Hydrogel Sensor Sheath for Continuous Blood Coagulation Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems for medical and industrial applications face limitations such as slow response times, intermittent measurements, and the need for blood sample removal for analysis, particularly in monitoring blood coagulation factors like fibrinogen and thrombin, which are not suitable for continuous, real-time in vivo measurement.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system incorporating a substrate with hydrogel sensors, including smart hydrogels and magnetic particle-hydrogel composites, where magnetic particles are uniformly aligned to detect changes in magnetic field intensity due to analyte interaction, enabling continuous monitoring of analytes like fibrinogen and thrombin through a magnetometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional sensor systems are used for monitoring blood coagulation factors, then measurements can be performed, but response time is slow and continuous monitoring is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/blood-draw-based measurement systems with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic particles embedded in hydrogel sensors interact with analytes (fibrinogen, thrombin) and produce magnetic field changes detected by magnetometers, eliminating the need for blood sample removal and mechanical analysis processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as intermediary elements that mediate between the analytes (fibrinogen, thrombin) and the detection system. These magnetic particles are embedded in hydrogel and interact with the analytes, translating biochemical interactions into detectable magnetic field changes without requiring direct blood sampling.
2Productivity
If traditional intermittent measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement continuity and real-time monitoring capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensor system where the hydrogel-based magnetic sensors can simultaneously monitor multiple analytes (fibrinogen, thrombin, and other clotting factors) using the same fundamental detection mechanism. This universal approach enables continuous real-time monitoring of multiple parameters without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of magnetic particles embedded in hydrogel matrices. This composite structure combines the advantages of hydrogel (biocompatibility, analyte permeability) with magnetic particles (detectability, signal generation), creating a sophisticated sensing material that enables continuous monitoring while managing system complexity through material-level integration.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic particles are embedded in hydrogel for analyte detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the magnetic particles' magnetic properties in response to analyte binding. When analytes like fibrinogen or thrombin bind to the magnetic particles embedded in hydrogel, the magnetic field characteristics change (intensity, distribution), providing precise analytical signals that overcome the challenges of particle alignment during manufacturing.
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
This approach allows for rapid, continuous, and simultaneous measurement of multiple clotting factors within the body, reducing the need for blood draws and improving response time, enabling real-time monitoring of blood coagulation status.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic particles embedded in al least one of two layers of said hydrogel, wherein the magnetic particles are arranged in a uniform alignment during use of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
a magnetometer adjacent the at least one hydrogel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A sensor sheath for a catheter. The sensor sheath includes a substrate having at least one sensor associated therewith; and an electronics unit in communication with the at least one sensor, wherein the substrate is configured to attach to a catheter.