Non-contact NIRS Camera for PAD Oxygenation Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and assessing peripheral artery disease (PAD) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) lack standardization and effective interpretation guidelines, leading to uncertain clinical relevance and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a non-contact NIRS camera to image limbs in both supine and raised positions, comparing pre- and post-treatment oxygenation readings to assess PAD diagnosis, severity, and treatment effectiveness, with guidelines for interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If NIRS is used to diagnose PAD, then non-invasive vascular assessment is achieved, but lack of standardization in metrics and protocols reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific protocols for limb elevation angles (20-90 degrees, preferably 45 degrees) and durations (30 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably 1 minute). These standardized parameters transform the NIRS measurement process from unstandardized to controlled, enabling precise comparison of oxygenation readings across different patients and timepoints while maintaining non-invasive assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring pre-PAD treatment oxygenation readings to be taken in both supine and limb-raised positions before treatment begins. This preliminary standardized measurement establishes a baseline that enables accurate post-treatment comparison and diagnostic assessment, resolving the precision issue through predetermined measurement protocols.
2Productivity
If ABI is used to evaluate PAD, then common diagnostic testing is achieved, but medial arterial calcinosis causes falsely elevated readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses NIRS technology as an intermediary measurement method that indirectly assesses tissue oxygenation without being affected by arterial calcinosis. Instead of directly measuring blood pressure gradients like ABI (which is distorted by calcified arteries), NIRS measures tissue oxygen saturation as an intermediary parameter that reflects perfusion status independently of arterial wall calcification, thereby resolving the measurement accuracy problem while maintaining diagnostic efficiency.
3Reliability
If NIRS readings are taken in multiple positions, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by taking NIRS readings at specific time intervals and positional changes (supine position, then limb raised for 30 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably 1 minute). This structured periodic measurement approach ensures reliable diagnostic data is captured at critical timepoints while minimizing unnecessary measurement time, balancing reliability with time efficiency.
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 a standardized and effective means to diagnose, screen, and assess PAD, offering clear guidelines for interpreting NIRS readings and predicting the need for PAD treatment, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
multiple systematic reviews have been published focusing on the utility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the assessment, screening, and/or diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems for determining an extent of PAD. The method may include a step of comparing a pre-PAD treatment oxygenation readings by obtaining a supine reading and limb raise reading to post-PAD treatment oxygenation readings of the limb or the portion thereof using a non-contact NIRS camera of a limb or a portion thereof, distal to a PAD treatment site using a supine reading and limb raise reading to post-PAD treatment oxygenation readings of the limb or the portion thereof using a second supine reading and a second limb raise reading. An indication may be presented of an improvement or a non-improvement in PAD in the limb based on a difference in oxygenation from pre-PAD treatment readings to post-PAD treatment oxygenation readings of the limb.