Implantable Analyte Sensor Using Fluorescent Indicator Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for determining analyte presence or concentration, such as glucose levels, are often transient and require frequent user intervention, leading to potential adverse events due to missed or infrequent measurements.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device (IMD) with indicator tags that respond to analyte presence or concentration by emitting light, which is sensed by an optical sensor and processed to determine the analyte levels, allowing for continuous monitoring and reducing the need for frequent user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transient measurement systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to missed or infrequent measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated continuous monitoring where the implantable device automatically measures analyte levels without requiring user initiation. The device independently manages measurement cycles, data processing, and alert generation, eliminating the need for users to manually prick fingers or remember to check glucose levels, thereby ensuring no measurements are missed while maintaining relatively simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by transitioning from transient, discrete measurements to continuous monitoring. The implantable device continuously measures analyte levels in real-time, maintaining constant surveillance of glucose levels rather than relying on periodic user-initiated checks. This continuous action ensures measurement reliability by capturing every analyte level change without gaps.
2Measurement precision
If frequent user intervention is required, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to user forgetfulness or inability to check often enough
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates time loss by making the device self-service oriented. It automatically performs measurements at predetermined intervals without waiting for user action. The device independently manages its measurement schedule, processes data, and generates alerts, freeing the user from the burden of remembering to check analyte levels and eliminating time loss due to forgetfulness.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous monitoring capability ensures that measurement precision is maintained without requiring frequent user intervention. The device continuously captures analyte levels at high temporal resolution, ensuring no critical events are missed between user checks. This continuous action bridge s the gap between discrete measurements, maintaining precision while eliminating the time loss associated with infrequent user-initiated checks.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then productivity of monitoring is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous operation of sensors and processors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by conducting measurements at predetermined intervals rather than truly continuous operation. The processor activates the sensor, processes data, and returns to a low-power state in cyclic fashion. This periodic measurement approach maintains high monitoring productivity by capturing analyte levels at clinically relevant intervals while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to uninterrupted continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by adapting its operational state based on physiological conditions. The processor dynamically adjusts between active measurement modes and low-power sleep modes. When analyte levels are stable, the device operates in lower-power periodic mode; when changes are detected or critical thresholds are approached, it increases measurement frequency. This dynamic operation maintains monitoring productivity while optimizing energy consumption based on actual clinical needs.
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 IMD provides continuous and accurate monitoring of analyte levels, reducing the risk of adverse events by automating the detection process and enabling timely interventions.
Implementation Method 1
exposing an indicator tag to light; the indicator tag is configured to emanate light in response to being exposed to the light, wherein the emanated light is responsive to whether the indicator tag is exposed to an analyte
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus includes an optical detector adapted to detect a level of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Systems and methods to determine presence of an analyte using an implantable medical device are disclosed. In an embodiment, a medical system includes an implantable medical device, a light source, an optical sensor and a processor. The implantable medical device includes an indicator tag, which is responsive to an analyte. The light source is configured to emit light onto the indicator tag, where the emitted light comprises at least one wavelength of light, and where the indicator tag emanates light, in response to the emitted light, that corresponds to whether the indicator tag is exposed the analyte. The optical sensor is configured to receive at least a portion of the emanated light, which includes at least one wavelength of light. And, the processor is configured to determine whether the indicator tag is exposed to the analyte based on the received light.