Conjunctival Microcirculation and Biomarker CVD Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for screening asymptomatic individuals for coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) are limited by exposure to ionizing radiation, high costs, and the need for operator expertise, making them inefficient for early detection and risk assessment.
Innovation Solution
A method combining measurements of conjunctival microcirculatory parameters (CMP) with blood biomarkers NT-proBNP and adiponectin, using portable and cost-effective devices that do not require specialized clinicians or equipment, enabling rapid and effective identification of CAD and MI risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging modalities (CT, carotid ultrasound) are used for CVD screening, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operator expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (CT scanners, ultrasound equipment) with a simplified optical system using a smartphone camera to capture conjunctival microcirculation images. This substitution maintains diagnostic capability while dramatically reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for specialized imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conjunctival microcirculation as an intermediary marker to indirectly assess cardiovascular disease risk. Instead of directly imaging coronary arteries or performing complex vascular studies, the method examines the microcirculation in the eye, which serves as a accessible proxy for systemic vascular health, thereby simplifying the diagnostic approach.
2Reliability
If expensive imaging modalities requiring operator expertise are used, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables non-specialist operators (such as GPs or nurses) to perform CVD risk assessment by capturing conjunctival images using a standard smartphone camera. The automated image analysis algorithm processes the images without requiring specialized interpretation skills, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on radiologists or vascular specialists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for specialized operator interpretation with automated computational analysis of conjunctival microcirculation images. Machine learning algorithms process the captured images to extract vascular parameters, substituting human expert judgment with algorithmic analysis that is both reliable and easily operable by non-specialists.
3Measurement precision
If traditional CVD screening methods are used, then diagnostic capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available smartphone cameras instead of costly medical imaging equipment. The use of consumer-grade devices that are already widely possessed by patients eliminates the need for expensive specialized equipment, making CVD screening economically viable for widespread implementation in primary care settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conjunctival microcirculation as a low-cost intermediary marker that correlates with systemic cardiovascular disease. By examining this accessible and easily visualized parameter rather than performing expensive coronary imaging or invasive testing, the method achieves diagnostic capability at a fraction of the cost of traditional screening modalities.
4Reliability
If comprehensive CVD risk assessment is performed, then diagnostic sensitivity is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of CVD risk assessment into multiple measurable parameters from conjunctival microcirculation images (vessel diameter, blood flow velocity, vessel density). By dividing the assessment into these discrete, quantifiable components, the system achieves high diagnostic sensitivity through cumulative measurement of several parameters rather than relying on a single complex measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures multiple conjunctival microcirculatory parameters beyond what a single measurement would provide, capturing vessel diameter, flow velocity, and vessel density separately. This excessive measurement approach ensures comprehensive risk assessment by gathering more data points than minimally required, thereby improving diagnostic sensitivity through the aggregation of multiple partial measurements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for supporting cardiovascular disease diagnosis are described which incorporate the proteins adiponectin and NT-proBNP in conjunction with conjunctival haemodynamic parametric measurement. The methods and systems can benefit from the use of mobile devices to improve their portability and ease of use.