Fluid Retention Detection Through 3D Imaging and Patient-Specific Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring fluid retention in body parts, such as edema, lack quantitative accuracy and are challenging to apply consistently, especially in obese patients or cases of unilateral edema, and do not account for individual patient variations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize direct and indirect measurements of body part parameters, including three-dimensional imaging, to calculate an estimated volume based on mathematical relationships with alternative parameters, and compare it to actual measurements to assess fluid retention, using a mathematical modeling system to adjust for individual patient morphology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pitting method is used to measure edema, then the measurement is simple and quick, but quantitative measurement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pitting method with an optical imaging system using cameras to capture images of the body part. This substitution enables automated, quantitative measurement while maintaining ease of operation through non-contact imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or model of the body part from captured images. This virtual model allows for precise volumetric calculation and quantitative assessment of edema without requiring physical contact or subjective grading.
2Measurement precision
If circumference or volume measurement is used, then quantitative measure is provided, but it is challenging to quantify impact of edema without baseline knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing images and creating a baseline model of the body part at the current state. This baseline is then used for comparison in subsequent measurements, enabling quantification of edema changes without requiring separate baseline visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing current measurements against the established baseline model. This allows automatic calculation of edema volume changes and provides quantitative feedback on the impact of edema and treatment effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If unilateral edema is measured by comparing affected limb to opposing limb, then quantitative and specific measurement is obtained, but it does not account for individual patient morphology variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating individualized 3D models for each patient's body part that capture unique morphological characteristics. This allows the measurement system to adapt to each patient's specific anatomy while maintaining quantitative accuracy for edema detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a patient-specific baseline model that incorporates individual morphological variations. This personalized baseline enables accurate comparison and edema quantification that accounts for each patient's unique body structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying fluid retention in a body part of the patient by directly or indirectly measuring a first parameter relating to a size of a body part of the patient to obtain an actual measurement of the body part, obtaining an estimated measurement of said first parameter relating to the size of the body part of the patient by measuring alternative predefined parameters of the patient, wherein said estimated measurement is calculated based on a mathematical relationship between said alternative parameters and the size of the body part; and correlating the actual and estimated measurements of the body part of the patient to assess any fluid retention in the body part.