Jugular Vein Motion Sensing for Early Heart Hypofunction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting heart hypofunction exacerbation are invasive, risky, or require expensive equipment and skilled personnel, necessitating a non-invasive and cost-effective solution.

Innovation Solution

A detector system utilizing a sensor, such as a gyroscope, to measure the movement of the jugular vein in relation to the heart, analyzing changes in pressure and frequency spectra to detect heart hypofunction exacerbation through a processing system and memory system, allowing for non-invasive monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive methods are used to detect heart hypofunction exacerbation, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to surgical risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsurgical risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the jugular vein as an intermediary structure to indirectly measure right atrial pressure. Instead of directly inserting sensors into the heart, the system places a sensor on the external jugular vein, which transmits pressure variations from the right atrium to the external surface. This mediator approach allows accurate measurement while avoiding invasive surgical procedures and their associated risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If Doppler-ultrasound measurement is used to detect heart hypofunction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to expensive equipment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical ultrasound equipment with a simple motion sensor (such as an accelerometer or gyroscope) that detects movements of the jugular vein. This substitution transforms a sophisticated medical imaging system into a simple motion detection device, dramatically reducing cost and complexity while maintaining the ability to detect heart hypofunction through characteristic movement patterns of the jugular vein.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If Doppler-ultrasound measurement is used to detect heart hypofunction, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for skilled personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to automatically detect and analyze jugular vein movement patterns without requiring skilled ultrasound operators. The motion sensor continuously records vein movements, and the system automatically processes the data to detect signs of heart hypofunction. This self-service approach eliminates the need for specialized medical training while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 non-invasive detection of heart hypofunction exacerbation by analyzing jugular vein pressure changes, reducing risk and cost while providing accurate early indicators of heart health deterioration.

Implementation Method 1

variation in the jugular vein pressure is produced by changes in blood flow and changes in pressure caused by fillings and contractions of the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure variation transmission:

Implementation Method 2

compute a frequency spectrum of the measurement signal, compute energy of a part of the frequency spectrum above a predetermined frequency limit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency spectrum analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP4585144B1A detector system and a method for detecting exacerbation of heart hypofunction
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 PRECORDIOR OY
  • EP4585144B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4585144B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4585144B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3

AI summary

A detector system for non-invasively detecting exacerbation of heart hypofunction comprises a sensor (102) configured to produce a measurement signal when being in a movement sensing relation with a jugular vein (105) of an individual. The detector system comprises a processing system (101) configured to receive the measurement signal, and a memory system (103) communicatively connected to the processing system. As changes in high frequency oscillations in jugular vein pressure can be indicative of development of heart hypofunction, the processing system is configured to compare first data stored in the memory system and based on an earlier produced measurement signal to second data based on a later produced measurement signal, and to form indicator data indicative of exacerbation of heart hypofunction based on the comparison between the first data and the second data.