Hemoglobin Display via Multi-Wavelength Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard pulse oximeters are unable to provide real-time measurements or indications of total hemoglobin levels in a patient's blood, nor can they detect binding of other molecules to hemoglobin, limiting their ability to monitor oxygen transport effectively.
Innovation Solution
A patient monitoring system that includes a multiple wavelength optical sensor and a monitor capable of processing and displaying total hemoglobin trends over time, as well as conducting frequency domain analysis to identify specific patterns and signatures in hemoglobin variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard pulse oximetry is used to monitor oxygen saturation, then oxygen saturation measurement is achieved, but total hemoglobin levels and hemoglobin binding status cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the pulse oximetry system to measure multiple parameters simultaneously - oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate, and total hemoglobin (tHb) levels - transforming a single-function device into a multi-parameter monitoring system that provides comprehensive blood composition analysis
2Measurement precision
If laboratory blood analysis is performed to measure total hemoglobin, then accurate hemoglobin measurement is achieved, but continuous real-time monitoring is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive laboratory blood drawing system with a non-invasive optical sensing system that uses multiple wavelength light absorption measurements to calculate total hemoglobin levels continuously, eliminating the need for repeated blood draws while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous real-time monitoring of total hemoglobin levels by processing optical signals continuously from the patient's tissue, providing uninterrupted hemoglobin trend data rather than discrete intermittent measurements from laboratory analysis
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength sensors are used to measure carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin, then additional hemoglobin parameters are detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a monitoring system that simultaneously measures multiple hemoglobin parameters (SpO2, tHb, HbCO, HbMet) using integrated multiple wavelength optical sensors, allowing one device to perform what previously required multiple separate measurement systems
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 continuous, non-invasive monitoring of total hemoglobin levels, allowing for early detection of fluctuations and patterns that may indicate specific diseases or conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, and facilitating more effective patient diagnosis and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
A pulse oximetry sensor has light emitting diodes (LEDs), typically at least one emitting a red wavelength and one emitting an infrared (IR) wavelength, and a photodiode detector. The emitters and detector are attached to a patient tissue site, such as a finger. The patient cable transmits drive signals to these emitters from the monitor, and the emitters respond to the drive signals to transmit light into the tissue site. The detector generates a signal responsive to the emitted light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes embodiments of a patient monitoring system and methods that include the measure and display of hemoglobin statistics. In an embodiment, total hemoglobin trending is displayed over a period of time. Statistics can include frequency domain analysis, which may be unique for each patient monitored. The total hemoglobin trending and/or statistics can further be used to help control the treatment of a patient, such as being used to control IV administration.