Convex Spectral Sensor for Intercostal Myocardial Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectral sensors for measuring myocardial physiologic parameters lack effective positioning over the intercostal space, leading to inefficient tissue illumination and inaccurate measurements, as they are not shaped or configured to conform to the intercostal space and often rely on peripheral muscle tissue for initial positioning.
Innovation Solution
A spectral sensor system with a housing shaped to conform to the intercostal space, featuring a convex outer profile and integrated optical spectroscope with light sources and sensors, which evaluates the effectiveness of tissue illumination and provides visual, audio, or haptic feedback to adjust the sensor's position for optimal measurement, utilizing inertial sensors and electrocardiogram data for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spectral sensors are positioned over peripheral muscle tissue without intercostal space conformation, then initial positioning is simplified, but measurement accuracy of myocardial physiologic parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing incorporates a convex outer profile that conforms to the concave shape of the intercostal space, enabling the sensor to be positioned directly over the myocardium through the rib cage. This curved geometry allows the optical sources and detectors to be optimally oriented toward the heart tissue, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining ease of placement
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system includes feedback mechanisms that automatically evaluate positioning effectiveness and guide the user to optimize the sensor's position over the intercostal space, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while ensuring accurate myocardial measurements
2Ease of manufacture
If spectral sensors use flat housing design, then manufacturing is simplified, but tissue illumination effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is formed with a convex outer surface that matches the curvature of the intercostal space, allowing the optical sources to be positioned at optimal angles relative to the underlying myocardium. This curved design improves light penetration and tissue illumination effectiveness compared to flat housings, while still being manufacturable using standard molding techniques
3Device complexity
If spectral sensors lack positioning feedback mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system incorporates feedback mechanisms that evaluate the effectiveness of tissue illumination and provide real-time guidance to the user for optimizing sensor position over the intercostal space. This feedback enables accurate positioning without requiring complex mechanical alignment systems, balancing device complexity with positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical alignment systems, the patent employs optical and electronic feedback mechanisms to guide positioning. The system evaluates illumination effectiveness and provides visual or electronic guidance, replacing mechanical complexity with intelligent control systems
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 non-invasive, effective measurement of myocardial physiologic parameters by ensuring optimal tissue illumination and alignment, providing accurate data on parameters like oxygen saturation, pH, and hematocrit, improving blood flow tracking and reducing the invasiveness of current methods.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength-sensitive sensor capable of detecting light intensity, at two or more distinct wavelengths, of light scattered and/or reflected by tissue of the myocardium
Implementation Method 2
an optical spectroscope, at least partially disposed within the housing, the optical spectroscope comprising at least one light source capable of emitting light at a range of wavelengths, a wavelength-sensitive sensor capable of detecting light intensity, at two or more distinct wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring a myocardial physiologic parameter according to an embodiment includes placing an at least partially convex portion of a spectral sensor against an intercostal space of a human over a heart of the human and measuring the physiologic parameter of a myocardium of the heart with the spectral sensor over time during an emergency medical event. The spectral sensor may be configured to determine and visually display a suggested position adjustment for directing the spectral radiation more directly toward the tissue of interest (e.g. the myocardium), and/or for placing the operative elements of the spectral sensor closer to the tissue of interest (e.g. the myocardium).