Noninvasive Intracranial Pressure Measurement via Ocular Globe Osculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intracranial pressure are invasive, risky, and lack precision, making them unsuitable for non-critical patients, while non-invasive approaches fail to provide reliable and accurate readings, especially in acute situations.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system that estimates intracranial pressure by imaging intraocular blood vessels while applying a force to osculate the ocular globe, correlating the resulting intraocular pressure with intracranial pressure using methods like corneal applanation tonometry, and concurrently measuring pupillary reflex and ophthalmodynamometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive measurement methods (surgical insertion of sensors) are used to measure intracranial pressure, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but patient safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to surgical risks and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the eye as an intermediary structure to measure intracranial pressure. By measuring intraocular pressure through non-invasive tonometry and correlating it with ICP, the system avoids direct intrusion into the cranium while obtaining reliable pressure data. The eye serves as a accessible proxy that reflects intracranial pressure conditions without the risks of surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical insertion system with a non-invasive optical and pressure measurement system. Instead of physically inserting sensors through surgery, the system uses tonometric devices to measure pressure through the eye, substituting invasive mechanical intervention with non-invasive measurement techniques that eliminate surgical complications.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive measurement methods are used to assess intracranial pressure, then patient safety and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring intraocular pressure and correlating it with intracranial pressure data. The system uses the measured IOP values, along with pupil response data and other neuro-ophthalmic indicators, to provide feedback that improves the accuracy of ICP estimation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to refine measurements and maintain reliability without invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that measures not only intraocular pressure but also pupillary reflex, ophthalmodynamometry, and other neuro-ophthalmic indicators simultaneously. This universal approach enhances measurement reliability by combining multiple data sources to infer ICP, making the non-invasive system as reliable as invasive methods through comprehensive assessment.
3Loss of information
If multiple neuro-ophthalmic indicators are measured simultaneously, then diagnostic accuracy and information completeness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions (tonometry, pupillometry, ophthalmodynamometry) into a single integrated device. By combining these previously separate tools into one system, the patent reduces the overall complexity of having multiple devices while maintaining comprehensive neurological assessment capabilities. The merged system provides complete information through unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal device that performs multiple neuro-ophthalmic measurements simultaneously. This multi-functional instrument assesses ICP, IOP, pupillary reflex, and blood flow dynamics through a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and simplifying the diagnostic workflow while maximizing information gathering.
4Ease of operation
If conventional pupillary reflex examination is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and objectivity deteriorate due to subjective assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective visual assessment of pupillary reflex with automated optical measurement systems. The device uses cameras and image processing to objectively quantify pupil size, shape, and response dynamics, substituting the examiner's subjective judgment with precise mechanical and optical measurement that eliminates human bias while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Provides a safe, precise, and portable means to assess intracranial pressure, enhancing neurological assessment with simultaneous measurement of multiple neuro-ophthalmic indicators, including ICP, IOP, and pupillary reflex, and offering a more accurate diagnosis of glaucoma susceptibility.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive system that estimates intracranial pressure by imaging intraocular blood vessels while applying a force to osculate the ocular globe
Implementation Method 2
imaging an intraocular blood vessel while applying a force to osculate the ocular globe
Implementation Method 3
correlating the resulting intraocular pressure with intracranial pressure using methods like corneal applanation tonometry
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods for noninvasively assessing intracranial pressure by controllably osculating at least a portion of a subject's ocular globe while applying a force sufficient to collapse an intraocular blood vessel and correlating the collapse pressure to intracranial pressure. Also provided are ophthalmic components useful in ophthalmic imaging applications, such as retinal, corneal, and pupil imaging. The components may include an optical contact surface that has a radius of curvature that is greater than the radius of curvature of a subject's cornea.