Method and device for determining intra-compartmental pressure

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an intra-compartmental pressure determining (ICPD) device (100) The ICPD device (100) includes a needle (102). The needle (102) is configured to be inserted into a compartment muscle. Further, the ICPD device (100) includes a flow regulator (104), fluidly coupled to the needle (102) and configured to control a flow of the fluid. The ICPD device (100) includes a pressure sensor (106), fluidly coupled to the flow regulator (104), and configured to determine a pressure exerted by the flow of the fluid and generate an electrical signal. The ICPD device (100) includes a controller (108), electrically coupled to the pressure sensor (106), configured to determine pressure in the compartment muscle by processing the electrical signal. The ICPD device (100) includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (110A-N), communicatively coupled to the controller (108), and configured to provide a visual representation of the pressure in the compartment muscle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates, generally, to determining intra-compartmental pressure. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a method and a system for continuous pressure measurement in various compartments of a subject.BACKGROUND

[0002] Compartment syndrome is a pathological condition characterized by abnormally increased pressure within a compartment muscle, which restricts local blood flow and causes progressive muscle and nerve ischemia. The resulting physiological effects can include pain, swelling, tightness, numbness, and impaired limb mobility. If untreated, the condition may lead to irreversible tissue necrosis or limb loss. Accurate and timely measurement of intracompartmental pressure is therefore critical for diagnosis and clinical decision-making, including the need for decompression surgery.

[0003] However, conventional pressure-monitoring systems generally depend on invasive catheter-based or syringe-based arrangements that require high clinician expertise, manual fluid handling, and precise control of fluid transmission from the compartment to the pressure sensor. The conventional pressure-monitoring systems are prone to pressure fluctuation, transient surges, or signal instability, particularly when the compartment fluid pressure is transmitted directly to the sensor without damping or flow regulation.

[0004] Existing compartment pressure monitoring devices are generally bulky, expensive, and restricted to single-point measurements. The compartment pressure monitoring devices become unsuitable for continuous bedside or remote monitoring. Furthermore, the lack of realtime feedback mechanisms limits their operation to trained clinicians. Thus, patient discomfort, higher procedural costs, and continued dependence on specialist supervision are increased, thereby reducing accessibility in routine hospital or paramedical settings.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for the enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure relates to an intra-compartmental pressure determining device. The device includes a needle with a side hole. The needle is configured to be inserted into a compartment muscle, including a fluid. Further, the device includes a flow regulator, fluidly coupled to the needle using a first tube and configured to control a flow of the fluid. The device includes a pressure sensor, fluidly coupled to the flow regulator, and configured to determinea pressure exerted by the flow of the fluid and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure exerted. The device includes a controller, electrically coupled to the pressure sensor configured to determine a pressure in the compartment muscle by processing the electrical signal received from the pressure sensor. The device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), communicatively coupled to the controller, and configured to provide a visual representation of the pressure in the compartment muscle.

[0007] In another embodiment, the needle includes a needle cannula operably coupled to a hub. Further, the needle includes a lumen that extends between a tip and a proximal end of the needle cannula. The proximal end of the needle cannula is coupled with the hub. The hub is fluidly connected to an inlet of the flow regulator.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the flow regulator includes a housing, and a knob. The housing includes the inlet and an outlet. The knob is mounted on top of the housing and configured to control the flow of the fluid through the outlet into the pressure sensor.

[0009] In an embodiment, the flow regulator is fluidly connected to the pressure sensor using a second tube. Further, a first end of the second tube is coupled to the pressure sensor, and a second end of the second tube is coupled to the outlet of the housing of the flow regulator.

[0010] In another embodiment, the side hole of the needle is configured to equalize the pressure exerted by the flow of the fluid by allowing air to escape from the side hole of the needle.

[0011] In an embodiment, a predefined number of the plurality of LEDs is activated when the pressure in the compartment muscle is in a predefined range of a plurality of predefined ranges, the number of the plurality of LEDs activated is proportional to the range of the pressure in the compartment muscle.

[0012] In an embodiment, the device includes a buzzer. The buzzer is activated when the pressure in the compartment muscle exceeds a threshold.

[0013] In another embodiment, the device includes a communication module, communicatively coupled to the controller, and configured to communicate the pressure in the compartment muscle from the controller to a cloud server.

[0014] In an yet another embodiment, the device includes a digital display, communicatively coupled to the controller, and configured to display the pressure in the compartment muscle.

[0015] The present disclosure also relates to method of operating an intra-compartmental pressure determining device to determine pressure in a compartment muscle of a subject. The method includes controlling, by a flow regulator, flow of a fluid that is fluidly coupled to a needle inserted into the compartment muscle comprising the fluid. The method includes determining, using a pressure sensor, a pressure exerted by the flow of the fluid and generatingan electrical signal corresponding to the pressure exerted. The method includes processing, by a controller, the electrical signal to determine a pressure in the compartment muscle. The method includes generating, using a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a visual representation of the pressure in the compartment muscle.

