Intravascular Clot Composition Detection via Discrete Wavelength Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thrombectomy devices face challenges in selecting the appropriate device for blood clots of varying compositions due to insufficient imaging modalities, leading to increased procedure time, costs, and complication rates, as existing systems are not compact, lightweight, or cost-effective for clinical use.
Innovation Solution
A detection system using an optical fiber arrangement with a light source generating discrete wavelengths, a controller, and a processor to measure and determine the ratio of reflected light intensities, allowing for classification of blood clots and recommending suitable thrombectomy devices based on composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full DRS system with spectrometers and white light source is used for blood clot discrimination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential wavelength information needed for clot discrimination from the full spectrum, using a filtered fiber that transmits only specific wavelength bands. This eliminates the need for complex spectrometers and white light sources while retaining the ability to distinguish between different clot compositions based on their optical absorption characteristics at key wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable filtered optical fiber that can be discarded after use, replacing expensive and complex reusable spectrometer systems. The filtered fiber is manufactured with specific optical filtering properties embedded, providing a cost-effective, single-use solution that maintains measurement precision without requiring expensive equipment.
2Measurement precision
If a full DRS system with spectrometers and white light source is used for blood clot discrimination, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases making it unsuitable for clinical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy components (spectrometers weighing multiple kilograms and bulky white light sources) by extracting only the essential optical filtering function into a lightweight filtered fiber. This reduces the system weight from kilograms to grams, making it suitable for integration into catheters and other intravascular devices used in clinical practice.
3Ease of operation
If common imaging modalities like angiography are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of clot composition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simplicity of optical imaging with the compositional discrimination capability of spectroscopy by using a filtered fiber that transmits specific wavelength bands sensitive to different clot compositions. This combination maintains ease of operation similar to angiography while adding the ability to distinguish between red clots (rich in red blood cells) and white clots (rich in fibrin/platelets) based on their differential absorption at the filtered wavelengths.
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 simplifies clot composition analysis by using relative light intensities at specific wavelengths, reducing costs and complexity, and assists in selecting the appropriate thrombectomy device, potentially doubling the likelihood of successful clinical outcomes and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber arrangement for transmitting light to and from an intravascular location within a subject
Implementation Method 2
a light source arrangement for generating light with a set of at least two discrete wavelengths or wavelength ranges
Implementation Method 3
a light detector for detecting reflected light received from the intravascular location via the optical fiber arrangement; measure a detected reflected light intensity at each wavelength or wavelength range of the set
Data Source
AI summary
A device and systems are disclosed for characterization of an object at an intravascular location based on detection of reflected light, wherein a detected reflected light intensity is measured at each wavelength or wavelength range of a set. At least one ratio is determined between the detected reflected light intensities, including at least two discrete wavelengths or wavelength ranges. Based on the at least one ratio, a type and/or composition of the object at the intravascular location can be determined. This provides a simple analytic system when compared to a full spectroscopic analysis.