

4. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes markers and / or positioning stickers for marking the starting point of the measurement.

5. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main ruler has a scale range of 0~150mm, and the flexible ruler has a scale range of 0~600mm, with both having a graduation value of 1mm.

6. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary positioning arm, which is detachably connected to the main scale body, and the end of the auxiliary positioning arm away from the main scale body is provided with a positioning post, which is used to abut against the bony landmark to repeatedly position the measurement starting point.

7. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the main scale body and the auxiliary positioning arm are made of medical soft material.

8. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data recording and display unit is also equipped with a storage module and a wireless transmission module, which are used to store the measurement values ​​and indentation recovery time data archived according to the measurement point number, and transmit them to an external terminal wirelessly.

9. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main ruler and the flexible ruler have anti-slip textures or are coated with a skin-friendly silicone layer on the surfaces that come into contact with the skin.

10. A multi-point positioning measuring ruler for head and neck lymphedema according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body is also provided with a handle, which has anti-slip texture.

Images