[0016] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. For a better understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The embodiments of the disclosure itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of an intra-compartmental pressure determining (ICPD) device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure IB illustrates a section of the ICPD device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a needle and a first tube of the ICPD device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a flow regulator of the ICPD device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the ICPD device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary representation of light emitting diodes of the ICPD determining device for different intra-compartmental pressure ranges, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0024] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an intra-compartmental pressure determining (ICPD) device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternativeembodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0026] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0027] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a device or system, or apparatus, proceeded by “comprises. . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device, system, or apparatus.

[0029] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0030] The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for continuously monitoring pressure within a compartment muscle of a subject. The system provides real-time measurement, rapid visual feedback, and remote accessibility, enabling early detection and effective management of compartment syndrome in clinical and emergency environments.

[0031] Further, the present disclosure solves the technical problem of unstable pressure transmission, unreliable readings, and the need for specialized expertise in existing compartment pressure measurement techniques. Conventional devices are typically limited tosingle-point measurements, lack controlled pressure flow, are prone to pressure fluctuations due to trapped air, and do not provide continuous feedback, remote monitoring capability, or automated visual indicators. These limitations delay diagnosis, increase user dependency on specialist clinicians, heighten patient discomfort, and elevate overall treatment cost.

[0032] The present disclosure achieves accurate and stable pressure determination through a controlled pressure pathway that minimizes sudden fluid surges, compresses trapped air and prevents fluid from reaching the sensing components. The system provides both rapid visual indication through LEDs and precise numerical values on a digital display, while also enabling wireless data access for remote monitoring, historical trend analysis, and continuous supervision through an electronic device. The system allows timely clinical intervention by offering early alerts, supports operation by paramedical staff and nurses with minimal skill requirements, reduces maintenance cost by protecting the pressure sensor from fluid exposure, and enhances usability in hospital wards, operation theatres, emergency rooms, ambulances, and field environments. Therefore, the system reduces the risk of complications associated with compartment syndrome, prevents diagnostic delays, and ensures prompt and informed decision-making.

[0033] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of an intra-compartmental pressure determining (ICPD) device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] The ICPD device 100 includes a pressure sensor 106, a controller 108, a printed circuit board (PCB) 112, and an enclosure 116. The enclosure 116 defines an inner chamber for housing electronic components. The PCB 112 is configured to be positioned inside the enclosure 116 and supports the controller 108 and associated circuitry. The pressure sensor 106 is configured to sense a pressure exerted in a compartment muscle of a subject and generate a corresponding electrical signal. The controller 108 processes the electrical signal to determine the compartment pressure. For example, the ICPD device 100 may be used in cases of trauma where a clinician suspects compartment syndrome in the leg or forearm following an accident or fracture.

[0035] Figure IB illustrates a sectional view of the ICPD device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sectional view of the ICPD device 100 shows a pressure transmission assembly used for delivering compartment pressure to the pressure sensor 106.

[0036] The ICPD device 100 includes a needle 102 having a side opening and configured for insertion into the compartment muscle containing fluid. Examples of compartments in which the ICPD device 100 may be used include but are not limited to anterior or posteriorcompartments of the leg, volar compartment of the forearm, or the thenar and foot compartments. The ICPD device 100 further includes a flow regulator 104 fluidly coupled to the needle 102 through a first tube 110 and configured to control the rate of pressure transmission. For example, once the needle 102 is inserted into the anterior compartment of the leg, a clinician may partially open the flow regulator 104 to enable gradual pressure transfer, avoiding sudden pressure surges. In an embodiment, the needle 102 includes a needle cannula coupled to a hub, defining a lumen that extends between a distal tip and a proximal end. The hub is fluidly connected to the inlet of the flow regulator 104. In another embodiment, the flow regulator 104 includes a housing having an inlet and outlet and a manually adjustable knob. By rotating the knob, a clinician can regulate the pressure transfer rate through tube 110 toward the pressure sensor 106. For instance, closing the knob momentarily may stabilize readings if the patient is moving.

[0037] The predetermined length of tube 110 prevents bodily fluid from entering the pressure sensor 106, allowing the pressure sensor to be permanently housed within the device without disposable replacement, thereby reducing operating cost and infection risk. For example, if compartment pressure suddenly rises during measurement in a foot compartment, the tube 110 dampens the pressure spike and ensures a stable reading.

[0038] The pressure sensor 106 receives the transmitted pressure and generates an electrical signal. The controller 108 interprets the electrical signal to determine a pressure exerted in the compartment. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 110A-N is communicatively coupled to the controller 108 and provide a visual indication of the pressure exerted in the compartment. For example, illumination of two LEDs may indicate a mild pressure elevation, whereas illumination of six LEDs may indicate a critical condition requiring surgical attention.

