Patient Substance Evaluation Using Concentration-Distribution Space Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and evaluating the mass or concentration of substances in patients, such as haemoglobin, are inadequate in distinguishing between physiological and unphysiological changes, leading to unclear treatment approaches for conditions like anaemia, particularly in patients with renal or cardiac impairment.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the relation between calculated or measured values of substance mass or concentration and distribution space, assessing whether this relation meets predetermined criteria using a controller, apparatus, and computer program to provide accurate evaluations and treatment recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to monitor substance concentration in patients, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and ability to distinguish physiological from unphysiological changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from monitoring a single concentration value to evaluating a two-dimensional relationship between concentration and distribution space. By plotting concentration values against distribution space values and analyzing the slope of the relationship, the system gains an additional dimensional perspective that enables differentiation between physiological and unphysiological changes without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces distribution space as an intermediary parameter that mediates between raw concentration measurements and clinical interpretation. This intermediary allows the system to distinguish whether concentration changes are due to actual substance mass changes or distribution volume changes, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple monitoring equipment.
2Reliability
If only concentration values are monitored, then monitoring simplicity is maintained, but reliability of treatment decisions deteriorates due to inability to distinguish concentration changes from distribution changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds distribution space as a second measurement dimension, transforming single-value concentration monitoring into two-dimensional concentration-distribution space relationship analysis. This dimensional expansion enables reliable treatment decisions by distinguishing whether concentration changes reflect actual substance mass changes or distribution volume changes, while the data collection remains manageable through routine clinical measurements.
3Measurement precision
If distribution space measurement is added to concentration monitoring, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the monitoring system multi-functional by using the same monitoring infrastructure to collect both concentration data and distribution space data. The system evaluates the relationship between these two parameters to simultaneously assess both substance concentration and distribution changes, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring separate dedicated measurement systems or significantly increasing measurement time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for evaluating a value representing the mass or the concentration of a substance comprised by a tissue or a bodily fluid of a patient, comprising the steps of a) determining a relation between one or more calculated or measured value(s) reflecting the mass or the concentration and a distribution space of the patient or an approximation thereof, and b) assessing whether the relation fulfils a criterion. It relates further to a controller, an apparatus and a device for carrying out the invention, further to digital storage means, a computer program product, and a computer program.