Bone Oximeter Probe Optical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing bone health are subjective, leading to inconsistent medical decisions as different physicians may have varying opinions on the health of a patient's bones, resulting in potential discrepancies in treatment plans.
Innovation Solution
A bone oximeter probe is developed, which includes an elongated member with a sensor head that advances through soft tissue to measure oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin concentration of bones by transmitting and detecting optical signals, providing objective measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If subjective assessment methods are used to evaluate bone health, then medical decisions can be made without additional equipment, but the consistency and objectivity of measurements deteriorate as different physicians may have varying opinions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical/clinical assessment system with an optical measurement system. The bone oximeter probe uses light sources and detectors to objectively measure bone health parameters (oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration) through optical signals, eliminating physician subjectivity while maintaining ease of use through a straightforward probe placement procedure.
2Measurement precision
If optical signals are transmitted through soft tissue to measure bone parameters, then objective measurements of bone health can be obtained, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the light sources and detectors within a probe structure that is inserted through soft tissue to reach the bone. The optical components are nested within the elongated probe body, allowing the complex measurement functionality to be delivered through a simple, minimally invasive access path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces soft tissue as an intermediary medium between the external probe and the bone target. The probe transmits optical signals through this intermediary tissue layer to reach the bone, enabling non-direct measurement while maintaining device simplicity through straightforward probe insertion and placement.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical signals are transmitted and detected to measure different bone parameters, then comprehensive bone health assessment is achieved, but the time required for measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement by having multiple light sources and detectors operate simultaneously within the probe. Multiple optical signals are transmitted and detected in parallel to measure different bone parameters (oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration) at the same time, eliminating sequential measurement delays while maintaining comprehensive assessment.
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 bone oximeter probe enables consistent and objective assessment of bone health by measuring oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin concentration, allowing for more informed and standardized medical decisions.
Implementation Method 1
Optical signals are sent from the sensor head and into the bone. The bone reflects some of the optical signals which are then detected
Implementation Method 2
The bone reflects some of the optical signals which are then detected (e.g., received or collected) so that measurements for the bone can be made
Data Source
AI summary
A bone oximeter probe includes an elongated member and a sensor head at an end of the elongated member to make measurements for a bone. The measurements can indicate the viability or nonviability of the bone. In an implementation, the probe is advanced through an incision in soft tissue, towards the underlying bone, and positioned so that the sensor head faces the bone to be measured. Optical signals are sent from the sensor head and into the bone. The bone reflects some of the optical signals which are then detected so that measurements for the bone can be made. Some of these measurements include an oxygen saturation level value, and a total hemoglobin concentration value of the bone.