Chest Patch Sensor Using Heated PPG for Cuffless Hemodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological monitoring devices are cumbersome, invasive, and require multiple machines, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort for patients, particularly when measuring vital signs and hemodynamic parameters over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A chest-worn patch sensor that non-invasively measures HR, HRV, RR, SpO2, BP, SV, CO, and FLUIDS using ECG, IPG, and PPG waveforms, with integrated heating to enhance perfusion and reduce motion artifacts, wirelessly transmitting data to external gateways for integration with hospital systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cuff-based blood pressure measurement and multiple separate machines are used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and patient discomfort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple physiological measurement functions (ECG, PPG, impedance plethysmography, temperature sensing) into a single integrated patch sensor device. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate machines and reduces patient discomfort by using a unified, wearable patch instead of multiple discrete devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch sensor is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - cardiac monitoring (ECG), oxygen saturation (PPG), fluid status (impedance plethysmography), and temperature monitoring - all within a single universal device that can be worn continuously on the patient's body.
2Measurement precision
If disposable electrodes with cables and leads are used, then ECG and IPG waveform measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-and-lead connection system with a wireless transmission system. The patch sensor wirelessly transmits physiological data to external monitoring systems, eliminating the need for physical cables and leads that connect electrodes to monitoring equipment, thereby improving ease of use while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the cumbersome cable and lead components from the measurement system. By using wireless communication, the physical connection elements that complicate the system are completely removed, leaving only the lightweight patch sensor that can be easily applied and removed.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors measure PPG waveforms without heating, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reduced perfusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized heating to the measurement site to increase blood perfusion and improve PPG signal quality. By controlling the temperature parameter at the sensor-tissue interface, the system enhances the optical signal strength and measurement precision without fundamentally changing the overall sensor structure.
4Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then reliability of physiological parameter assessment improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch sensor implements periodic measurement cycles rather than truly continuous monitoring. The optical sensor and other measurement components operate in periodic bursts, collecting physiological data at intervals sufficient to assess trends and detect changes while allowing energy-consuming components to remain inactive between measurements, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
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 patch sensor provides continuous, accurate, and comfortable monitoring of vital signs and hemodynamic parameters, reducing motion artifacts and enhancing patient compliance by minimizing discomfort and obtrusiveness, while achieving high signal-to-noise ratios and reducing the need for traditional cuff-based measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element on the bottom surface of the patch sensor contacts the patient's chest and gently warms the underlying skin, thereby increasing perfusion of the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
A photodetector detects the reflected radiation in the different spectral ranges to generate analog red-PPG and infrared-PPG waveforms.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention provides a body-worn patch sensor for simultaneously measuring a blood pressure (BP), pulse oximetry (SpO2), and other vital signs and hemodynamic parameters from a patient. The patch sensor features a sensing portion having a flexible housing that is worn entirely on the patient's chest and encloses a battery, wireless transmitter, and all the sensor's sensing and electronic components. It measures electrocardiogram (ECG), impedance plethysmogram (IPG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and phonocardiogram (PCG) waveforms, and collectively processes these to determine the vital signs and hemodynamic parameters. The sensor that measures PPG waveforms also includes a heating element to increase perfusion of tissue on the chest.