Neurovascular Coupling Measurement via Hemodynamic Doppler Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring neurovascular coupling in the nervous system are not precise enough to serve as reliable biomarkers for neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, limiting early screening and monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method involving delivering a stimulus to activate the nervous system, followed by a series of ultrasound measurements using an array of transducers to capture hemodynamic Doppler samples, which computes a hemodynamic response to determine normal or abnormal neurovascular coupling, using parameters like peak value, rise time, and fall time, and potentially employing a neural network for diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for measuring neurovascular coupling are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient to serve as reliable biomarkers
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into distinct phases: baseline recording, stimulus delivery, and hemodynamic response measurement. The apparatus is divided into specialized modules including ultrasound transducers for blood flow measurement, stimulus delivery systems, and data processing units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall measurement precision while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The method employs multiple hemodynamic parameters (blood flow velocity, blood volume, oxygen saturation) measured at different time points during the stimulus response. By changing and monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously, the system achieves higher measurement precision. The ultrasound frequency and gain settings are also dynamically adjusted to optimize detection of subtle hemodynamic changes.
2Measurement precision
If a series of at least 10 ultrasound measurements are performed during a recording period of at least 10 seconds, then the measurement precision improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound measurements are performed periodically at fixed intervals during the recording period, with measurements taken at baseline, during stimulus, and during recovery phases. This periodic sampling approach ensures capture of the complete hemodynamic response curve while minimizing total measurement time. The stimulus itself is delivered in periodic trials to enable averaging and improve signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
Baseline measurements are performed before stimulus delivery to establish reference values for each subject. This preliminary action allows the system to normalize subsequent measurements and reduce variability, improving precision without requiring extended measurement periods during the actual stimulus response phase.
3Reliability
If multiple hemodynamic parameters are computed from Doppler signals, then the reliability of biomarkers improves, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing system is designed with universal algorithms that can compute multiple hemodynamic parameters (peak amplitude, rise time, fall time, area under curve) from the same Doppler signal dataset. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive biomarker extraction without requiring separate processing pipelines for each parameter, managing complexity through unified analysis methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates quality control feedback mechanisms that monitor the reliability of computed parameters in real-time. Parameters that fail to meet predefined quality criteria (signal-to-noise ratio, physiological plausibility) are flagged or excluded from final analysis. This feedback loop ensures high biomarker reliability while automating the filtering process to reduce manual processing complexity.
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 provides reliable biomarkers for neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases by accurately assessing neurovascular coupling, enabling early detection and monitoring of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Implementation Method 1
performing a series of at least 10 ultrasound measurements of said region with an ultrasound probe having an array of at least one ultrasound transducer, to obtain hemodynamic Doppler samples of said vascular network
Data Source
AI summary
Functional imaging, in particular functional ultrasound imaging, is becoming a powerful tool for early detection of disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases. The present disclosure proposes a reliable method for such early detection, by delivering a stimulus to the nervous system, performing a functional imaging of an area of interest of the nervous system activated by the stimulus to obtain a series of hemodynamic Doppler images of the vascular network in the area of interest, and computing, from the series of hemodynamic Doppler images, a hemodynamic response (22) to the stimulus. The shape of hemodynamic response may be used to detect health disorders.