Wearable Intracranial Dynamics Sensor Using Near-Infrared Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring intracranial dynamics, particularly glymphatic function, are invasive, resource-intensive, and unable to non-invasively measure dynamics during sleep or upright positions, limiting their effectiveness for continuous patient monitoring and diagnosis of neurological disorders.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus combining optic measurement, direct current electroencephalography (DC-EEG), and capacitive sensors using near-infrared wavelengths to measure brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood dynamics, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of glymphatic activity and intracranial pressure, even during sleep and upright positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive procedures such as CSF puncture or gadolinium complex administration are used to measure glymphatic function, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures (puncture, injection) with non-invasive optical measurement. Near-infrared light penetrates the skull to measure brain tissue water content and glymphatic dynamics without physical intrusion, eliminating risks of infection, bleeding, and neurological sequelae while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses near-infrared light as an intermediary to indirectly measure glymphatic function. Instead of directly injecting tracers into CSF, the system uses optical properties of water in brain tissue as a mediator to infer glymphatic dynamics, providing safe indirect measurement
2Measurement precision
If repeated MRI scans over one to two days are performed to assess glymphatic function, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring of glymphatic function using wearable near-infrared sensors. Unlike discrete repeated MRI scans requiring days of measurement time, the system provides continuous data stream, reducing total measurement time while maintaining precision through ongoing observation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical measurement system that copies the functional capability of complex MRI scanning. The wearable device replicates the information-gathering function of MRI but uses simpler, faster optical methods instead of time-intensive magnetic resonance imaging
3Measurement precision
If focused ultrasound driven blood-brain-barrier opening is used to administer contrast media, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical intervention (focused ultrasound BBB opening) with simple optical measurement. The system measures glymphatic function through near-infrared absorption properties of water without needing to open the blood-brain barrier or administer any contrast media, eliminating the need for sophisticated ultrasound equipment and procedural complexity
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, non-invasive monitoring of glymphatic function and intracranial dynamics, facilitating early detection of neurological disorders and improving patient wellbeing by providing actionable data for diagnosis and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the optic measurement arrangement is configured to measure the water content and dynamics in the brain tissue, the cerebrospinal fluid, and the blood using at least one near-infrared wavelength
Implementation Method 2
receiving the optic radiation reflected and/or scattered therefrom
Implementation Method 3
measuring direct-current (DC) electroencephalographic signals from the brain with an electroencephalographic electrode arrangement in electric contact with skin of a cranium
Implementation Method 4
measuring electric potential signals of the brain with a capacitive sensor arrangement in proximity without having an electric contact to the skin of the cranium
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring intracranial dynamics comprises the at least one sensing device (100): an electroencephalo-graphic electrode arrangement, which senses direct-current electroencephalographic signals from the brain, an optic measurement Marrangement (120), which directs optic radiation toward the brain through the cranium, and receives the optic radiation reflected and/or scattered therefrom, and/or a capacitive sensor arrangement (130), which senses electric potential signals of the head. The apparatus additionally comprises a data processing arrangement (150), which receives electric signals from the at least one sensing device (100), and determine data on at least one of the following dynamics: glymphatic activity, water within the cranium, brain tissue movements, water and/or electrolyte movements and intracranial pressure based on said electric signals from the at least one sensing device (100). The data processing arrangement (150) then outputs at least one piece of the data on the dynamics through a user interface (152).