Non-Invasive Physiological Fluid Monitoring via Impedance Rheoencephalography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fluid redistributions within the body are invasive, costly, and do not provide real-time data, making them impractical for monitoring physiological changes, especially in different age groups and during physiological stress.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system combining a multi-frequency multi-channel impedance rheoencephalograph with Transcranial Doppler technology to generate and process data on fluid characteristics, including intracellular and extracellular fluid volumes, blood flow, and resistance, using software to calculate and display parameters like CCe, CSFm, and CVR in near real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracer dilution techniques are used to measure fluid redistributions, then measurement capability is achieved, but the method becomes invasive and requires tracer administration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical/chemical measurement methods (tracer dilution) with a non-invasive electrical impedance measurement system. The system uses electrodes to measure impedance changes in body segments, which reflect fluid redistributions without requiring any tracer administration or blood sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure fluid redistributions. Instead of directly measuring tracer concentration in blood, the system measures impedance changes caused by fluid volume changes in body segments, providing a non-invasive proxy measurement.
2Measurement precision
If MRI technology is used to measure fluid redistributions, then measurement capability is achieved, but the equipment becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, bulky MRI equipment with a portable, low-cost impedance measurement system using simple electrodes and a computational device. The system uses inexpensive electrical measurement components instead of costly magnetic resonance imaging hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex magnetic resonance imaging technology with simple electrical impedance measurement. The system uses electrical fields and computational algorithms to achieve fluid redistribution measurement without requiring MRI scanners or complex imaging hardware.
3Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then fluid redistribution data is obtained, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring of fluid redistributions through ongoing impedance measurements. The computational device continuously processes impedance signals from the electrodes, providing uninterrupted data on fluid volume changes in body segments during physiological stress or clinical events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces batch-processing measurement methods with continuous real-time electrical impedance monitoring. The system uses ongoing impedance measurements and real-time computational processing to provide immediate feedback on fluid redistributions, enabling dynamic monitoring during clinical events.
4Measurement precision
If age-specific measurement ranges are established for different groups, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that automatically adapts to different age groups (infants, children, adults, elderly) through programmable impedance ranges and interpretation algorithms. The single device handles multiple patient populations by adjusting measurement parameters and reference ranges software-based, without requiring different hardware for each age group.
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, real-time monitoring of fluid dynamics and physiological changes, improving clinical decision-making by providing accurate and efficient data on fluid distribution and cardiovascular competence, suitable for various age groups and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a non-invasive monitor configured to generate monitor signals relating to fluid characteristics of the body
Implementation Method 2
the rheoencephalograph can determine capacitance and resistance for different tissue structures and distinguish between connective tissue and blood
Implementation Method 3
the rheoencephalograph can determine capacitance and resistance for different tissue structures
Implementation Method 4
The non-invasive monitor is preferably a multi-frequency multi-channel impedance rheoencephlagraph (REG) in conjunction with a Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring physiological aspects has a non-invasive monitor configured to generate monitor signals relating to fluid characteristics in the head and body. A computational device is operatively connected to the monitor and is configured to process the monitor signals to generate characterizing data relating to at least one of regional fluid volumes, intra/extracellular fluid volume ratios and blood flow. A data output device is connected to the computational device and is configured to output the characterizing data. A method and a computer program product for recording, measuring, and displaying physiological characteristics are also provided.