Modular Telemetric Sensor System for MRI-Compatible Brain Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors for monitoring intracranial pressure and other brain functions are limited by their wired or semi-wired designs, which cause patient discomfort, increase the risk of infection and accidents, and interfere with medical procedures like MRIs, and lack modular components for easy removal and reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
A modular telemetric sensor system with detachable electronics, including a mounting unit and a control unit that can be securely attached to the patient's body, allowing for the removal of electronic components such as batteries and sensors for testing and procedures, while maintaining wireless communication to prevent interference with medical imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired or semi-wired sensors are used for monitoring, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but patient discomfort increases and risk of infection and accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. The sensor system transmits data wirelessly to an external receiver, eliminating physical wires that cause patient discomfort, entanglement accidents, and infection risks at the wound site, while maintaining continuous monitoring capability through wireless data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is divided into separable components: the implanted sensor portion and the external electronic components (battery, transmitter). This segmentation allows the sensor to remain implanted for continuous monitoring while external components can be removed or adjusted, reducing patient discomfort and infection risk
2Ease of operation
If electronic components are permanently implanted in the sensor, then wireless functionality is achieved, but interference with medical procedures like MRI increases and component removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system separates electronic components (battery, transmitter) from the implanted sensor portion through a detachable connector. This allows electronic components to be removed before MRI procedures to eliminate interference, while the passive sensor portion remains implanted for continued monitoring after the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic components that cause interference with MRI and other medical procedures are extracted from the implanted portion and placed in a removable external unit. This extraction allows the sensor to maintain wireless functionality when needed while being compatible with medical procedures when the external components are removed
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are made detachable for easy removal, then adaptability to medical procedures is improved, but connection reliability and signal transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connector is designed with alignment features and pre-positioned contact points that ensure reliable electrical connections before detachment. The connector maintains stable contact during normal use but allows easy separation when needed, providing both connection reliability and adaptability for medical procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular sensor system is disclosed. The system can include one or more sensors, a mounting unit, and a control unit. The mounting unit can enable the control unit and/or one or more sensors to be securely, but detachably, mounted to a patient's body. The control unit can include electronics and other components configured to interface with, monitor, and record data from the one or more sensors. The control unit can further include a wired bus, transceiver, antenna, or other suitable components to enable wireless communication between the system and a central control or monitor. Some or all of the components included in the control unit can be removable from the system to enable some or all of the electronics of the system to be removed.