Implantable Multi-Parameter Sensor for Continuous Patient Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring methods for patient parameters in medical settings are time-consuming and lack continuous, simultaneous measurement capabilities for critical parameters like lactate, glucose, pH, temperature, and potassium, which are crucial for preventing conditions such as sepsis and managing patients in intensive care.
Innovation Solution
An implantable multi-parameter sensor system with a housing containing multiple sensing elements that can be implanted at a single site, allowing for continuous measurement and quantification of various biological and physiological parameters, including lactate, blood oxygen saturation, glucose, potassium, and pH, facilitating real-time monitoring and therapy administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional blood sampling and laboratory analysis methods are used to monitor patient parameters, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the monitoring process becomes time-consuming and delays critical response times
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into multiple independent sensing elements, each measuring a specific parameter (pH, pO2, glucose, lactate, temperature, potassium) simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel measurement of multiple parameters without requiring sequential laboratory analysis, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision through specialized sensors for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical laboratory analysis system with electronic sensing elements that directly measure parameters in real-time. The sensing elements convert physiological parameters into electrical signals that can be processed and displayed immediately, eliminating the time delay inherent in traditional blood sampling and laboratory analysis workflows.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are used to monitor different patient parameters, then comprehensive monitoring coverage is achieved, but device complexity and the number of implantation sites required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing elements (pH electrode, pO2 sensor, glucose sensor, lactate sensor, temperature sensor, potassium sensor) into a single integrated sensor assembly that can be implanted at one site. This merging reduces the number of implantation sites required and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage for multiple critical parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional device capable of measuring multiple physiological parameters (pH, pO2, glucose, lactate, temperature, potassium) through a single implantation. Each sensing element within the assembly performs a specific function, but collectively they provide comprehensive monitoring coverage, making the device universally applicable for monitoring various critical parameters without requiring separate specialized sensors.
3Productivity
If optical sensors are used for continuous parameter measurement, then real-time monitoring capability is provided, but sensor effectiveness is lost quickly due to protein deposition on the sensor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensing elements with modified operational parameters, including the use of optical sensors with wavelengths optimized to penetrate tissue and minimize protein adsorption. The system also implements temperature control and flow dynamics adjustments to reduce protein deposition on sensor surfaces, thereby maintaining sensor effectiveness and reliability over extended continuous monitoring periods.
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, simultaneous monitoring of multiple patient parameters, reducing the risk of serious medical conditions by providing timely and accurate data for critical care environments, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates.
Implementation Method 1
a pH sensing element in the form of a microelectrode for measuring hydrogen ion concentration by a potential difference
Implementation Method 2
an oxygen sensing element for measuring dissolved oxygen concentration
Implementation Method 3
an oxygen sensing element for measuring dissolved oxygen concentration
Implementation Method 4
a temperature sensing element in the form of a thermocouple
Implementation Method 5
a glucose sensing element for measuring glucose concentration
Implementation Method 6
a lactate sensing element for measuring lactate concentration
Implementation Method 7
a lactate sensing element for measuring lactate concentration
Implementation Method 8
a potassium sensing element for measuring potassium concentration
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of sensing multiple parameters. The method may include implanting an implantable sensor in a patient and reading an output from at least one of the implantable sensing elements. The implantable sensor may have a housing within which are disposed a plurality of implantable sensing elements. At least one of the implantable sensing elements may respond to lactate. In addition, a medical professional may administer to the patient for myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction angina, sepsis based on the output read. A medical professional may also administer to the patient having an implantable cardiovascular defibrillator or who is receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The method may be used in a surgical or intensive care environment.