GI Bleeding Detection Capsule Using Multi-Wavelength Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vivo diagnostic devices struggle to accurately differentiate between blood and other bodily fluids like bile and chlorophyll in the gastrointestinal tract, and lack temporal information for identifying bleeding events, with issues such as limited LED numbers and wide irradiation angles affecting accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An improved diagnostic system with at least three LEDs positioned on one side of a gap and a light detector on the opposite side, using narrow band wavelengths to differentiate between blood, bile, and chlorophyll, and incorporating a processor to analyze spectra and temporal data, along with optional imaging and localization features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple LEDs irradiating at different wavelengths are used to differentiate between blood and other bodily fluids, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is segmented into multiple discrete wavelength bands (400-600nm, 600-700nm, 700-900nm) with at least one LED per band. This segmentation allows targeted detection of specific absorption features of blood, bile, and chlorophyll without requiring continuous spectral coverage, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each LED is assigned to irradiate at a specific wavelength range that targets particular absorption characteristics of different substances. For example, LEDs in the 400-600nm range target blood absorption, while LEDs in the 600-700nm range target bile and chlorophyll. This local quality approach enables differentiation of substances based on their unique spectral signatures without requiring all LEDs to cover the entire spectrum.
2Measurement precision
If LEDs with narrow irradiation angles are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED and the gap. The light guide receives light from the LED and directs it through the gap to illuminate the bodily fluid. This intermediary structure enables precise control of the light path and irradiation angle without requiring complex optical elements, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If temporal information is collected to identify bleeding events, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic measurements of light absorption at multiple wavelengths as the capsule travels through the GI tract. By collecting temporal information at regular intervals and analyzing changes in absorption patterns over time, the system can identify bleeding events characterized by sudden increases in blood concentration. This periodic sampling approach enables accurate event identification while minimizing total measurement time compared to continuous 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
The system provides accurate detection of bleeding by distinguishing between bodily fluids and tracking bleeding events over time, enhancing diagnostic precision and enabling in-vivo imaging and localization.
Implementation Method 1
Illumination sources, such as LEDs, may reside on one side of the gap and irradiate the bodily fluids passing through the gap. Each illumination source may irradiate the in-vivo fluids at a different narrow band illumination. At least one light detector may be positioned at the opposite side of the gap facing the illumination sources in order to detect light which passes through the in-vivo fluids.
Implementation Method 2
biliary tree. Therefore, it is important to be able to differentiate between blood, bile and chlorophyll in the small bowel and colon, respectively.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device, system and method for the detection of bleeding inside the GI tract include irradiating the bodily fluids at different narrow band wavelengths as the device moves along the GI tract, detecting over time the absorbance or transmittance signals or measuring absorbance or transmittance spectra of the in- vivo fluids that pass through the sensing head of the device, processing the detected data, determining blood concentration over time and displaying blood concentration over time. The diagnostic device includes a housing with a gap that remains in contact with bodily fluids and through which the fluids may pass, and a sensing head comprising at least three LEDs on one side of the gap, each LED irradiating the bodily fluids at a different narrow band wavelength, and a light detector positioned at the opposite side of the gap and facing the LEDs, for detecting light which passes through the in-vivo bodily fluids.