Integrated Capillary Refill and Pulse Oximetry Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical practices for measuring capillary refill time and pulse oximetry are largely manual, leading to increased workload, errors, and difficulties in data collection and analysis, as they lack automation and integration of multiple vascular system parameters.
Innovation Solution
A device that combines capillary refill time measurement with arterial oxygen saturation monitoring, using light sources, a light detector, an actuator for pressure application, a control system, and a timer to automate data collection, while also incorporating a temperature detector for skin temperature compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual measurement methods are used for capillary refill time and pulse oximetry, then the clinician has flexibility in performing measurements, but the workload increases and opportunities for errors and omissions arise
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs capillary refill time measurements and pulse oximetry without requiring manual intervention. The microprocessor controls the actuator to apply pressure automatically, the timer measures the refill time automatically, and the light detector measures oxygen saturation automatically, eliminating human error and reducing clinician workload while maintaining measurement flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms where the microprocessor continuously monitors measurements from the light detector and timer, automatically records the data, and can trigger repeat measurements if values are outside predetermined ranges, thereby improving reliability through systematic error checking and correction
2Ease of operation
If manual measurement and recording processes are used, then the clinician can perform measurements as needed, but data collection and statistical treatment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of recording data with an automated electronic data collection system. The microprocessor automatically captures measurement data from the timer and light detector, stores it in memory, and facilitates statistical treatment, eliminating the need for manual chart entries and improving data integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it performs capillary refill time measurement, pulse oximetry, automatic data recording, statistical analysis, and trend monitoring all through a single integrated system, making data collection efficient while maintaining operational simplicity
3Measurement precision
If separate devices are used for capillary refill time measurement and pulse oximetry, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but device complexity and workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines capillary refill time measurement functionality and pulse oximetry functionality into a single integrated device. The actuator, timer, light detector, and microprocessor work together to perform both measurement types simultaneously or sequentially at the same body location, reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated sensors for each function
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 automates the measurement and recording of capillary refill time and oxygen saturation, reducing clinical workload, enhancing data accuracy, and facilitating statistical analysis, thereby providing a more efficient and comprehensive assessment of vascular system parameters.
Implementation Method 1
The probe has two light sources, each generating light of a different wavelength in the red-orange spectral range. The light is applied to patient's tissue and received by a light detector that measures the amount of light that has not been absorbed by blood hemoglobin in the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator applies pressure to a selected portion of the patient's body at which the application of pressure to the portion will cause a removal of blood from the tissue of the portion. For example, the actuator may apply pressure to the nail bed of a nail of a finger or toe of the patient to cause the removal of blood from the nail bed and thus a whitening or blanching of the nail bed tissue.
Implementation Method 3
A timer is coupled to the control means for determining a time interval that is commenced with a deactuation of the actuator. The deactuation relieves pressure previously applied by the actuator to the portion of the patient's body and allows blood to return to the portion. The timing interval is terminated by a reduction in the amount of light received by the light detector as a result of the restoration of blood to the body portion.
Implementation Method 4
The device also includes a temperature detector for compensating the indication of capillary refill time in accordance with a skin temperature measurement proximate to the body portion of the patient used to determine capillary refill time.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring the capillary refill time and blood oxygenation includes light sources and a light detector. The device also includes an actuator for applying pressure to a selected portion of the body of the patient, such as the nail bed of a finger or toe of the patient, to cause the removal of blood from the nail bed when actuated. A timer commences a time interval with a deactuation of the actuator. The deactuation relieves the pressure applied by the actuator to the body portion of the patient and allows blood to return to the portion. The timing interval is terminated by a reduction in the amount of light received by the light detector as a result of the restoration of blood to the body portion. The time interval so determined comprises an indication of the capillary refill time of the patient.