Glymphatic Activity Measurement Using NIRS During Sleep Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the activity of the human glymphatic system are invasive, difficult to implement in real-time, and cannot track dynamic changes during wake-sleep transitions or in various pathological conditions, limiting the understanding and management of neurodegenerative diseases associated with glymphatic dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to analyze brainwave indices and brain water content changes, combined with polysomnography indices, to non-invasively measure and quantify the activity of the glymphatic system, providing activity information and indices related to its determinants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-photon microscopy is used to measure glymphatic system activity, then measurement precision is improved, but the method becomes highly invasive and cannot be applied to human body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive two-photon microscopy method with a non-invasive optical method using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The NIRS system uses near-infrared light to measure brain water content changes through the scalp, eliminating the need for surgical implantation of probes or catheters while still enabling quantitative measurement of glymphatic system activity through water content changes in the brain parenchyma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses brain water content as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure glymphatic system activity. Instead of directly observing CSF flow or metabolite removal, the method measures changes in brain water content using NIRS, which correlates with glymphatic system function. This intermediary approach enables non-invasive measurement while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If gadobutrol injection and repeated MRI scans are used to measure glymphatic system activity, then measurement capability is improved, but real-time continuous measurement and tracking of dynamic changes become extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time measurement of glymphatic system activity by using NIRS to continuously monitor brain water content changes. Unlike discrete MRI scans, the NIRS system provides continuous data streams that capture dynamic changes during wake-sleep transitions and sleep stages, allowing for uninterrupted observation of glymphatic system function over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the discrete, time-consuming MRI scanning process with continuous optical monitoring using NIRS. The NIRS system uses near-infrared light to continuously measure brain water content without requiring repeated subject positioning, scanning sequences, or post-processing reconstruction, thereby enabling real-time measurement of glymphatic activity.
3Measurement precision
If repeated MRI scans are performed to track dynamic changes during wake-sleep transitions, then measurement capability is improved, but natural sleep is interfered with and measurement of pathological conditions is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cumbersome MRI scanning process with a simple, portable NIRS measurement system that can be applied to the subject's scalp without restricting movement or requiring specialized imaging facilities. This substitution allows subjects to sleep naturally while being continuously monitored, preserving natural sleep architecture and enabling measurement of glymphatic activity during genuine wake-sleep transitions and sleep stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The NIRS system allows subjects to maintain their natural sleep patterns and physiological states without requiring external intervention or positioning adjustments. The measurement device passively monitors brain water content changes while the subject sleeps naturally, eliminating the need for repeated awakening or repositioning that would interfere with sleep quality and natural glymphatic system function.
4Measurement precision
If intrathecal injection of gadobutrol is used to measure glymphatic system activity, then measurement precision is improved, but the method is not approved by FDA and cannot be applied clinically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the intrathecal injection method with a non-invasive NIRS measurement approach that does not require breaking the blood-brain barrier or introducing contrast agents into the CSF space. This substitution eliminates FDA approval barriers and enables broad clinical application for monitoring glymphatic system activity in various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses brain water content as an intermediary parameter that can be measured non-invasively using NIRS, replacing the need for intrathecal contrast agent injection. This intermediary approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating the safety concerns and regulatory barriers associated with intrathecal gadobutrol injection, thereby enabling widespread clinical use.
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
Enables accurate, non-invasive measurement of the glymphatic system activity, allowing for the identification of physiological mechanisms and biomarkers that regulate its function, and aiding in the diagnosis and management of neurodegenerative diseases.
Implementation Method 1
the present inventors have developed a method for accurately measuring the brain water content in real time and non-invasively, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed in the present specification are a novel and effective method and apparatus for measuring the activity level of the cerebral glymphatic system and a method and apparatus for screening a glymphatic system activity index. In one aspect, the method and apparatus of the present invention enable measurement of the activity of the glymphatic system with high predictive value and accuracy, and the method and apparatus of the present invention enable the discovery of polysomnography, brainwaves, and near-infrared spectroscopy indices for determining the activity of the glymphatic system.