Hermetically-Sealed Optical Sensor Package for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in providing reliable and cost-effective optical sensing solutions for remote patient monitoring due to the high cost, large size, and complexity of existing detection devices, which are not well-suited for chronic conditions like heart failure and COPD.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically-sealed package with integrated light sources and detectors on a substrate, sealed within a housing, that allows for low-cost, low-power subcutaneous optical sensing, enabling remote monitoring of physiological conditions such as arterial oxygen levels with reduced size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing detection devices are used for optical sensing in IMDs, then detection capability is achieved, but device size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and detector into a single integrated optical sensor assembly that can be implanted as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate housing structures and complex wiring arrangements, directly reducing device size and complexity while maintaining full optical sensing capability for detecting physiological parameters such as oxygen saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the light source and the detection system, and can monitor multiple physiological parameters simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function.
2Measurement precision
If existing detection devices are used for optical sensing in IMDs, then detection capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the light source and detector into a single assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This integration simplifies the supply chain and manufacturing process, directly reducing manufacturing costs while preserving optical sensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient, requiring minimal external support structures or additional components. This self-service design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for complex housing, sealing, and wiring systems that would be required for separate light source and detector components.
3Measurement precision
If existing detection devices are used for optical sensing in IMDs, then detection capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical sensor assembly allows for optimized power management by placing the light source and detector in close proximity. This integration enables the system to use lower power levels for both light emission and detection compared to separated systems, directly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor operates using periodic pulsed light emission rather than continuous illumination. This periodic action reduces average power consumption significantly while maintaining the ability to detect physiological parameters accurately, as the detector only needs to be active during the light pulse periods.
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 solution provides earlier indications of worsening patient conditions, reduces clinical burdens, and enables reliable remote monitoring of physiological parameters, improving patient management and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
detect a physiological condition of the patient by analyzing at least a portion of light emitted by the light source and modulated by scattering from tissue of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a sealed package and a method of forming such package are disclosed. The package includes a housing, a substrate hermetically sealed to the housing, and a light source disposed on a first major surface of the substrate. The package further includes a detector disposed on the first major surface of the substrate and having a detecting surface. The package also includes a masking layer disposed on at least one of the first major surface and a second major surface of the substrate, where the masking layer includes a first aperture aligned with an emission axis of the light source in a direction orthogonal to the first major surface of the substrate. The masking layer further includes a second aperture aligned with a detection axis of the detector in a direction orthogonal to the first major surface of the substrate.