Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitor Using Fluorescent Dye
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring cardiac output, such as thermodilution and dye indicator dilution, are invasive, costly, and pose risks to patients, while also being unsuitable for certain populations like children and those undergoing hemodialysis, due to complications like infections and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive fluorescent dye indicator dilution method that assesses cardiovascular parameters by injecting an inert fluorescent dye intravenously and measuring its emission through transcutaneous fluorescence, allowing for minimally invasive cardiac output and blood volume monitoring using a system with an illumination source, photodetector, and computing system to calculate cardiovascular parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermodilution technique with balloon catheter is used to measure cardiac output, then measurement precision is improved, but patient safety and comfort deteriorate due to invasive procedures, infections, and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive thermodilution catheter system with an optical detection system. A fluorescent indicator is injected intravenously and its passage through the circulation is detected optically through the skin using fluorescence excitation and detection, eliminating the need for invasive catheter placement while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluorescent indicator as an intermediary substance that carries measurement information. The indicator is injected into the bloodstream and its fluorescence signal serves as a mediator between the blood flow parameters and the external detector, allowing non-invasive measurement of cardiac output and blood volume
2Reliability
If invasive catheter placement is performed for cardiac output measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for sterile surgical field and specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical procedure of catheter insertion, positioning, and maintenance is replaced with simple intravenous indicator injection followed by optical detection. The system requires no sterile surgical field or specialized catheter placement skills, making it operable by standard medical personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-calibration and automatic calculation of cardiac output and blood volume from the fluorescence signal data. The computing system automatically processes the indicator dilution curve without requiring manual intervention or interpretation by trained personnel
3Measurement precision
If traditional indicator dilution methods are used, then cardiac output measurement is achieved, but adaptability deteriorates due to unsuitability for children, infants, and dialysis patients
Solution Approach 1:
The invasive mechanical catheter system is replaced with non-invasive optical detection, making the procedure safe for vulnerable populations including children, infants, and dialysis patients who cannot tolerate invasive procedures or anticoagulation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescence-based system provides universal applicability across all patient populations by eliminating population-specific contraindications. The same indicator injection and optical detection protocol can be used for adults, children, infants, and dialysis patients without modification
4Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring methods are used for dialysis patients, then hemodynamic parameter measurement is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to bleeding risks and infections
Solution Approach 1:
The invasive catheter-based hemodynamic monitoring is replaced with non-invasive fluorescence detection. This eliminates all risks associated with catheter placement including bleeding, infection, and vascular damage while maintaining the ability to measure cardiac output and blood volume during dialysis
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent indicator serves as a safe intermediary that can be injected intravenously without causing harm to dialysis patients. The indicator allows measurement of hemodynamic parameters during dialysis procedures without exposing patients to the bleeding and infection risks of invasive monitoring
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 reduces patient discomfort and complications, enables broader application, including in children and dialysis patients, providing accurate and repeated measurements of cardiac output and blood volume without the need for blood calibration, and is suitable for monitoring during procedures like hemodialysis.
Implementation Method 1
providing an electromagnetic radiation to a detection area to excite an indicator administered to the cardiovascular system to fluoresce
Implementation Method 2
detecting the indicator fluorescence intensity emitted from the detection area by using a detection system
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive system and method for determination of cardiac output and blood volume of a patient includes compensating for a change in the fluorescence of an indicator circulating in the bloodstream of a tissue or organ that is caused by a variation of the blood content at the site of the measurement.