Electrode Array Patch for Non-Invasive Gastric Activity Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for chronic gastro-duodenal disorders are invasive, costly, and lack the ability to reliably distinguish between overlapping conditions like gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia, leading to prolonged and uncertain diagnostic processes and ineffective treatment plans.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive gastric activity detection system using an electrode array patch and data acquisition device for mapping gastric activity, combined with real-time symptom reporting, to provide objective and actionable diagnostic insights through Body Surface Gastric Mapping (BSGM).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive diagnostic tests (endoscopies, biopsies, manometry) are used to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and patient harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical diagnostic procedures (endoscopies, biopsies, manometry) with a non-invasive electrical sensing system that uses electrode arrays to detect gastric myoelectrical activity. This substitution eliminates physical intrusion into the gastrointestinal tract while maintaining diagnostic capability through electrical signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing layer (electrode array patch) that detects gastric electrical activity through the abdominal wall without direct contact with gastric tissue. This intermediary approach allows diagnostic information to be obtained indirectly through body surface potentials, avoiding the need for direct invasive measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple invasive tests are performed to distinguish between overlapping gastrointestinal disorders, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal diagnostic platform that can evaluate multiple gastrointestinal disorders (gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, chronic nausea and vomiting syndromes) through a single non-invasive testing session. The electrode array system captures comprehensive gastric electrical activity data that can be analyzed to distinguish between different disorders, eliminating the need for sequential specialized tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic evaluation through non-invasive electrical sensing before committing patients to invasive procedures. By obtaining initial diagnostic information through the electrode array system, clinicians can make informed decisions about whether invasive tests are truly necessary, thereby reducing overall diagnostic time and procedural burden.
3Ease of operation
If symptom-based diagnostic criteria are used for gastrointestinal disorders, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an objective feedback mechanism that quantifies gastric electrical activity patterns and correlates them with symptom reports. The system provides measurable parameters (power spectral density, rhythm indices, amplitude metrics) that give clinicians objective data to support or refute symptom-based diagnoses, thereby improving diagnostic precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated analysis.
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
The system offers accurate gastric motility assessment with a high success rate, reducing the need for invasive tests and providing timely, patient-specific treatment plans, improving diagnostic and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
measuring electrical signals associated with gastric activity of the patient with the electrode array patch
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses systems and methods for mapping gastric activity with an electrode array patch disposed over an abdomen skin surface of a patient. A method may include measuring electrical signals associated with gastric activity of the patient with the electrode array patch over a predetermined time period and concurrently receiving patient symptom information, determining one or more normalized biometrics from the measured electrical signals, correlating the one or more normalized biometrics and the patient symptom information, determining a measure of correlation, determining a measure of temporal association, and determining a gastrointestinal phenotype of the patient based at least in part on the measure of correlation and the measure of temporal association. The present invention advantageously enables mapping of gut motility patterns at high spatial resolution for the identification of gastric disorders and provides biomarkers of pathophysiology which include correlations with symptom severity profiles.