Endometrial Fluid Gas Sensing for Window of Implantation Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining endometrial receptivity, particularly the window of implantation (WOI), are imprecise and invasive, leading to low success rates in assisted reproduction techniques due to variations in uterine development and embryo-uterine synchrony, and require costly and time-consuming procedures like endometrial biopsies.
Innovation Solution
Measuring dissolved gases, specifically O2 and CO2 concentrations in endometrial fluid, to determine endometrial receptivity and identify the WOI, allowing for timely embryo transfer without invasive biopsies or expensive equipment, using handheld gas measuring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If endometrial biopsy is performed to determine endometrial receptivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to invasive procedures and sophisticated equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive biopsy procedure with a non-invasive optical sensing system. Handheld optical sensors measure dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in endometrial fluid without requiring tissue sampling, thereby eliminating the need for complex biopsy equipment and surgical procedures while maintaining measurement precision for determining endometrial receptivity and window of implantation timing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dissolved gas concentrations (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in endometrial fluid as intermediary markers to indirectly assess endometrial receptivity. Instead of directly analyzing endometrial tissue through biopsy, the system measures gas exchange patterns that reflect endometrial metabolic activity and receptivity status, providing an indirect but accurate method for timing embryo transfer
2Measurement precision
If endometrial biopsy is performed to determine endometrial receptivity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens due to several days required to obtain results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming laboratory analysis of biopsy samples with immediate in-situ optical measurements. The handheld sensors provide real-time readings of dissolved gas concentrations directly at the patient's bedside or in the clinic, eliminating the several-day delay associated with tissue processing, transport, and laboratory analysis while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for determining window of implantation
3Measurement precision
If commercial gene expression tests are used to determine endometrial receptivity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance worsens due to requirement of endometrial tissue biopsy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dissolved gas concentrations in endometrial fluid as intermediary markers that correlate with endometrial receptivity without requiring tissue removal. The optical sensors measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels that reflect endometrial metabolic activity and gene expression patterns, providing the same diagnostic information as gene expression tests but through analysis of fluid-phase metabolites rather than requiring endometrial tissue biopsy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the invasive tissue sampling mechanism with a non-invasive fluid sampling approach. Instead of removing endometrial tissue for gene expression analysis, the system analyzes dissolved gases in endometrial fluid that serve as metabolic proxies for endometrial receptivity, eliminating tissue loss while maintaining measurement precision
4Reliability
If multiple IVF cycles are performed to achieve pregnancy, then productivity worsens due to low success rate per cycle, but reliability of pregnancy outcome is improved through repeated attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring dissolved gas concentrations to determine actual endometrial receptivity status and window of implantation timing before each embryo transfer. This feedback information allows clinicians to optimize transfer timing based on real-time endometrial readiness assessment, thereby increasing the probability of successful implantation in each cycle and reducing the number of cycles needed to achieve pregnancy
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 accurate and timely identification of the WOI, enhancing embryo implantation success rates and reducing the need for hormonal treatments, thus improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the dissolved gas concentration in the endometrial fluid of a female subject
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to methods for determining endometrial receptivity in a female subject and methods for selecting a female subject as a candidate to receive an embryo based on dissolved gas analysis of endometrial fluid.