Adherent Patch for Sleep Apnea Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient monitoring devices for extended periods are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, and inadequate for detecting sleep apnea and hypopnea, as they require invasive methods, are costly, and do not accurately collect the necessary data for optimal patient diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
An adherent device with a breathable tape and multiple electrodes, coupled with impedance, electrocardiogram, and accelerometer circuitry, that measures respiration and heart rate variability to detect sleep apnea and hypopnea, providing accurate and comfortable long-term monitoring through wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional patient monitoring devices are used for extended periods, then monitoring duration is increased, but device comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome design
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is constructed as a flexible adhesive patch that conforms to the patient's skin surface, using thin film structures for electrodes and circuitry substrates that bend and move with skin contours, eliminating the bulk and rigidity of traditional monitors while enabling extended wear comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch incorporates porous breathable materials that allow skin respiration and moisture vapor transmission, preventing skin maceration and discomfort during extended wear while maintaining secure adhesion and electrical contact
2Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but patient discomfort and harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces invasive mechanical needle electrodes with non-invasive adhesive surface electrodes that make gentle contact with the skin, eliminating penetration trauma while maintaining sufficient electrical signal quality for accurate cardiac and respiratory monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive gel intermediary layer is applied between the electrode and skin to enhance electrical coupling and signal quality without requiring skin penetration, achieving measurement precision comparable to invasive methods while maintaining patient comfort and safety
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and circuitry are included, then measurement precision and detection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions (ECG, respiration, temperature, motion) are integrated into a single adhesive patch device with shared electronic components and processing circuitry, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one unified system that simplifies application and data integration
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs multi-functional electrodes that serve multiple purposes: cardiac signal acquisition, respiration monitoring through impedance changes, and potential additional sensing functions, allowing a single electrode array to support diverse measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing complexity
4Duration of action of moving object
If adhesive patch is worn for extended periods, then monitoring duration is improved, but skin comfort and usability deteriorate due to dehydration and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive patch utilizes porous breathable materials in both the adhesive layer and protective covering, allowing continuous vapor transmission to prevent skin maceration and moisture buildup under the patch, thereby maintaining skin comfort and adhesive effectiveness throughout extended wear periods
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs composite material structures combining hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers, breathable membranes, and flexible adhesives that work together to regulate moisture, maintain skin dryness, and prevent detachment while enabling prolonged continuous monitoring
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
The device allows for reliable, extended monitoring of sleep apnea and hypopnea, reducing data transmission requirements and patient discomfort, while maintaining the comfort and usability of the patch for up to several weeks, enabling accurate detection and remote data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
impedance circuitry coupled to the at least four electrodes to measure an impedance signal of the patient
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer to generate an accelerometer signal in response to at least one of an activity, an orientation or a position of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
An adherent device is configured to adhere to the skin of the patient with an adherent patch, for example breathable tape, coupled to at least four electrodes. The device comprises impedance circuitry coupled to the at least four electrodes and configured to measure respiration of the patient to detect sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. The impedance circuitry may be used to measure hydration of the patient. An accelerometer can be mechanically coupled to the adherent patch such that the accelerometer can be coupled to and move with the skin of the patient. Electrocardiogram circuitry to generate an electrocardiogram signal may be coupled to at least two of the at least four electrodes to detect the sleep apnea and/or hypopnea.