Head-Mounted LVO Diagnostic Tool Using Near-Infrared Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing field-deployable methods for diagnosing large vessel occlusions (LVOs) are either expensive, under-utilized, or operator-dependent, leading to delays and inefficiencies in providing appropriate medical intervention.

Innovation Solution

A portable, head-mounted diagnostic tool using near-infrared energy and transducer arrays to perform an area scan of the brain, autonomously detecting and deciphering cranial blood vessel blockage patterns, providing a binary signal on the presence of LVOs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If MRI or CT imaging is used to identify LVOs, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device portability and field deployability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical imaging systems (MRI, CT) with a portable transcranial Doppler ultrasound system that uses acoustic waves instead of mechanical scanners to detect LVOs, achieving field deployability while maintaining diagnostic capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex imaging systems by using only the necessary ultrasound transducers and signal processing components, removing unnecessary bulk while preserving LVO detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Weight of moving object

If field-deployable ultrasound tools are used, then device portability is improved, but operator dependence and diagnostic reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidoperator independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically analyzing ultrasound signals and comparing them against stored LVO patterns, eliminating the need for operator interpretation and reducing diagnostic variability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where detected signal patterns are immediately compared with reference LVO patterns, providing automated confirmation or rejection of LVO presence without operator intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive imaging is performed, then diagnostic completeness is improved, but time to diagnosis and intervention deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic completenessVSAvoidtime to diagnosis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the critical diagnostic information needed for LVO detection from the ultrasound signals, ignoring extraneous data and focusing solely on flow reversal patterns, thereby reducing scan time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a focused, targeted ultrasound approach that scans only the necessary cerebral vessels for LVO detection rather than performing comprehensive whole-brain imaging, achieving rapid diagnosis with sufficient diagnostic coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 rapid, operator-independent diagnosis of LVOs, facilitating timely medical intervention and appropriate patient triage, reducing diagnostic errors and training requirements.

Implementation Method 1

A single pulse set using ultrasonic or near-infrared energy is broadcast into the patient's brain allowing the apparatus to perform an area scan of the brain and detect and decipher cranial blood vessel blockage and LVO signal patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

A single pulse set using ultrasonic or near-infrared energy is broadcast into the patient's brain allowing the apparatus to perform an area scan of the brain and detect and decipher cranial blood vessel blockage and LVO signal patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-infrared: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3801275B1Apparatus and method for diagnosing vessel occlusion
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 LOH YINCE
  • EP3801275B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3801275B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3801275B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2E

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for diagnosing conditions consistent with the presence of cranial blood vessel blockage and large vessel occlusions (LVO's) using the framework of a small head-harness that is transportable, field-expedient, and durable, A single pulse set using ultrasonic or near- infrared energy is broadcast into a patient's brain allowing the apparatus to perform an area scan of the brain and detect and decipher cranial blood vessel blockage and LVO signal patterns. The interpretation of the pattern lies within the internal programming which produces a binary signal as to whether an LVO is suspected or not.