Intestinal Oxygen Saturation Sensor for Ischemia Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing intestinal ischemia are unreliable, as they rely on subjective visual inspection, which can lead to incorrect identification of viable and nonviable intestinal tissue, potentially resulting in fatal complications or severe surgical consequences.

Innovation Solution

A noninvasive oximeter system with a catheter device and sensor probe using optical fibers to measure oxygen saturation along the gastrointestinal tract, capable of determining tissue viability by transmitting and detecting light signals of specific wavelengths, allowing for accurate assessment of tissue oxygenation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual inspection is used to determine tissue viability, then the method is simple and quick, but the reliability and accuracy of determination is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue viability determination accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an optical measurement system. Optical fibers transmit light through the intestinal wall to detect oxygen saturation levels, providing objective, quantitative data about tissue viability rather than relying on subjective visual assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium to measure tissue oxygenation. The optical fibers act as a mediator between the external observer and the internal tissue, enabling non-invasive measurement of physiological parameters that directly indicate viability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If subjective visual inspection is used, then the procedure is rapid, but the measurement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygenation state measurement accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes visual inspection with optical spectroscopy to measure oxygenation. By analyzing light absorption characteristics at specific wavelengths, the system provides precise, objective measurements of tissue oxygen saturation without requiring time-consuming visual assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent measures oxygenation by detecting changes in light absorption parameters at different wavelengths. The system monitors oxygen saturation levels as a quantitative parameter, allowing for precise detection of tissue viability status and its changes over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If noninvasive measurement is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but the measurement capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue assessment capabilityVSAvoidinvasive damage to intestinal tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling or inspection with noninvasive optical measurement. Light transmitted through the intestinal wall provides sufficient information about tissue oxygenation and viability without penetrating or damaging the tissue structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical fibers as a noninvasive intermediary to assess tissue viability. The optical fibers transmit light through the intestinal wall and detect reflected or transmitted light patterns that indicate oxygen saturation, avoiding direct tissue contact or penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system provides a reliable and minimally invasive means to assess oxygen saturation of intestinal tissue, enabling informed surgical decisions and reducing the risk of complications by accurately distinguishing between viable and nonviable tissue.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting and detecting light signals of specific wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

sensor probe using optical fibers to measure oxygen saturation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS10674947B1Diagnosing intestinal ischemia based on oxygen saturation measurements

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 VIOPTIX INC

AI summary

Devices and systems have a sensor probe configured to measure tissue oxygen saturation in the intestine or mesentery. The devices and systems can determine the oxygenation state of the entire thickness of the intestine or mesentery. Thus, embodiments of the invention can be applied in diagnosing intestinal ischemia in a patient, as well as in monitoring tissue oxygen saturation of the intestine or mesentery during or after a surgical procedure.