Implantable Multi-Analyte Sensor for Continuous pH and Lactate Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical standards for measuring blood pH and lactate require invasive blood draws, which are associated with risks such as blood infections, nerve damage, and hematomas, and do not allow for continuous monitoring, limiting the frequency and accuracy of measurements, especially in critical conditions like sepsis.
Innovation Solution
An implantable and continuous multi-analyte monitor (MAM) with a flexible sensor and recording unit, utilizing opto-electronic components to measure multiple analytes like pH and lactate, allowing for continuous and non-invasive monitoring through luminescence properties and optical phenomena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive blood draws are performed using current clinical standards, then pH and lactate measurements can be obtained, but the patient is exposed to risks such as blood infections, nerve damage, and hematomas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive blood draw system with an optical sensing system. The implantable sensor uses opto-electronic components to detect pH and lactate levels through optical phenomena (luminescence, fluorescence, or absorbance) without requiring needle insertion or blood extraction, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of invasive procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an implantable sensor as an intermediary between the patient's body and the measurement system. This sensor continuously monitors pH and lactate levels in the interstitial fluid or blood through optical interactions, serving as a mediator that provides accurate data without requiring direct invasive blood draws by healthcare providers
2Productivity
If frequent blood draws are performed to improve monitoring frequency, then continuous monitoring capability is enhanced, but the likelihood of blood infections, nerve damage, and hematomas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring through an implantable sensor that remains in the patient's body and continuously measures pH and lactate levels. The sensor provides uninterrupted real-time data through optical detection mechanisms, eliminating the need for repeated invasive blood draws while maintaining high monitoring frequency and enabling continuous tracking of physiological changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the discrete mechanical blood draw process with a continuous optical sensing system. The implantable sensor uses optical fields to continuously interact with the biological fluid, providing ongoing measurements without mechanical intervention, thereby achieving high monitoring frequency without the cumulative risks of repeated invasive procedures
3Measurement precision
If benchtop and handheld analyzers are used for pH and lactate measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but processing time is prolonged and continuous monitoring is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of blood draw and benchtop analysis with an automated optical sensing system. The implantable sensor continuously performs optical measurements of pH and lactate levels in real-time, eliminating the time required for manual blood extraction, transport to the laboratory, and instrument analysis, thereby providing immediate continuous monitoring data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the measurement action continuously and preliminarily within the patient's body through the implantable sensor. The sensor is already in position and continuously performing optical detections, so when clinical data is needed, the information is immediately available without requiring additional time for blood draws or instrument processing, as the measurements are ongoing in advance
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 continuous and precise monitoring of pH and lactate levels, reducing the risk of invasive procedures and providing timely and accurate data for improved patient prognosis and treatment in conditions like sepsis, without the limitations of current benchtop and handheld analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing opto-electronic components to measure multiple analytes like pH and lactate, allowing for continuous and non-invasive monitoring through luminescence properties and optical phenomena
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a continuous multi-analyte monitor that can be used to measure one or more analytes, for example pH and lactate, in a patient. In some embodiments, the sensor can be implanted in the tissue of a patient, and a recording unit can be located on the skin of the patient, generally adjacent to the sensor. Detectors located on the sensor and on the recording unit can detect luminescent signals that originate from the implantable sensor and can be used to determine analyte concentrations, or otherwise relevant values.