Handheld Electrical Impedance Myography System for Bedside Tissue Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating muscular tissue health, such as intramuscular electromyography, are invasive and not suitable for bedside use, and existing electrical impedance myography systems are not calibrated for localized tissue measurements, unable to effectively measure muscle anisotropy, and operate over limited frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, rapidly applied, and broadly capable electrical impedance myography system that uses a transimpedance amplifier to measure tissue impedance over localized areas with a disposable electrode assembly, capable of multi-frequency and multi-angle measurements, and verifies electrode contact to ensure accurate data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intramuscular electromyography is used to evaluate muscular tissue health, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to invasive procedures requiring specialized equipment and training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive needle insertion method with a non-invasive electrical impedance measurement system. The handheld device uses electrical signals to assess muscle tissue properties without physical penetration, making it suitable for bedside use while maintaining diagnostic capability through impedance spectroscopy analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly assess muscle tissue health. Instead of directly measuring electrical activity via needle insertion, the system uses impedance measurements at multiple frequencies to infer tissue composition, fiber density, and pathological changes, enabling non-invasive evaluation
2Ease of operation
If existing electrical impedance myography systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to lack of calibration for localized tissue measurements and limited frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-frequency impedance measurement across a broad spectrum (1 kHz to 10 MHz) to characterize tissue properties at different penetration depths. By analyzing impedance spectra at multiple frequencies, the system distinguishes between extracellular and intracellular contributions, enabling precise localization of tissue abnormalities and differentiation of muscle pathologies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-measurement calibration procedures using standardized tissue phantoms with known electrical properties. This preliminary calibration establishes baseline impedance values and validates measurement accuracy before clinical use, ensuring that the handheld device provides reliable localized tissue assessment across different anatomical sites
3Device complexity
If existing electrical impedance systems operate over limited frequency ranges, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and adaptability worsen due to inability to measure muscle anisotropy and characterize tissue structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the handheld device with multi-functional capability to perform both single-frequency and multi-frequency impedance measurements, as well as assessments at multiple angular orientations. This universal design allows the same device to characterize isotropic and anisotropic tissues, evaluate different muscle compartments, and adapt to various clinical scenarios without requiring specialized equipment for each measurement type
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 non-invasive, bedside evaluation of muscular tissue health with enhanced accuracy and reliability, providing detailed information on tissue structure and disease progression through improved calibration and frequency range capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
electrical impedance myography system that uses a transimpedance amplifier to measure tissue impedance
Implementation Method 2
passing a current through the tissue, measuring a signal corresponding to the voltage resulting from passing the current through the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of devices and methods for evaluating tissue are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for measuring a characteristic of a tissue may include passing a current through the tissue, measuring a signal corresponding to the voltage resulting from passing the current through the tissue, analyzing current passed through the tissue and resulting voltage to determine the electrical characteristics of the tissue; and analyzing the electrical characteristics of the tissue to determine a status of the tissue. Disposable sensors are disclosed.