[0039] In an embodiment, the ICPD device 100 includes a buzzer that is activated when the pressure exceeds a predefined threshold. For example, if compartment pressure crosses 40 mmHg, the buzzer alerts the clinical team to consider further intervention. In an embodiment, the ICPD device 100 includes a communication module configured to transmit pressure data from the controller 108 to a cloud server for remote monitoring. For example, pressure trends from a hand compartment can be viewed by a surgeon on a mobile device, even if the surgeon is not in the same room.

[0040] In another embodiment, the ICPD device 100 includes a digital display 114 for displaying the real-time pressure value in mmHg, enabling bedside monitoring and timely intervention to prevent complications associated with compartment syndrome. In oneimplementation, pressure alerts are transmitted to a surgeon even when the patient is in a different ward, building, or geographic location.

[0041] Figure 2 illustrates a needle 102 and a first tube 210 of the ICPD device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ICPD device 100 includes the needle 102, which is configured to be inserted into a target compartment muscle of a subject to determine a pressure exerted within the compartment. The needle 102 includes a needle cannula 202 operably coupled to a hub 208. The needle cannula 202 defines a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal tip 204. The distal tip 204 includes a side hole 206 that equalizes pressure during insertion and allows trapped air to escape as the needle 102 enters the compartment, thereby preventing air bubble formation and ensuring stable pressure transmission.

[0042] In one embodiment, the needle cannula 202 is fabricated from a medical-grade metal for rigidity and sterility, while the hub 208 is formed from a polymer material to support lightweight handling and secure tubing attachment.

[0043] The first tube 210 is fluidly connected at a first end to the hub 208 and at a second end to a connector 212 that leads to the inlet of the flow regulator 104. The first tube 210 provides a controlled fluid pathway from the needle 102 to the flow regulator 104. The tube 210 is composed of a flexible polymer, allowing for bending and following the contour of a patient’s limb during monitoring. The tube 210 is of a predetermined length to introduce intentional resistance to fluid movement, which suppresses sudden pressure surges and ensures stable pressure transfer toward the pressure sensor 106. The controlled pressure transfer supports accurate and repeatable pressure readings during continuous or repeated measurements.

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates a flow regulator 104 of the ICPD device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] The flow regulator 104 is configured to regulate the flow of fluid transmitted from a needle assembly toward a pressure sensor 106. The flow regulator 104 includes a housing 312 and a knob 304 mounted on the housing 312. The housing 312 defines an inlet 302 and an outlet 310 arranged at opposite sides of the housing 312. Rotation of the knob 304 adjusts the opening of the internal passage, thereby controlling the rate at which pressure is communicated from the inlet 302 to the outlet 310.

[0046] The outlet 310 is fluidly connected to a second tube 306, which directs pressure from the flow regulator 104 to the pressure sensor 106. The second tube 306 has a first end 308 connected to the pressure sensor 106 and a second end connected to the outlet 310 of the housing 312, providing a continuous, sealed pathway that ensures accurate and stable pressuretransmission. In one embodiment, the second tube 306 is formed of a flexible polymer to permit routing along a patient’s limb without kinking or disrupting the pressure pathway.

[0047] The flow regulator 104 enables gradual, controlled fluid movement to prevent sudden pressure surges that could distort readings. For example, a clinician may partially open the knob 304 to allow slow equalization of muscle-compartment pressure, stabilizing the fluid column before sensing, so that the pressure delivered to the pressure sensor 106 reflects the true physiological condition within the compartment.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the ICPD device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ICPD device 100 includes a communication module 404, a digital display 406, a buzzer 408, and a plurality of light emitting diodes 110A-N. The communication module 404 is configured to establish a wireless data connection with a cloud server 410 for remote pressure monitoring. The digital display 406 is configured to present real-time pressure values measured inside a compartment muscle of a subject. The buzzer 408 provides an audible alert when the measured pressure exceeds a critical threshold. The plurality of LEDs 110A-N provides a visual representation of pressure severity based on the number of LEDs that illuminate as pressure increases. The digital display 406 corresponds to the display 114 shown in Figure 1 A.

