Implantable Multi-Parameter Sensor Catheter for Continuous Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biomedical monitoring technologies are inadequate for continuous, simultaneous measurement of critical patient parameters like lactate, glucose, pH, temperature, venous oxygen pressure, and potassium, as existing sensors lose effectiveness due to protein deposition and require invasive procedures, leading to delayed and unreliable data in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

An implantable multi-parameter sensor apparatus with a daisy-chain or independently wired configuration, featuring various sensor types (electrochemical, potentiometric, optical) housed in a flexible silicone catheter, capable of continuous measurement and infusion line for delivering infusants, allowing for simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate catheters are used to measure different parameters (pressure, O2, pH, pCO2, glucose, lactate), then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions (pressure, O2, pH, pCO2, glucose, lactate measurement) into a single integrated catheter device. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate catheters while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single catheter is designed with multi-functional sensing capabilities to measure diverse physiological parameters simultaneously. This universal design allows one device to perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional blood sampling methods are used for parameter monitoring, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but response time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical blood sampling and laboratory analysis system with implantable electrochemical and optical sensors that provide continuous real-time measurement. This substitution eliminates the time delay inherent in manual sampling while maintaining measurement accuracy through direct in-vivo sensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable sensors enable continuous monitoring of physiological parameters rather than intermittent sampling. This continuous action provides uninterrupted data streams for immediate clinical response while maintaining precision through ongoing direct measurement at the measurement site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If optical sensors are used for parameter measurement, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to protein deposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensor effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible silicone catheter with thin-film sensor structures that minimize protein adsorption. The flexible material and thin-film architecture reduce the surface area and chemical properties that promote protein deposition, thereby maintaining sensor reliability while enabling continuous real-time monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes electrochemical sensing parameters alongside optical methods to compensate for optical sensor degradation. By measuring parameters such as glucose and lactate through electrochemical reactions that are less susceptible to protein fouling, the system maintains reliability while preserving real-time monitoring capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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, reliable, and simultaneous monitoring of vital parameters, reducing the need for multiple invasive procedures and providing timely data to prevent severe conditions like sepsis and diabetes complications, enhancing patient care in critical and emergency settings.

Implementation Method 1

The device incorporates optical sensors for the measurement of pH, pCO2, and pO2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a thermocouple for temperature measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 3

The sensors may be electrochemical, potentiometric, optical or biological in nature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrochemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS8948836B2Implantable apparatus for sensing multiple parameters

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

AI summary

An apparatus for sensing multiple parameters includes an implantable housing and a plurality of implantable sensors disposed within the implantable housing. The plurality of implantable sensors sense parameters in a patient, such as biological or physiological parameters, for example, and each responds to an analyte in the patient. The plurality of implantable sensors may include, but is not limited to, electrochemical, potentiometric, current and optical sensors.