NADH Fluorescence Vascular Endothelium Evaluation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for evaluating vascular endothelium function are expensive, operator-dependent, and poorly reproducible, limiting their applicability for widespread use in screening and monitoring cardiovascular health.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement and analysis of NADH fluorescence signal intensity from skin tissue cells in response to blood flow blockage and release, using UV light illumination and fluorometry to assess endothelial function, providing a simple and cost-effective means for evaluating vascular endothelium function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) with two-dimensional ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate endothelial function, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operator dependency increase, reducing ease of operation and reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ultrasound imaging systems with a simplified optical fluorescence detection system. Instead of using two-dimensional ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound to measure arterial diameter changes, the invention uses fluorescence probes to detect endothelial function through optical signals, eliminating the need for sophisticated ultrasound equipment and reducing operator dependency while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorescence imaging to create an optical copy or representation of endothelial function rather than directly measuring mechanical arterial diameter changes. The fluorescence signal serves as a proxy indicator that correlates with endothelial health, allowing accurate assessment without requiring complex ultrasound measurement systems
2Measurement precision
If flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) with sophisticated equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high operator dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces operator-dependent ultrasound measurement techniques with automated fluorescence detection. The optical system automatically captures and analyzes fluorescence signals from endothelial cells, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually measure arterial diameter changes via ultrasound, thereby reducing operator dependency while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescence-based system performs self-measurement of endothelial function through automated signal detection and analysis. The system independently captures fluorescence images, processes the signals, and generates functional assessments without requiring manual intervention or interpretation by operators, making the procedure easier to perform while maintaining high precision
3Reliability
If reactive hyperemia with blood pressure cuff occlusion is used to stimulate endothelial response, then physiological stimulus is achieved, but loss of time increases due to prolonged occlusion period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using localized topical occlusion or targeted stimulation methods that prepare and focus the physiological response in a specific region, allowing faster detection of endothelial function compared to whole-limb occlusion. This approach achieves the necessary physiological stimulus more quickly while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from global reactive hyperemia assessment to localized endothelial function detection using fluorescence imaging. By focusing the measurement on specific vascular beds or regions rather than requiring whole-limb hyperemia, the system achieves reliable physiological data in shorter time frames, reducing the prolonged occlusion periods associated with traditional methods
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
This approach allows for reliable, inexpensive, and easy-to-perform assessments of endothelial function, enabling early detection of dysfunction and monitoring of treatment responses, thus facilitating prophylactic interventions and broader clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
measuring and recording as a function of time the intensity of NADH fluorescence signal emitted from skin tissue cells
Implementation Method 2
illumination with UV light
Data Source
AI summary
A method for evaluating vascular endothelium function in a human subject comprises monitoring changes in intensity of NADH fluorescence signal emitted from skin tissue cells of an upper limb of said subject as a function of time, wherein said changes result from reactive hyperaemia caused by blocking and releasing blood flow in the same upper limb of said subject. A system for evaluating vascular endothelium function in a human subject comprises a means for illuminating a skin on an upper limb of said subject with exciting light, a means for measuring intensity of fluorescence signal emitted from the skin and recording changes of said intensity of the fluorescence signal over time; and a restriction means for blocking and releasing blood flow in the upper limb of said subject.