Skin NADH Fluorescence Microcirculation Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing microcirculation oscillations, such as laser Doppler flowmetry, are invasive, costly, and prone to variability, making it difficult to detect early impairments and monitor treatment responses in large patient populations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method involving the measurement of skin NADH fluorescence using exciting light to induce and record fluorescence signals, with subsequent fitting of a baseline and calculation of the mean squared error to assess oscillatory microcirculation function, providing an objective and operator-independent parameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser Doppler flowmetry is used to assess microcirculation oscillations, then measurement capability is provided, but cost increases and measurement reliability decreases due to variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser Doppler flowmetry system with an optical fluorescence-based system. Instead of using laser light scattering and Doppler shift detection, the invention uses fluorescence excitation and emission detection to measure microcirculation oscillations, thereby eliminating the variability and reliability issues associated with laser Doppler methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from laser Doppler shift (frequency-based) to fluorescence intensity (amplitude-based). By measuring the intensity of emitted fluorescence rather than frequency shifts, the system achieves more reliable and consistent measurements of microcirculation oscillations
2Reliability
If laser Doppler flowmetry is used for microcirculation assessment, then flow measurement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex laser Doppler flowmetry apparatus with a simpler fluorescence-based optical system. The new system uses standard fluorescence excitation and detection components rather than requiring precise laser alignment, Doppler signal processing, and complex optical paths, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining assessment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more affordable fluorescence detection system that can be used as a cost-effective alternative to expensive laser Doppler equipment. The fluorescence method uses readily available optical components and does not require the sophisticated instrumentation needed for laser Doppler flowmetry
3Ease of operation
If standard fluorescence measurement is used, then simplicity is achieved, but oscillation detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies signal processing feedback by comparing the measured fluorescence signal against a fitted baseline and calculating the mean squared error of deviations. This feedback mechanism extracts oscillation information from what would otherwise be a simple fluorescence measurement, enabling detection of microcirculation oscillations while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary baseline fitting before oscillation analysis. By first establishing the baseline fluorescence level and then measuring deviations from this baseline, the system prepares the data in advance to enable oscillation detection, thereby maintaining simplicity while preserving oscillation information
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 method allows for reliable, inexpensive, and standardized assessment of microcirculation oscillations, enabling early detection of dysfunctions and monitoring treatment responses, with significant diagnostic potential.
Implementation Method 1
illumination of a selected location on non-hairy skin of a human subject in a resting steady condition without any blockage of the blood flow with exciting light capable of inducing skin NADH fluorescence signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assessment of microcirculation oscillations comprises illumination of a selected location on non-hairy skin of a human subject in a resting steady condition without any blockage or stimulation of the blood flow with exciting light capable of inducing skin NADH fluorescence signal for a period of time; simultaneously with said illumination detecting, measuring and recording as a function of time the induced NADH fluorescence signal emitted from the said selected location to obtain the time course of the NADH fluorescence signal intensity in the said period of time; and computer implemented steps of: fitting of a baseline about which the NADH fluorescence signal oscillates to the said time course of the NADH fluorescence signal; and determination of a mean squared error of the deviation of the NADH fluorescence signal from the fitted baseline as a parameter of oscillatory function of the skin microcirculation.