Local Bioelectrical Impedance Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioelectrical impedance measurement methods are limited to global body composition analysis, which is invasive and uncomfortable for patients, and lack the ability to provide real-time, local impedance measurements necessary for monitoring physiological changes such as blood glucose levels and perfusion.
Innovation Solution
A bioelectrical impedance measurement device with electrodes spaced less than a millimeter to a few centimeters apart to enable local impedance measurement, combined with optical measurement units for pulse-oximetry and EKG signals, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of blood glucose levels and metabolic activity through variable frequency alternating current and digital signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If global impedance measurement is used with electrodes placed on hands or feet, then body composition analysis is achieved, but the measurement is invasive and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from global body composition measurement to local tissue impedance measurement by placing electrodes in close proximity (less than a millimeter to a few centimeters apart) on the skin surface. This local measurement approach focuses the electrical current field on a specific small region of tissue, enabling assessment of local physiological parameters such as perfusion, metabolism, and tissue composition without requiring the patient to be submerged in water or wear cumbersome equipment.
2Ease of operation
If electrode distance is reduced to less than a millimeter to a few centimeters, then local impedance measurement is enabled, but measurement precision for global body composition is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function by introducing multiple electrode pairs that can measure different local parameters simultaneously. Each electrode pair targets a specific physiological parameter (perfusion, metabolism, tissue composition) in the local measurement region. This segmentation allows the system to obtain comprehensive physiological information through multiple localized measurements rather than a single global measurement, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling local assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various physiological assessments using the same local electrode configuration. By applying variable frequency alternating current and using digital signal processing, the system can extract multiple physiological parameters (perfusion, metabolism, tissue composition) from local impedance measurements, making the device universal for different measurement purposes without requiring global electrode placement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable frequency alternating current is applied, then multiple physiological parameters can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by applying alternating current at variable frequencies to differentiate between various physiological parameters. Different tissue components (blood, muscle, fat) exhibit frequency-dependent impedance characteristics. By sweeping through a range of frequencies and analyzing the impedance spectrum, the system can distinguish and quantify multiple physiological parameters simultaneously. This approach enables multi-parameter measurement through a single electrode configuration without requiring separate measurement systems for each parameter.
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 precise, non-invasive local bioimpedance analysis for determining heart rate, perfusion, and metabolic changes, including blood glucose levels, with enhanced accuracy and reliability by integrating multiple measurement modalities.
Implementation Method 1
If a constant alternating current of low amplitude is applied in biological structures, a frequency-dependent impedance can be measured. The human body consists of intracellular and extracellular fluid, which can be viewed as being electrical conductors
Implementation Method 2
The resulting, measurable alternating current resistance therefore possesses an ohmic component R (resistance) and a capacitative component Xc (reactance), and one speaks of the measurement of the bioelectrical impedance Z
Implementation Method 3
a constant alternating current of low amplitude is applied in biological structures, a frequency-dependent impedance can be measured
Implementation Method 4
Feed electrode pair for applying an alternating current of variable frequency to the body tissue of the patient to be examined
Implementation Method 5
an optical measurement unit for optical measurement of at least one physiological parameter in a local region of the body tissue to be examined
Implementation Method 6
at least one radiation sensor for detecting the radiation scattered and/or transmitted by the body tissue
Implementation Method 7
The human body consists of intracellular and extracellular fluid, which can be viewed as being electrical conductors, and cell membranes, which have a capacitative nature. At low frequencies, around 1 kHz, the current flow takes place mainly through the extracellular fluid, since the cell membranes act as a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical measuring device having an impedance measurement unit (100) for detecting an impedance measurement signal from the skin surface (200) of a patient to be examined via at least one measurement electrode pair (3). According to the invention, the distance between the electrodes of the measurement electrode pair (3) is from a few millimeters to several centimeters such that, during the measurement process, both electrodes of the measurement electrode pair (3) for locally detecting the impedance measurement signal contact the same region of the skin surface (200) of the patient at the same time.