Bleeding Detection Device Using Biodegradable Clip and Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bleeding detection methods in the digestive tract are inadequate for continuous monitoring, particularly for postoperative recurrent bleeding, as they either have limited duration or lack real-time detection capabilities, leading to potential late detection of acute bleeding events.
Innovation Solution
A device with a fastening mechanism, such as a biodegradable clip, is placed inside the hollow organ to continuously monitor for bleeding using light sources emitting different wavelengths and a light-sensitive sensor, transmitting data externally for real-time detection and potentially providing hemostasis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dye-based detection method is used, then bleeding can be detected initially, but the monitoring duration is limited to a few hours due to limited plasma half-life of the dye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable detection device with a limited lifespan, designed to function for a specific monitoring period (e.g., 48-72 hours) and then be discarded. This resolves the contradiction by accepting the device's temporary nature to achieve continuous monitoring capability, rather than relying on long-lasting dye methods that fail after a few hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from chemical (dye absorption) to optical (light reflection/absorption by hemoglobin). By using light sources at specific wavelengths (e.g., 660nm and 940nm) and measuring reflected light, the system achieves both continuous monitoring capability and extended duration without relying on dye plasma half-life.
2Device complexity
If discontinuous monitoring is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but bleeding detection is delayed and unreliable for acute events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by continuously emitting light from the light sources and continuously detecting reflected light by the sensor. This uninterrupted detection process ensures that acute bleeding events are captured immediately, resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and device complexity by using a simple optical system that inherently provides continuous data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the detected light intensity is continuously processed and transmitted to external monitoring systems. The system provides real-time feedback on hemoglobin presence, allowing immediate detection of bleeding events. This feedback loop maintains reliability without significantly increasing device complexity, as the processing occurs externally.
3Strength
If a non-biodegradable fastening device is used, then the attachment strength is sufficient, but the device requires removal procedures and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material property parameter of the fastening device from non-biodegradable to biodegradable. The fastening device is made of materials that maintain sufficient attachment strength during the monitoring period (e.g., 48-72 hours) and then naturally degrade and detach. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for manual removal procedures while maintaining adequate attachment strength during the critical monitoring window.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable fastening device provides self-service by automatically detaching itself after the monitoring period through natural degradation in the body environment. This eliminates the need for additional removal procedures or interventions, resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and ease of removal by making the device self-removing.
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 continuous and timely detection of bleeding within the digestive tract, allowing for immediate intervention and reducing the risk of unnoticed large blood loss, with the biodegradable component ensuring automatic removal after monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The detection device measures the presence of blood by measuring emitted light that is absorbed or reflected by the content in the hollow organ or the hollow organ wall. For this purpose, the detection device emits light with a predetermined wavelength, which is at least partially absorbed or reflected in the interior of the hollow organ, and detects the reflected light via a light-sensitive sensor. Since blood has a characteristic absorption spectrum that differs from the absorption spectrum of the 'normal' organ content, it can be determined on the basis of the recorded reflections whether there is blood inside the hollow organ or not.
Implementation Method 2
the detection device emits light with a predetermined wavelength, which is at least partially absorbed or reflected in the interior of the hollow organ
Implementation Method 3
detects the reflected light via a light-sensitive sensor. This light-sensitive sensor is preferably a photodiode or a phototransistor
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for detecting bleeding comprises a detection element for sensing the presence of blood, which is connected to a mounting device. The mounting device is attached to the inner wall of a hollow organ. The device further comprises a transmitter unit with which data transmitted by the detection element can be transferred to a receiver unit located outside the body.