EKG-PPG Pulse Averaging for Rapid Intra-Arterial Fluid Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cardiac monitoring systems are costly, complex, and not well-suited for rapid fluid management decisions in high-pressure healthcare settings, particularly during pandemics, and fail to accurately assess intra-arterial fluid volume, leading to potential complications like acute kidney injury.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device using combined electrocardiography (EKG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors to measure intra-arterial fluid volume by analyzing composite signals at different wavelengths, generating Signal Prime Over Signal (SPOS) curves, and employing intelligent pulse averaging to minimize noise and extract cardiovascular insights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If legacy EKG and echocardiography machines are used for cardiac monitoring, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines EKG and PPG sensing capabilities into a single integrated device that can simultaneously capture electrical cardiac activity and optical blood volume changes. This merging of functions reduces the need for multiple separate legacy machines while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capability through synchronized multi-modal sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple cardiac assessment functions including fluid status evaluation, hydration monitoring, and cardiovascular health assessment using a single platform. The system can derive various physiological parameters from the combined EKG and PPG signals, replacing multiple specialized machines with one universal device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If legacy echocardiography machines are used for fluid status assessment, then measurement capability is available, but ease of operation and cleaning become problematic during pandemics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid status assessment capabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable or easily sterilizable sensor components that can be quickly cleaned or replaced between patients. The PPG sensors and EKG electrodes are designed for single-use or rapid disinfection, eliminating the complex cleaning regimens required for traditional echocardiography equipment during pandemic conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical ultrasound-based echocardiography with optical and electrical sensing methods. The PPG uses light absorption measurements and EKG uses electrical potential detection, both of which require minimal physical contact and can be more easily sanitized compared to mechanical probe-based ultrasound systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If traditional cardiac monitoring systems are used, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but speed of fluid management decision-making decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive data collectionVSAvoiddecision-making time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device continuously collects and pre-processes EKG and PPG data in real-time, maintaining a ready state for immediate fluid status assessment. The system continuously monitors cardiovascular parameters and can instantly evaluate fluid status when needed, eliminating the time required to set up and perform separate echocardiography studies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback on fluid status by continuously analyzing the relationship between EKG-derived cardiac output estimates and PPG-derived blood volume changes. This continuous feedback loop enables rapid detection of fluid status changes and immediate clinical decision-making without waiting for periodic comprehensive assessments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Provides rapid, cost-effective, and point-of-care assessment of intra-arterial fluid status, enabling informed fluid administration decisions, reducing mortality and costs associated with incorrect fluid management.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a person's hydration level by detecting changes in the shape of a composite signal measured at an infrared wavelength of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

combined electrocardiographic (EKG) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensing systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocardiography: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4135572B1System and method of assessing intra-arterial fluid volume using intelligent pulse averaging with integrated EKG and PPG sensors

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 HEMOCEPT INC

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AI summary

A system using combined electrocardiography (EKG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) sensing to assess intra-arterial fluid volume is described. The system uses averaging of similar pulses based on prior (n-1; n minus 1) R-to-R pulse wave duration, and prior-prior (n-2; n minus 2) R-to-R pulse wave duration, to determine a patient's fluid status and whether it is below or above optimal intravascular hydration.