Hermetically Sealed Implantable Optical Sensor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable optical sensors face challenges in achieving sensitive light detection while minimizing size to reduce patient discomfort and facilitate easier implantation, as they need to accurately monitor physiological conditions like blood oxygen saturation and tissue perfusion.
Innovation Solution
A color-selective optical sensor design incorporating hermetically sealed components with sapphire lenses and titanium housing, featuring LEDs for light emission and detection, and a circuit board for signal processing, which allows for selective sensitivity to narrow band light wavelengths, minimizing blood clot formation and tissue encapsulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor size is increased to improve light detection sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but patient discomfort increases and implantation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film structures and compact housing designs that maintain effective optical detection capabilities while minimizing the overall sensor size. The optical components are integrated into a compact configuration that reduces the implant footprint, thereby decreasing patient discomfort and tissue encapsulation while preserving light detection sensitivity through optimized optical path design.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor size is increased to improve light detection sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but implantation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compact sensor design with integrated optical components in a small footprint enables easier implantation through minimally invasive procedures. The reduced size allows for simpler surgical access and placement while maintaining detection sensitivity through optimized optical geometry and high-efficiency photodetector integration.
3Reliability
If blood clot formation is minimized through surface treatments, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biocompatible surface treatments and inert coating materials on the sensor housing and optical components to minimize blood clot formation and tissue encapsulation. These surface modifications create a non-thrombogenic interface that improves sensor reliability by maintaining optical clarity and electrical functionality while the coatings are applied through standard manufacturing processes.
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 reliable and sensitive monitoring of physiological conditions, reducing patient discomfort and facilitating easier implantation by minimizing size and susceptibility to blood clots, while maintaining accurate light transmission and detection.
Implementation Method 1
sapphire lenses and titanium housing, featuring LEDs for light emission and detection
Implementation Method 2
sapphire lenses... maintaining accurate light transmission and detection
Implementation Method 3
a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs), for example two or more LEDs, each emitting a different narrow band of light
Implementation Method 4
a photodetector for detecting emitted light that is scattered by blood or tissue back to the sensor. A current signal emitted by the photodetector in response to the scattered light incident on the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device includes a hermetically sealed housing and a first light emitting diode (LED) enclosed within the housing configured to detect light corresponding to a selected light wavelength. A conductive element extends from the LED for carrying a current signal corresponding to the light detected by the LED, the intensity of the detected light being correlated to a change in a physiological condition in a body fluid volume or a tissue volume proximate the LED.