Cardiovascular Testing Network Using Segmented Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing cardiovascular disease are hindered by the need for expensive equipment and specialized expertise, limiting early detection and treatment, as tests are often performed too late in advanced stages due to accessibility issues in vascular laboratories.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for performing cardiovascular disease testing using a low-cost test unit at general practitioner offices, with data transmission to remote diagnostic centers for expert review, incorporating an intermediate computer for data routing, diagnosis, and payment processing, enabling increased and accurate testing frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If testing is performed at vascular laboratories with expensive equipment and specialized expertise, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the diagnostic process into two segments: (1) a simplified test unit for acquiring blood flow data at accessible locations, and (2) a centralized analysis system for processing data with expert-level algorithms. This segmentation allows measurement functions to be separated from complex analysis functions, enabling portable testing while maintaining diagnostic precision through centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate computer system that acts as a mediator between the simple test unit and the final diagnostic output. This intermediary performs automated analysis of blood flow data using predefined algorithms, bridging the gap between simple data collection and complex diagnostic interpretation without requiring specialized expertise at the point of care.
2Reliability
If testing is performed at vascular laboratories with specialized expertise, then diagnosis accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The test unit is designed to be self-operating with automated data collection and processing capabilities. The system performs blood flow measurements and automatically transmits data to the analysis system without requiring specialized operator skills, enabling general practitioners to conduct tests independently while maintaining diagnostic reliability through automated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for human expert interpretation with automated computer-based analysis algorithms. The intermediate computer system uses predefined diagnostic criteria and algorithms to analyze blood flow data, substituting mechanical/algorithmic processing for human expert judgment, thereby maintaining diagnosis accuracy while improving accessibility.
3Productivity
If multiple test units are distributed at varied locations, then productivity and accessibility are improved, but device complexity and data management complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distributed test units into a unified networked system where all units communicate with centralized intermediate computers and analysis systems. This merging allows data from multiple locations to be aggregated and processed centrally, enabling increased testing productivity while managing data complexity through centralized infrastructure rather than requiring each location to handle complex data management independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for efficiently providing high-quality medical diagnostic service is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a computer-controlled diagnostic device is placed in a location, such as a primary care clinic, where the device can be the most timely used. The device is linked by a computer network to a computer accessible by an expert diagnostician, who is qualified to express diagnostic opinions based on his or her review of the test data from the test device. The linkage can be either direct, moderated by an intermediate computer, which distributes diagnostic tasks to a team of diagnosticians, facilitates remote control and troubleshooting of the test devices by qualified personnel and remote training of the end-users of the test device, and manages billing by the clinics, diagnosticians and the provider of the diagnostic service system. Timely testing of patients in an economical manner is thus achieved.