Closed Loop Blood Pressure Control via Subcutaneous Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood pressure control systems are open loop, unable to continuously measure blood pressure changes due to activity, posture, or other factors, leading to inadequate management of hypertension or hypotension, especially in therapies involving drug delivery or electrical stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop system using subcutaneous sensors, such as optical or impedance sensors, to continuously measure blood pressure and derive control parameters, allowing for real-time adjustments in therapy delivery to maintain optimal blood pressure levels through devices like pacemakers or drug pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If open loop blood pressure control systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate due to inability to continuously measure blood pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed loop feedback control by continuously measuring blood pressure via subcutaneous sensors and using the measured values to adjust therapy delivery. The system compares actual blood pressure measurements with target values and modifies therapy parameters accordingly, creating a feedback control loop that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical blood pressure measurement methods with optical or impedance-based sensing technologies. These sensors detect blood pressure changes through optical properties or electrical impedance variations in tissue, providing continuous precise measurements without complex mechanical components.
2Measurement precision
If continuous blood pressure monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy increases due to continuous sensing and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs blood pressure measurements and therapy adjustments at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The processor evaluates blood pressure at scheduled times and only activates therapy when deviations from target values are detected, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate monitoring precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies therapy only when and where needed based on actual blood pressure deviations. Rather than continuous therapy delivery, the system activates therapy components selectively when blood pressure measurements indicate a need for intervention, optimizing energy usage.
3Reliability
If closed loop control with continuous measurement is used, then reliability of blood pressure management improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The subcutaneous sensors serve multiple functions: they measure blood pressure, provide feedback to the processor, and trigger therapy delivery. The integrated design combines sensing, processing, and therapy delivery in a single implantable system, reducing overall complexity compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the blood pressure sensing function with the therapy delivery system into an integrated implantable device. The subcutaneous sensors are positioned to work in conjunction with the therapy generator, combining measurement and control functions in a unified system that improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If real-time blood pressure adjustment is implemented, then adaptability to activity and posture changes improves, but loss of time for therapy adjustment decreases due to faster response requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions subcutaneous sensors near blood vessels to enable immediate detection of blood pressure changes. Therapy delivery components are pre-configured and ready for immediate activation when blood pressure deviations are detected, reducing response time while maintaining adaptability to rapid physiological changes.
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
Enables continuous, accurate blood pressure monitoring and control, accounting for changes in activity and posture, thereby preventing hypertension or hypotension, and optimizing therapy delivery for improved patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more sensors include an optical sensor; and the at least one biometric parameter includes a characteristic of a pulse associated with an anatomical element of the subject
Implementation Method 2
the one or more sensors include an impedance sensor; and the at least one biometric parameter includes a characteristic of a pulse of an impedance measurement associated with an anatomical element of the subject
Implementation Method 3
the one or more sensors include an ultrasound sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system may measure, by one or more sensors, a biometric parameter associated with a subject. The system may determine values of a control parameter based on measuring the biometric parameter. The control parameter may include blood pressure of the subject. The system may perform a control measure based on a comparison of the values of the control parameters to a threshold. Performing the control measure may include delivering therapy treatment to the subject or outputting a notification indicating an action associated with treating a medical condition. Measuring the biometric parameter, determining the values of the control parameter, and performing the control measure may be in response to one or more trigger criteria.