Newborn Heel Pulse Oximeter Probe for Rapid CHD Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulse oximetry sensors are not cost-effective, time-consuming, and prone to motion and ambient light artifacts when used for newborn congenital heart disease screening, as they require attachment to small fingers or toes and are typically single-use.
Innovation Solution
A newborn pulse oximeter device with a tubular body designed to accommodate a foot, featuring light emitters and detectors positioned to measure arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate, and a disposable cover to minimize noise and prevent infection, allowing for efficient and accurate screening without adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pulse oximetry sensors are used on newborns, then arterial oxygen saturation can be measured, but the sensors require attachment to small fingers or toes using adhesives or Velcro which takes considerable time and adds cost due to single-use requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the conventional finger/toe clip design and relocates it to the heel of the foot. The sensor is integrated into a heel-specific probe that eliminates the need for adhesive attachment, allowing for rapid placement by simply positioning the probe on the heel area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light source and detector system) that measures oxygen saturation through the heel tissue rather than requiring direct contact with arterial blood vessels in the finger or toe. This intermediary approach allows measurement without invasive attachment methods.
2Measurement precision
If conventional pulse oximetry sensors are used on newborns, then arterial oxygen saturation can be measured, but single-use sensors add substantial expenses to universal screening of all newborns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable heel probe design that is inexpensive to manufacture and dispose. The probe uses simple optical components and a basic processor that can be produced at low cost, making it economically viable for universal newborn screening programs where hundreds or thousands of probes may be used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement location parameter from finger/toe to heel, which allows use of a different probe design that is simpler and cheaper to manufacture. The heel probe requires fewer components and simpler attachment mechanisms, reducing overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If conventional pulse oximetry sensors are taped on an infant's toe or foot, then the sensor can be positioned for measurement, but the taping is prone to motion artifacts and signal interferences from ambient lights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the conventional finger/toe location and places it on the heel, which is a more stable anatomical location during newborn handling and monitoring. The heel position is less susceptible to motion artifacts from normal infant movement and crying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates ambient light shielding and motion compensation features into the probe design before use. The housing structure includes light-blocking materials and the processor is pre-programmed with algorithms to compensate for motion artifacts, preventing these issues rather than correcting them afterward.
4Measurement precision
If conventional pulse oximetry sensors are used for newborn screening, then arterial oxygen saturation can be measured, but the sensors are not cost-effective and time-consuming for universal screening before discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the conventional finger/toe clip design and relocates it to the heel of the foot. The sensor is integrated into a heel-specific probe that eliminates the need for adhesive attachment, allowing for rapid placement by simply positioning the probe on the heel area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the heel probe to be self-positioning and self-retaining through its housing structure that naturally conforms to the heel anatomy. The probe does not require external adhesives or Velcro for attachment, enabling healthcare providers to quickly place and remove probes during routine screening without additional materials or steps.
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, cost-effective, and accurate screening for congenital heart disease by reducing the time required for sensor placement and minimizing artifacts from motion and ambient light, while ensuring hygiene and comfort for newborns.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor then senses the absorption of light photoelectrically by the tissue. The differential amounts of red and infrared light absorbed are then used to calculate the percentage of hemoglobin in the arterial blood that is saturated with oxygen.
Implementation Method 2
Measurement of these characteristics is accomplished by use of a non-invasive sensor which scatters red and infrared lights through a portion of the patient's tissue where arterial blood perfuses the tissue. The sensor then senses the absorption of light photoelectrically by the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including placing a portion of a foot of a newborn in a device, the device including a light emitter and a corresponding receiver coupled on opposite sides of the device, the device further including a processor for processing data from the light emitter and receiver; and determining a presence of congenital heart disease. An apparatus including a body including a chamber of a size to accommodate a portion of a newborn's foot; at least one light emitter and a corresponding detector coupled on opposite sides of the body, the emitter configured to emit light of a prescribed wavelength into the chamber; and a processor coupled to the body and configured to receive a signal from the at least one detector.