[0049] The cloud server 410 may receive compartment pressure data from the communication module 404 and store or forward the data to a user device 402. The user device 402, which may be a smartphone, tablet, or computer used by a patient or healthcare provider, may display information such as real-time pressure values, pressure curves, maximum and minimum values, timestamps, battery status, and patient identifiers. In some implementations, the user device 402 may send alerts or notifications when the pressure reported by the device 100 exceeds a preset critical threshold, allowing remote supervision by medical staff.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary representation of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 110A- N of the ICPD device 100 for different pressure ranges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At 502, one LED 110A is configured to illuminate, indicating a low intra-compartmental pressure within a range of approximately 0 mmHg to 5 mmHg. At 504, two LEDs 110A-110B are configured to illuminate, indicating a pressure within a range of 5 mmHg to 10 mmHg. At 506, three LEDs 110A-110C are configured to illuminate, indicating a pressure within a range of 10 mmHg to 15 mmHg. At 508, four LEDs 110A-110D are configured to illuminate, indicating a pressure within a range of 15 mmHg to 20 mmHg. At 510, five LEDs 110A-110E are configured to illuminate, indicating a pressure within a range of 20 mmHg to 25 mmHg. At 512, six LEDs 110A-110F are configured to illuminate,indicating a pressure within a range of 25 mmHg to 30 mmHg. At 514, seven LEDs 110A- 110G are configured to illuminate, indicating a pressure within a range of 30 mmHg to 35 mmHg. At 516, eight LEDs 110A-110H are configured to illuminate, indicating a critical pressure greater than 40 mmHg. As the pressure increases, the number of illuminated LEDs increases proportionally, allowing a healthcare provider to quickly assess compartment pressure without reading a numerical display. The pressure thresholds assigned to LEDs 110A- N may be calibrated or adjusted based on clinical requirements or user preference.

[0051] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method operating an intra-compartmental pressure determining device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. At a step 602, the method includes controlling flow of a fluid that is fluidly coupled to a needle inserted into the compartment muscle by a flow regulator. The compartment muscle includes the fluid. At a step 604, the method includes determining a pressure exerted by the flow of the fluid using a pressure sensor and generating an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure exerted. At a step 606, the method includes processing the electrical signal by a controller to determine a pressure in the compartment muscle. At a step 608, the method includes generating a visual representation of the pressure in the compartment muscle using a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0052] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and operations described in connection with the present disclosure may be implemented or performed with a general -purpose processor, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general -purpose processor may include a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may include any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a plurality of microprocessors, or any other such configuration.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100), the device (100) comprising: a needle (102) with a side hole, the needle configured to be inserted into a compartment muscle comprising a fluid; a flow regulator (104), fluidly coupled to the needle using a first tube (210), and configured to control a flow of the fluid; a pressure sensor (106), fluidly coupled to the flow regulator, and configured to determine a pressure exerted by the flow of the fluid and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure exerted; a controller (108), electrically coupled to the pressure sensor, and configured to determine a pressure in the compartment muscle by processing the electrical signal received from the pressure sensor; and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (110A-N), communicatively coupled to the controller (108), and configured to provide a visual representation of the pressure in the compartment muscle.

2. The intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the needle (102) comprises: a needle cannula (202) operably coupled to a hub (208); and a lumen that extends between a tip and a proximal end of the needle cannula (202), wherein the proximal end of the needle cannula (202) is coupled with the hub (208), wherein the hub (208) is fluidly connected to an inlet of the flow regulator (104).

3. The intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow regulator (104) comprises: a housing (312) comprising the inlet (302) and an outlet (310); and a knob (304), mounted on top of the housing (312), and configured to control the flow of the fluid through the outlet (310) into the pressure sensor (106).

4. The intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow regulator (104) is fluidly connected to the pressure sensor (106) using a second tube, wherein a first end of the second tube is coupled to the pressure sensor(106), and a second end of the second tube is coupled to the outlet of the housing (312) of the flow regulator (104).

5. The intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side hole (206) of the needle (102) is configured to equalize the pressure exerted by the flow of the fluid by allowing air to escape from the side hole (206) of the needle (102).

6. The intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a predefined number of the plurality of LEDs (110A-N) is activated when the pressure in the compartment muscle is in a predefined range of a plurality of predefined ranges, wherein the number of the plurality of LEDs (110A-N) activated is proportional to the range of the pressure in the compartment muscle.

7. The intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a buzzer (408), wherein the buzzer (408) is activated when the pressure in the compartment muscle exceeds a threshold.

8. The intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a communication module (404), communicatively coupled to the controller (108), and configured to communicate the pressure in the compartment muscle from the controller (108) to a cloud server (410).

9. The intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a digital display (406), communicatively coupled to the controller (108), and configured to display the pressure in the compartment muscle.

10. A method of operating an intra-compartmental pressure determining device (100) to determine pressure in a compartment muscle of a subject, the method comprising: controlling, by a flow regulator, flow of a fluid that is fluidly coupled to a needle inserted into the compartment muscle comprising the fluid; determining, using a pressure sensor, a pressure exerted by the flow of the fluid and generating an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure exerted;processing, by a controller, the electrical signal to determine a pressure in the compartment muscle; and generating, using a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a visual representation of the pressure in the compartment muscle.

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