Topical Microcirculation Detection Device for Quantitative Pressure Injury Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical methods for detecting early pressure injuries, such as the skin blanching test, are not suitable for home care and lack quantitative measurement, especially for patients with dark skin, making it difficult to accurately assess subcutaneous microcirculation and prevent tissue necrosis.
Innovation Solution
A topical subcutaneous microcirculation detection device with a light reflecting housing, multiple light source modules, and sensors that emit and detect light beams of different wavelengths to quantify blood flow and oxygen concentration, allowing for precise measurement of microcirculation without pressing the skin, which can be used in both light and dark skin types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If skin blanching test is performed by professional caregivers, then early pressure injuries can be identified, but it cannot be applied to home care and lacks quantitative measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual observation method with an optical detection system using light sources, lenses, and sensors to automatically measure skin microcirculation. This substitution enables quantitative measurement while simplifying operation for home care settings, as the device automatically performs measurements without requiring professional judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables patients or caregivers to perform measurements themselves without requiring professional training. The automated optical system and clear operational design allow users to independently conduct microcirculation assessments, making the device suitable for home care environments.
2Measurement precision
If skin blanching test is used for patients with dark skin, then early pressure injuries should be detectable, but it is difficult to observe the blanching of the skin with naked eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual observation with optical measurement using light sources and sensors that detect changes in light absorption and reflection. This method measures microcirculation quantitatively through photodetectors, eliminating the visibility limitations of visual inspection for dark skin while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If clinical skin blanching test is performed, then early pressure injuries can be identified, but it is visually observed and judged based on experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual judgment with objective optical measurement. Light sources illuminate the skin while sensors detect reflected or transmitted light intensity, converting microcirculation status into quantitative electrical signals. This eliminates experiential bias and provides reliable, repeatable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback through quantitative measurements of light absorption changes, allowing immediate assessment of microcirculation status. The system continuously monitors and displays numerical data, enabling timely detection and response to pressure injury risks without relying on delayed visual assessment.
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 quantitative measurement of subcutaneous microcirculation, improving the detection of early pressure injuries by providing a reliable and quantitative assessment of blood flow and oxygen saturation, reducing the risk of tissue necrosis and increasing the accuracy of pressure injury detection.
Implementation Method 1
The first illumination beam penetrates the flat plate portion and is then reflected by the first portion of the skin into a first reflected beam
Implementation Method 2
the second illumination beam penetrates the first convex lens portion and is then reflected by the second portion of the skin into a second reflected beam
Data Source
AI summary
A topical subcutaneous microcirculation detection device includes a first light source module, a second light source module, a lens plate, a first light sensor, and a second light sensor. The first and second light source modules are configured to emit first and second illumination beams, respectively. A flat plate portion of the lens plate is disposed to lean against a first portion of skin of a subject. A convex surface of a first convex lens portion of the lens plate is disposed to push into a second portion of the skin of the subject. The first and second illumination beams are reflected into first and second reflected beams by the first and second portions of the skin, respectively. The first and second reflected beams are transmitted to the first and second light sensors, respectively.