Cardiac Troponin Biomarker Diagnostic Method for Coronary Artery Disease
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing advanced ischemic coronary heart disease, particularly multi-vessel disease, are invasive, costly, and require specialized knowledge, making them ineffective for asymptomatic individuals and those at risk who do not exhibit symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the determination of cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptide levels in a sample, using point-of-care devices and immunoassays, to diagnose advanced ischemic coronary heart disease by comparing the levels to reference amounts, allowing for symptomless detection and differentiation between single and multi-vessel diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coronary angiography is used to evaluate physiological conditions of coronary vessels, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cardiac troponin T as an intermediary biomarker to indirectly assess coronary vessel pathology. Instead of directly visualizing vessels through complex angiography procedures, the method measures troponin T levels in blood samples, which serve as a mediator indicating myocardial damage and coronary artery disease presence, thereby simplifying the diagnostic process while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive coronary angiography system with a biochemical measurement system. Instead of using X-ray imaging equipment and contrast agents to mechanically visualize vessels, the method substitutes this with immunoassay technology to measure troponin T concentrations, eliminating the need for complex imaging equipment and invasive procedures
2Reliability
If coronary angiography is used to diagnose coronary vessel disease, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cardiac troponin T as a biomarker intermediary that simplifies the diagnostic workflow. Rather than requiring operators to perform complex angiography procedures and interpret imaging studies, the method uses troponin T measurement as a straightforward blood test that provides reliable diagnostic information with minimal technical skill requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable test strips or assay kits for troponin T measurement that eliminate the need for expensive, complex angiography equipment. These single-use diagnostic tools provide reliable results without requiring maintenance of sophisticated imaging systems or specialized operational expertise
3Measurement precision
If invasive coronary angiography is performed, then detection precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary screening using troponin T measurement before committing patients to time-consuming angiography procedures. By measuring troponin T levels first, the method identifies patients with suspected coronary artery disease who then require further evaluation, thereby reducing the overall time spent on unnecessary invasive procedures for low-risk individuals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-intensive mechanical angiography process with a rapid biochemical assay. Troponin T measurement can be performed quickly using automated analyzers or point-of-care devices, providing detection precision comparable to angiography but in a fraction of the time without requiring contrast agent injection and prolonged imaging sequences
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 provides a cost-effective, non-invasive means to diagnose advanced ischemic coronary heart disease, especially in asymptomatic individuals, enabling early detection and targeted treatment, reducing the risk of acute cardiovascular events and chronic heart failure.
Implementation Method 1
using point-of-care devices and immunoassays, to diagnose advanced ischemic coronary heart disease
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing an advanced ischemic coronary heart disease comprising the steps of determining an amount of a cardiac troponin in a sample of a subject and diagnosing the disease by comparing the amount determined with a reference amount of the cardiac troponin.