Microcirculation Assessment Device Using Calibrated Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating microcirculation are expensive, bulky, and limited in accessibility, with inaccuracies due to varying parameters like pressure, light, and temperature, and often require expert interpretation, making them unsuitable for continuous monitoring in critical care situations.
Innovation Solution
A device and system for evaluating microcirculation that includes a calibrated pressure mechanism for controlled tissue compression, integrated light emission for imaging, and data processing to calculate recoloration time, allowing for reliable and accessible assessments on various body surfaces, including mucous membranes and skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microcirculation assessment methods (videomicroscopy, laser Doppler probes) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical systems (videomicroscopy, laser Doppler) with a simple optical system consisting of a light source and camera. The mechanical compression system is calibrated to apply standardized pressure, replacing the need for complex flow measurement devices. This substitution maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to capture optical images of the tissue as a copy of the microcirculation state. Instead of directly measuring blood flow with complex probes, the system creates visual copies (images) of the tissue color changes that occur during compression and decompression, which can then be analyzed to assess microcirculation.
2Measurement precision
If polarized light and specialized sensors are used for CRT measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces polarized light systems and specialized sensors with standard optical components (light source and camera). The system uses calibrated mechanical compression instead of complex optical manipulation, achieving CRT measurement through standardized pressure application and visual observation rather than sophisticated optical techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available optical components (standard camera and light source) instead of expensive specialized equipment. The system uses disposable or easily replaceable compression elements, making the device more affordable and accessible for routine clinical use.
3Measurement precision
If firm pressure is applied to assess capillary refill time, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to parameter variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent standardizes the pressure parameter by using a calibrated compression system that applies a predetermined, controlled pressure. This eliminates the variability introduced by manual pressure application, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements across different users and occasions while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through calibrated compression mechanisms that ensure consistent pressure application. The compression and decompression timing is controlled and monitored, providing feedback on the measurement process to ensure reliability and reduce variations caused by manual operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple body surfaces are to be assessed, then adaptability is improved, but accessibility is worsened due to device bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a modular design where the compression element can be positioned and applied to different body surfaces independently. The system segments the assessment process into standardized compression and imaging phases that can be applied to various locations (skin, mucous membranes) without requiring a completely different device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal device that can assess microcirculation on multiple body surfaces (skin, oral mucosa, conjunctiva) using the same basic principle of calibrated compression and optical imaging. The system is designed to be adaptable to different anatomical locations while maintaining consistent measurement methodology.
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
The solution provides an inexpensive, reliable, and accessible method for evaluating microcirculation, reducing inaccuracies and enabling continuous monitoring, particularly in critical care scenarios where microcirculatory alterations are significant.
Implementation Method 1
means for emitting light towards the study surface
Implementation Method 2
means for compressing at least one determined area within the study surface, said compression means being calibrated to apply a controlled pressure on said area
Implementation Method 3
means for acquiring images of the study surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, system and method for evaluating the microcirculation of blood in a tissue, the device being characterised in that it includes: a housing (8) comprising an open end (82) intended to be placed in contact with said tissue and to thus delimit an area of study of said tissue; means (2) for emitting light toward the area of study; means (1) for acquiring images of the area of study; means (3, 6) for compressing at least one defined zone (10) inside the area of study, said compressing means (3, 6) being calibrated to apply a controlled pressure to said zone (10) and retractable in order to leave said area of study accessible to said light and to the image-acquiring means (1); controlling means (80, 9) controlling application of said controlled pressure to said zone (10) in a first defined period of time, then the removal of said controlled pressure and the acquisition of images of said area of study exposed to said light in a second defined period of time; and data-processing means (800, 90) using the acquired images to calculate at least one parameter relating to the decoloration and/or recoloration of said tissue.