Noninvasive Dysphagia Measurement and Treatment via Ultrasonic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dysphagia measurement and treatment apparatuses are large, costly, and invasive, lacking precision in assessing pharyngeal cavity functions and effectiveness of treatments, particularly in small-scale hospitals, and fail to monitor appropriacy or effects of treatments for pharyngeal cavity disorders.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a dysphagia measurement sensor unit using ultrasonic waves and an electrical stimulation electrode unit applied to the neck, controlled by a unit that displays and analyzes signals, allowing for noninvasive measurement and treatment of dysphagia, monitoring patient reactions, and providing feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If video fluoroscopic swallowing study apparatus or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing apparatus is used, then measurement precision of dysphagia is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex swallowing evaluation system into separate functional modules: oral cavity sensor, pharyngeal cavity sensor, and measurement unit. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive measurement precision without requiring a single complex apparatus like VFSS or FEES.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical systems of VFSS (X-ray fluoroscopy) and FEES (fiberoptic endoscopy) with electrical sensing systems. Sensors detect swallowing parameters electrically and physiologically, eliminating the need for expensive, complex imaging equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If video fluoroscopic swallowing study apparatus is used, then anatomical structure confirmation is improved, but exposure to radiation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the X-ray fluoroscopy system with electrical and physiological sensing systems. Sensors placed in the oral and pharyngeal cavities detect swallowing movements and anatomical structures through electrical signals and physiological parameters, completely eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining the ability to confirm anatomical structures.
3Measurement precision
If fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing apparatus is used, then inner structure observation is improved, but invasive method is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive fiberoptic endoscope with non-invasive electrical sensors. These sensors detect inner structure movements and swallowing parameters through electrical signals generated by muscle contractions, eliminating the need to insert physical instruments into the patient's body while maintaining observation precision.
4Measurement precision
If known dysphagia measurement apparatus is used, then measurement capability is improved, but portability and ease of use in small-scale hospitals deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into small, portable sensor units that can be easily transported and set up in small-scale hospitals. Each sensor unit is independent and can be attached to specific body parts, making the system highly portable while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement functions from large, fixed hospital equipment and implements them through small, portable sensor units. This extraction allows the system to maintain measurement precision while being easily deployable in various healthcare settings, including small-scale hospitals and home care environments.
5Ease of operation
If examination time is shortened for practical use, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of swallowing characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring during the swallowing process using multiple sensors that simultaneously detect various parameters. This continuous data collection allows for rapid analysis and accurate detection of swallowing characteristics without requiring extended examination time, as all relevant data is captured concurrently rather than sequentially.
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 simple, noninvasive dysphagia measurement and treatment, improving the assessment of pharyngeal cavity functions and treatment effectiveness, suitable for use in small-scale hospitals, and enhances patient feedback and reaction monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
at least one dysphagia measurement sensor unit attached to a neck of a patient. The at least one dysphagia measurement sensor unit includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting unit and an ultrasonic wave receiving unit
Implementation Method 2
The at least one dysphagia measurement sensor unit includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting unit and an ultrasonic wave receiving unit
Implementation Method 3
at least one electrical stimulation electrode unit attached to a neck of a patient. The at least one electrical stimulation electrode unit applies electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia may comprise: one or more dysphagia measuring sensor units attached to the neck of a patient; one or more electrical stimulation electrode units attached to the neck of the patient to provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia; and a control unit which controls the dysphagia measuring sensor units and the electrical stimulation electrode units. Accordingly, the apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia according to the one embodiment of the present invention has the dysphagia measuring sensor units, and the electrical stimulation electrode units which provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia, thus simultaneously enabling convenient measurement of the dysphagia and treatment of the dysphagia using the electrical stimulation electrode units.