Implantable Biomedical Sensor With Dual Measurement Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no effective solution for accurately monitoring dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which poses a significant health and economic challenge, especially for elderly populations.
Innovation Solution
An implantable biomedical sensor with a dual measurement chamber design, utilizing porous and water-permeable membranes to allow for continuous electrical monitoring of hydration status and electrolyte levels, enabling real-time data transmission to digital monitoring platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If implantable sensor technology is used for continuous monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of manufacture increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent measurement chambers (first measurement chamber for electrolyte status, second measurement chamber for hydration status). Each chamber contains specific membranes and electrodes configured for its particular measurement function, allowing independent optimization of each sensing mechanism while maintaining a unified implantable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Semipermeable membranes are introduced as intermediary elements between the measurement chambers and the surrounding tissue environment. These membranes selectively control the passage of water and ions, enabling indirect measurement of hydration and electrolyte status through electrical impedance changes while protecting the internal sensing elements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement chambers with different membranes are used, then measurement precision for both hydration and electrolyte status is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sensor device are assigned different functional qualities: the first measurement chamber contains a first semipermeable membrane optimized for ion permeability to measure electrolyte status, while the second measurement chamber contains a second semipermeable membrane optimized for water permeability to measure hydration status. Each local region is tailored to its specific measurement requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple measurement functions (electrolyte status monitoring and hydration status monitoring) within a single implantable unit. The dual-chamber design with different membrane types enables the device to simultaneously or alternately measure both physiological parameters, providing comprehensive health monitoring capability.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then reliability of health information is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system implements periodic measurements rather than truly continuous monitoring. The measurement chambers and electrodes are configured to take measurements at regular intervals, allowing the device to maintain reliable health information while reducing power consumption compared to constant continuous measurement. The semipermeable membranes maintain their selective permeability properties between measurement cycles.
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 sensor provides clinically relevant, continuous monitoring of hydration and electrolyte status, facilitating early intervention, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations, and improving quality of life and autonomy for patients.
Implementation Method 1
a porous first membrane (which may be preferably a stiff membrane), which is permeable to ions
Implementation Method 2
a water-permeable second membrane which is impermeable to ions
Implementation Method 3
the sensor is configured to perform a respective measurement of a respective electrical resistance of a respective liquid that is contained in the respective measurement chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
An implantable biomedical sensor (1) is disclosed which features a novel electrofluidic design based on dedicated measurement chambers (2, 3) which are closed up by respective membranes (4, 5), which are permeable to water molecules and optionally also to typical ions which are found in the human interstitial fluid (ISF). Through this concept, the sensor (1) can perform electrical measurements in the respective chamber (2, 3) and thereby collect data which allow conclusions to be drawn about the amount of water and ions present in the ISF surrounding the sensor (1). In other words, such a sensor (1) enables electrical monitoring of an electrolyte status and/or a hydration status of the patient wearing the implanted sensor (1) in his tissue. (Fig.2)