Nasal Tube End Imaging Sensor for Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are limited by their invasive nature, lack of remote monitoring capabilities, and delayed detection of airway closures, leading to undiagnosed cases and inefficient diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A wearable hollow nasal tube with an end imaging sensor and biophysical sensors that collect airway image data and physiological information, allowing for remote real-time monitoring and analysis of airway patency during sleep, correlated with head position data to enhance OSA diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If polysomnography (PSG) is used to detect and diagnose OSA, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and sleep cycle interference increases due to multiple wires and invasive monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential monitoring function from the complex PSG system by placing an imaging sensor directly in the nasal passage to visualize the airway. This eliminates the need for multiple external wires and sensors attached to the patient's body, thereby maintaining diagnostic capability while significantly improving patient comfort and reducing sleep interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based PSG monitoring system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using physical sensors and wires to detect breathing parameters, the system uses an endoscopic camera to directly image the airway, substituting mechanical measurement with optical visualization
2Ease of operation
If portable PSG units are used to reduce complexity, then ease of operation is improved, but detection timing deteriorates due to delayed physiological responses after airway closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the imaging sensor above the constriction point in the nasal passage, allowing it to detect airway closure before it occurs at the level of the soft palate. This preliminary positioning enables the system to detect breathing abnormalities at their origin, eliminating the time delay inherent in monitoring physiological responses that occur after closure
3Loss of information
If endoscopic techniques are used to monitor breathing, then airway visualization is improved, but device complexity increases due to cumbersome equipment and lack of remote monitoring capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact device: the nasal tube serves as both the delivery mechanism and structural support, while the imaging sensor at its distal end provides airway visualization. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate cumbersome equipment, enabling both airway imaging and remote monitoring capabilities in one device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places the imaging sensor within the nasal tube structure, nesting the sensing element inside the delivery catheter. This nested configuration allows the sensor to be delivered through the nasal passage to the target location while being protected and positioned by the tube, simplifying the overall system architecture
4Measurement precision
If monitoring equipment is placed in the nasopharynx to detect airway closure, then measurement precision is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to intrusive placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible nasal tube made of soft material that can be comfortably inserted into the nasal passage. The flexible structure conforms to the nasal anatomy without causing trauma, allowing precise positioning of the imaging sensor at the constriction point while minimizing patient discomfort and avoiding the harmful effects of rigid intrusive devices
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for diagnosing sleep apnea are provided herein. In at least one example, a method may be provided including receiving airway image data from a remote end imaging sensor coupled to a nasal tube disposed within an upper airway above a constriction point, and analyzing the airway image data and displaying in a sleep study report the airway image data to identify airway closures related to obstructive sleep apnea.