Dual-PPG Pulse Oximetry for Reliable Pulse Detection During CPR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual palpation for pulse detection during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is unreliable and time-consuming, leading to prolonged interruptions in chest compressions and negatively impacting CPR outcomes.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing dual-PPG sensors, one centrally and one peripherally placed, to provide early detection of spontaneous pulse and qualitative circulation assessment, respectively, supporting clinical decision-making during CPR.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual palpation is used for pulse detection during CPR, then the method is simple and requires no additional equipment, but it is unreliable and time-consuming, leading to prolonged interruptions in chest compressions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse detection reliabilityVSAvoidtime for pulse detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical palpation with an optical detection system using photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors. The system uses light emitters and photodetectors to non-invasively detect pulse signals through the skin, eliminating the need for manual finger placement and providing more reliable and faster pulse detection during CPR.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces PPG sensors as intermediary devices between the practitioner and the patient's pulse. The sensors attach to the patient's skin and automatically detect pulse signals, transmitting data to a processor that analyzes the pulse characteristics without requiring direct manual contact, thereby reducing detection time and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual palpation is used for pulse detection, then no additional equipment is needed, but it requires interruption of chest compressions and reduces compression-generated blood flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pulse detectionVSAvoidCPR continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of manual palpation with an automated optical sensing system. The PPG sensors continuously monitor pulse signals without requiring physical contact or interruption of chest compressions, allowing CPR to proceed continuously while maintaining reliable pulse detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The PPG sensing system operates autonomously during CPR, continuously detecting and analyzing pulse signals without requiring practitioner intervention. The system self-monitors pulse characteristics and provides real-time feedback, eliminating the need to stop compressions for manual pulse checks and maintaining continuous CPR productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a single PPG sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot provide both early detection of spontaneous pulse and qualitative circulation assessment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of PPG sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pulse detection function into two separate PPG sensor systems: a central PPG sensor for early detection of spontaneous pulse and a peripheral PPG sensor for qualitative circulation assessment. Each sensor is optimized for its specific function, with the central sensor detecting pulse onset and the peripheral sensor evaluating circulation quality, thereby improving overall measurement precision through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple PPG sensors to create a multi-functional detection system that simultaneously performs early pulse detection, circulation assessment, and oxygen saturation monitoring. The system integrates these functions into a unified monitoring platform, allowing comprehensive evaluation of ROSC status without requiring separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reliable and timely detection of spontaneous circulation, allowing for informed decision-making on medication administration and cessation of chest compressions, thereby improving CPR efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a readily available, non-invasive and easy-to-use optical technology currently widely applied in pulse oximetry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3820360B1Photoplethysmography pulse oximeter for cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2B

AI summary

A PPG pulse oximeter (21,22,23) employing a dual PPG probe including a central PPG sensor (90,90') and a peripheral PPG sensor (80,80'). The PPG pulse oximeter (21,22,23) further employs a pulse oximeter monitor (31,32) configured in connection with the dual PPG probe to control synchronous generations of a central PPG signal by the central PPG sensor (90,90') and of a peripheral PPG signal by the peripheral PPG sensor (80,80'), and to also control a CPR pulse detection via the dual PPG probe including a detection of a presence of a spontaneous pulse of the central PPG signal and a detection of a presence of a spontaneous pulse of the peripheral PPG signal.