Accelerometer Array for Non-Invasive Cerebral Vascular Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for stroke, such as CT scans and MRI, are invasive, costly, and limited in their ability to quickly and accurately differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and do not provide continuous monitoring of vascular conditions, which can delay critical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system using an array of accelerometers to detect vibration signals from the head, which are analyzed using a neural network to localize and characterize cerebral vascular conditions, including aneurysms and stenoses, and differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, providing continuous monitoring and clinically relevant data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT scans and MRI are used for stroke diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the procedure becomes invasive, costly, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (CT scanners, MRI machines) with a simpler accelerometer-based vibration detection system. The accelerometer array detects mechanical vibrations from blood flow and vascular structures, providing diagnostic information without requiring expensive, complex imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accelerometers as intermediary sensors that detect vascular conditions through mechanical vibrations transmitted through skull bones. This intermediary approach allows indirect detection of stroke conditions without direct imaging of brain tissue.
2Measurement precision
If CT scans and MRI are used for stroke detection, then diagnostic capability is improved, but continuous monitoring is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring by using accelerometers that can continuously detect vascular vibrations and blood flow changes. Unlike snapshot imaging from CT/MRI, the accelerometer system provides ongoing monitoring of stroke patients, detecting changes in real-time without requiring repeated imaging procedures.
3Loss of time
If early stroke diagnosis is achieved, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but differentiation between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke types becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection of stroke types by analyzing different vibration signatures and blood flow patterns. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes produce distinct mechanical vibration patterns that can be differentiated through the accelerometer array, allowing simultaneous early diagnosis and stroke type classification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables early and accurate detection of vascular conditions, allowing for timely and appropriate interventions, and provides continuous monitoring of stroke patients, improving treatment outcomes by differentiating stroke types and tracking blood flow changes.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive system using an array of accelerometers to detect vibration signals from the head
Data Source
AI summary
Vascular conditions are detected non-invasively in the human body using a collection of information from small local regions of the vasculature. An array of accelerometers are attached to the head and blood flow sounds are recorded. Vibration signatures of vessel structures such as branches, aneurysms, stenosis, etc. using random, periodic, band limited or transient analysis provides a signature library for further processing. The signature library is used to localize the origin of recognized vascular features and the localized feature is presented to the physician in a clinically relevant manner.