In Vivo Flow Cytometer Using Negative Photoacoustic Contrast for Clot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting circulating clots in vivo are limited by their inability to provide continuous, non-invasive, and high-sensitivity detection, especially for microclots and larger, slower-moving clots over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
The use of a negative photoacoustic contrast technique in conjunction with an in vivo flow cytometer, which involves pulsing clots with laser energy at specific wavelengths to induce photoacoustic signals that are lower in magnitude than those from surrounding red blood cells, allowing for the detection and analysis of clot properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ex vivo blood sample analysis methods are used, then clot detection can be performed, but the temporal resolution is limited by discrete time-point sampling and the sensitivity is poor due to small blood volume analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical blood sampling and laboratory analysis with an optical detection system (flow cytometer) that continuously monitors blood flow in vivo. This substitution enables real-time detection without discrete sampling intervals, simultaneously improving both sensitivity through analysis of larger blood volumes and temporal resolution through continuous monitoring capability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If non-invasive imaging techniques such as MRI, PET, ultrasound, or optical imaging are used, then continuous in vivo monitoring is possible, but the detection capability is limited to fixed clots or slowly moving large clots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flow cytometry technology originally designed for analyzing individual cells in suspension, adapting it to detect clots in flowing blood. This approach provides high-resolution local detection of clot properties (size, composition, velocity) as they pass through the measurement volume, enabling detection of both small fast-moving clots and larger slower-moving clots that conventional imaging cannot resolve.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescent imaging techniques are used, then rolling clots can be detected in experimental models, but the translation to in vivo human use is problematic due to fluorescent label toxicity and strong autofluorescent background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the intrinsic optical properties of blood components (hemoglobin absorption characteristics) to detect clots without requiring external fluorescent labels. By measuring variations in light absorption and scattering as blood flows through the detection volume, the system identifies clots based on their physical properties alone, eliminating toxicity concerns while maintaining detection capability in human subjects.
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
This method enables continuous monitoring of blood flow through circulatory vessels, allowing for the assessment of clot presence, concentration, composition, and size over extended periods without the need for invasive procedures, thereby improving early detection and treatment of clot-related events.
Implementation Method 1
pulsing clots with laser energy at specific wavelengths to induce photoacoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method of using the device to detect the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject is described. In particular, devices and methods of detecting the presence and composition of clots and other target objects in a circulatory vessel of a living subject using in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry techniques is described.