Ion Imbalance Detector Using Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring ion concentrations in extracellular fluid, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium, are limited by the need for laboratory analysis of blood samples, instability of implantable ion sensors, and the requirement for periodic replacement of components in optical sensors, making them inconvenient and unreliable for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising electrodes and a pulse generator that delivers electrical stimulations to tissue, with a sensor detecting responses to determine ion concentrations, allowing for long-term monitoring and potential integration with implantable medical devices like pacemakers, and offering the option of external deployment without surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If implantable ion sensors are used to monitor ion concentrations, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but sensor stability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional implantable ion sensors with an electrical stimulation-based detection method. Instead of using physical sensors that degrade over time, the system uses electrodes to deliver electrical stimuli to muscle tissue and analyzes the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) responses. This substitution of mechanical/sensor-based detection with electrical-field-based detection eliminates sensor stability issues while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces muscle tissue response (CMAP) as an intermediary to indirectly measure ion concentrations. Rather than directly sensing ions with unstable sensors, the system uses the muscle tissue's electrical response to stimulation as a mediator that reflects ion concentration changes. This intermediary approach allows continuous monitoring without the stability problems of direct ion sensing.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for ion concentration monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to periodic component replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensor systems with electrical stimulation and detection systems. Instead of using optical components that require periodic replacement, the system uses standard electrical electrodes and signal processing. This substitution eliminates the need for complex optical component maintenance while preserving ion concentration measurement capability through analysis of muscle electrical responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electrodes serve multiple functions: they can deliver therapeutic electrical stimulation to muscle tissue and simultaneously function as sensing elements for detecting ion concentrations through CMAP analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor components that would require replacement, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Measurement precision
If blood sample analysis is used to determine ion concentrations, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to laboratory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to perform self-diagnosis and self-measurement functions. The implanted electrodes continuously monitor muscle electrical responses and automatically determine ion concentrations without requiring external laboratory analysis. This self-service capability allows accurate ion concentration monitoring to occur automatically within the body, eliminating the need for patients to visit laboratories for blood sample analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses muscle tissue electrical response as an intermediary to translate ion concentration information into measurable electrical signals. Instead of requiring blood samples to be extracted and analyzed in laboratories, the system uses the naturally occurring muscle CMAP responses as a mediator that provides accurate ion concentration data in a convenient, continuous manner.
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
This approach enables reliable, long-term monitoring of ion concentrations with reduced need for blood samples and improved stability compared to conventional sensors, supporting both implantable and external implementations, and can be integrated with therapeutic devices for patients with heart failure and other conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A pulse generator supplies one or more stimulations to the tissue
Implementation Method 2
a sensor detects the response of the tissue to the stimulations
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the invention is directed to methods and devices for determining an ion concentration in the extracellular fluid of a patient. As examples, the ion may be one or more of potassium, sodium, chloride, or calcium. A system includes an electrode deployed in or near a tissue, such as a skeletal muscle, of the patient. A pulse generator supplies one or more stimulations to the tissue, and a sensor, such as an accelerometer, detects the response of the tissue to the stimulations. A processor determines a concentration of ions in the extracellular fluid as a function of the response. The system may detect an ion imbalance based upon the determined concentration of ions.