Multi-Module Diffuse Optical Imaging for Real-Time PAD Perfusion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is challenging to diagnose and treat effectively due to its progressive nature, leading to severe complications like ulcerations and amputation, with existing invasive procedures like angioplasty and bypass surgery having uncertain outcomes that are only evident weeks or months after the procedure.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive diffuse optical imaging system using multiple modules with light sources and detectors is applied to different angiosomes of the lower extremities to monitor perfusion levels in real time during surgical interventions, providing immediate feedback on the efficacy of revascularization procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery are performed to treat PAD, then blood flow to the extremities can be restored, but the success of these procedures cannot be confirmed until weeks or months after the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment outcome confirmationVSAvoidtime delay in assessing treatment efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback by using diffuse optical imaging to continuously monitor blood perfusion levels during and immediately after surgical intervention. Multiple light sources at different wavelengths illuminate the tissue, and detectors measure the transmitted light to calculate perfusion metrics, providing immediate feedback on treatment success rather than waiting weeks or months for clinical outcomes to manifest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive assessment methods (physical examination, waiting for clinical improvement) with an optical measurement system. By using light transmission through tissue to non-invasively measure perfusion, the system eliminates the need to wait for delayed clinical outcomes while providing immediate objective data on treatment efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to monitor perfusion in multiple angiosomes, then real-time assessment of blood flow can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperfusion monitoring accuracyVSAvoidnumber of light sources and detectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lower extremity into multiple angiosomes (territories supplied by different arteries), with each angiosome monitored by dedicated light sources and detectors. This segmentation allows independent assessment of blood flow in each vascular territory, providing precise localization of perfusion deficits while organizing the complex measurement system into manageable functional units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple light sources operating at different wavelengths that can be used across all angiosomes. The same detector array serves multiple measurement functions by detecting light transmitted through different tissue paths. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each angiosome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 real-time assessment of blood perfusion in multiple angiosomes, allowing surgeons to make informed decisions during surgery, potentially reducing invasive procedures' uncertainty and improving treatment outcomes for PAD.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the first plurality of light sources has a different wavelength... aimed to detect light arriving from in front of the first front surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption by hemoglobin: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Monitoring treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) using diffuse optical imaging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuse optical imaging: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12458241B2Monitoring treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) using diffuse optical imaging

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

A plurality of modules are simultaneously positioned at locations that correspond to different angiosomes. Each of these modules has a front surface shaped and dimensioned for contacting a person's skin, a plurality of different-wavelength light sources aimed in a forward direction, and a plurality of light detectors aimed to detect light arriving from in front of the front surface. Each module is supported by a support structure (e.g., a strap or a clip) that is shaped and dimensioned to hold the front surface adjacent to the person's skin at a respective position. Perfusion in each of the angiosomes is monitored using these modules, and the surgeon can rely on this information to guide his or her intervention.