Microcirculation Assessment via Video Microscopy and DRS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a reliable and standardized method to assess microvascular parameters for diagnosing and monitoring circulatory failure, particularly systemic or localized, which is crucial for predicting clinical outcomes and guiding treatment decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving computer-assisted video microscopy (CAVM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) to analyze microcirculation parameters such as functional capillary density, capillary flow velocity, oxygen saturation of erythrocytes, and heterogeneity, providing a comprehensive assessment of microvascular health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional technologies (blood gas analyses, pressure measurements, imaging techniques) are used to diagnose circulatory failure, then central hemodynamics and average metabolic function can be assessed, but microvascular function and tissue oxygenation cannot be reliably evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the conjunctiva as an intermediary tissue bed to assess systemic microcirculation. By examining microvascular parameters in this accessible location, the system indirectly evaluates overall microcirculatory function without requiring invasive central measurements, thus achieving precise microvascular assessment with simpler technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/invasive measurement systems with optical imaging techniques (video microscopy, laser Doppler imaging, orthogonal polarization spectral imaging) to assess microvascular parameters. This substitution enables non-invasive, precise measurement of capillary density, flow velocity, and oxygen saturation without requiring invasive catheters or complex pressure measurement systems
2Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring and advanced imaging techniques are implemented to improve diagnostic accuracy, then more detailed physiological data can be obtained, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conjunctiva serves as an accessible intermediary site that allows high-resolution microvascular imaging without invading vital organs. This approach provides detailed microcirculation data while maintaining patient comfort, as the examination can be performed at the bedside without requiring invasive catheterization or prolonged immobilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical imaging to create visual copies (images) of the microcirculation that can be analyzed without physically disturbing the patient. Techniques like video microscopy capture real-time images of blood flow and capillary structure, providing precise diagnostic information while the patient remains comfortable and relatively mobile
3Reliability
If resource-intensive treatments like ECMO are provided to all patients with circulatory failure, then more patients may survive, but resource utilization increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of microvascular parameters (capillary density, flow velocity, oxygen saturation) to identify which patients actually have impaired microcirculation before initiating resource-intensive treatments like ECMO. This preliminary screening ensures that only patients with confirmed microvascular dysfunction receive expensive therapies, improving resource allocation while maintaining high survival rates for appropriate candidates
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on microcirculatory status during treatment to monitor response to therapy. By measuring changes in capillary flow and oxygen saturation, clinicians can determine whether a patient is responding to treatment and adjust resource allocation accordingly, ensuring that intensive resources are maintained only for patients who are still at risk and benefiting from the intervention
4Measurement precision
If multiple microvascular parameters are measured to comprehensively assess tissue oxygenation, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but measurement time and data processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple microvascular parameter measurements (capillary density, flow velocity, oxygen saturation) into a single integrated assessment protocol. By using optical imaging systems that can simultaneously capture multiple parameters in one imaging session, the system achieves comprehensive tissue oxygenation evaluation without requiring separate measurements for each parameter, thus reducing total measurement time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates comprehensive visual copies of microvascular function through optical imaging that capture multiple parameters simultaneously. Video microscopy and laser Doppler imaging produce rich datasets that contain information about flow velocity, capillary structure, and oxygenation all in one recording, which can then be analyzed together rather than requiring separate measurement procedures 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 early detection of circulatory failure, predicts clinical outcomes, and guides treatment decisions by quantifying microvascular parameters, improving patient selection for intensive care therapies and monitoring treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
video microscopy to assess microcirculation
Implementation Method 2
laser Doppler imaging
Implementation Method 3
orthogonal polarization spectral imaging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of identifying or monitoring circulatory failure in a subject, which method comprises assessing the subject's microcirculation in respect of the following parameters: (a) functional capillary density (FCD); (b) heterogeneity of the FCD; (c) capillary flow velocity; (d) heterogeneity of capillary flow velocity; (e) oxygen saturation of microvascular erythrocytes (SmvO2); and (f) heterogeneity of SmvO2; wherein parameters (a) to (d) are assessed visually by microscopy and parameters (e) and (f) are assessed by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS); as well as apparatus and software designed for performance of such a method.