Capillary Refill Time Measurement Using Optical Finger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring capillary refill time (CRT) are subjective and lack uniformity, limiting their clinical value due to reliance on manual, relative assessments by clinicians.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a mobile device with a camera and light source to objectively measure CRT by detecting color changes in a patient's finger, providing standardized and automated calculations of the time elapsed between color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective finger blanch test is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical assessment of finger color return with an automated optical detection system using a camera and light source. The system captures images of the finger at specific time points (immediately after release and at 2 seconds) and uses image processing to objectively determine color return, eliminating clinician subjectivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the finger's color state through camera imaging. By capturing and analyzing images of the finger at defined time points, the system creates an objective record of color return that can be uniformly assessed, replacing the need for direct visual inspection by different clinicians with varying subjective judgments.
2Device complexity
If manual color assessment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment with an automated image capture and analysis system. The camera captures images at standardized time points, and the system automatically determines color return by comparing images, providing reliable and consistent results that are not dependent on individual clinician judgment while adding minimal complexity through the use of a camera and light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides objective feedback through standardized image capture at defined time points (immediately after release and at 2 seconds). This feedback mechanism ensures that the assessment is based on actual color return rather than subjective estimation, improving reliability while maintaining a simple operational protocol.
3Measurement precision
If standardized time points are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing the first image immediately after finger release and the second image at a predetermined 2-second interval. This preliminary structuring of measurements at standardized time points ensures precise and consistent CRT assessment while minimizing the total time required by eliminating unnecessary delays or subjective timing judgments.
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
This approach offers improved accuracy and consistency in CRT measurements, enhancing clinical workflow and patient care by providing objective, subject-specific data for clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
uses the camera, which is located near the light source, to detect color changes in the patient's finger
Data Source
AI summary
The capillary refill time (CRT) of a patient is an important feature in the determination of cardiovascular system health. Quick re-perfusion of the microcirculation (namely, the capillaries) is a good indication that the cardiovascular system is able to efficiently distribute blood throughout the body. Current systems use unreliable or subjective methods to test the CRT. Additionally, the calculation of CRT is not generally used in the adult medical space as it is more commonly used in pediatrics. The present application describes a system and method for calculating a patient's CRT using a mobile device with an integrated camera and light source, or an optical head-mounted display using a light source in combination with ambient light to calculate the CRT. Once a patient's CRT is calculated, an integrated application classifies the data and sends it to the treating clinician for review.