Jugular Venous Pressure Measurement Device with Optical Pattern Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing jugular venous pressure (JVP) are often inaccurate, challenging to measure, and typically limited to clinical settings, making it difficult to monitor patients with congestive heart failure outside of a hospital environment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a body with a base aligned with anatomical landmarks, a light emitter assembly projecting a pattern of light onto the neck, and a camera capturing images of the pattern to measure JVP relative to the sternal angle, allowing for accurate and reproducible measurements in a non-clinical setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manual JVP assessment methods are used, then clinical expertise and experience are required for accurate measurement, but the measurement becomes challenging and frequently inaccurate when performed outside clinical settings by non-experts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical pattern projection system as an intermediary tool between the clinician and the patient's neck. The projected pattern serves as a visual guide that mediates the measurement process, making it accessible to non-experts while maintaining measurement accuracy. The pattern overlay on the captured image provides reference markers that guide proper measurement technique without requiring extensive clinical training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual visual assessment mechanism with an automated optical imaging and image processing system. Instead of relying on human eyes and judgment to assess JVP, the system uses a camera to capture images and software to automatically measure the height of the venous column relative to the sternal angle, eliminating the need for manual measurement techniques.
2Reliability
If JVP assessment is limited to clinical settings with experienced practitioners, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the ability to monitor patients remotely and frequently is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform their own JVP measurements at home using the portable device. The system is designed to be self-guided, with the projected optical pattern and automated image processing allowing patients to obtain reliable measurements without requiring a clinician's physical presence. This self-service capability maintains measurement consistency while enabling remote monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement tool that functions in both clinical and non-clinical settings. The device is designed to be portable and adaptable to various environments, allowing the same measurement technique to be used whether the patient is in a hospital, at home, or in another location, thereby maintaining reliability across different settings.
3Productivity
If frequent JVP monitoring is implemented for CHF patients, then medication titration and prevention of hospital readmissions improve, but the complexity and resource requirements of the measurement system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential components needed for JVP measurement from a full clinical assessment system. By focusing specifically on capturing the height of the venous column relative to the sternal angle, the system eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core measurement function. This extracted approach enables frequent monitoring without requiring a complete clinical assessment infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to create a visual copy (image) of the patient's neck and venous column, which can then be analyzed without requiring the actual physical presence of the clinician. This copying mechanism allows measurements to be taken frequently and remotely, increasing monitoring productivity while reducing the complexity of requiring expert physical examination in each instance.
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 remote and accurate measurement of JVP, improving the management of congestive heart failure patients by allowing for regular monitoring outside of clinical settings, which can lead to better medication titration and reduced hospital readmissions.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter assembly configured to project a pattern of light onto the neck of the patient proximate to the patient's jugular vein
Data Source
AI summary
Device for measuring jugular venous pressure of a human patient, comprising: (1) A body including a base configured to rest on the patient and align with at least one of the patient's manubrium, sternum and sternal angle and a light emitter assembly configured to project a pattern of light onto the neck of the patient proximate to the patient's jugular vein. (2) Two side arms extending from the body, each side arm being configured to rest on at least one of the patient's upper chest and clavicle. (3) At least one camera associated with one of the side arms, the at least one camera positioned and oriented to capture images of the patient's neck with the pattern of light projected thereon. Methods are also disclosed.