OCT-Guided Intestinal Potential Difference Probe for Localized Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing small intestinal permeability are invasive, costly, require specialized facilities, and do not provide localized measurements, making them unsuitable for infants, children, and individuals with sedation issues, and they fail to account for regional variations in permeability.
Innovation Solution
A trans-nasal, optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided IPD measurement device with a 1.0-1.2 mm probe and Ag/AgCl electrode, using M-mode OCT for contact confirmation and continuous saline perfusion for ionic coupling, allowing non-invasive, real-time, localized intestinal potential difference measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If dual sugars test is used to assess intestinal permeability, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but specialized facilities and expensive equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex chromatography and mass spectroscopy equipment with a simple voltage measurement system. Instead of using sophisticated analytical instruments to detect sugar ratios, the invention uses a probe that directly measures intestinal potential difference with a voltmeter, substituting mechanical/chemical analysis with electrical measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple, inexpensive probe that can be easily manufactured and disposed of, replacing the need for expensive, specialized facilities. The probe is a basic electrical measurement device that does not require complex infrastructure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dual sugars test is used to assess intestinal permeability, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but urine sample contamination and difficulty in obtaining pristine samples from infants and children occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a probe as an intermediary device that directly contacts the intestinal mucosa to measure potential difference. This intermediary approach bypasses the need for urine or blood samples, allowing direct measurement at the site of interest without contamination issues.
3Quantity of substance
If L:M ratio and serum tests are used to assess intestinal permeability, then overall small intestine permeability is measured, but localized/regional variations in permeability are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling measurements at specific locations within the intestine. The probe can be positioned at different segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) to measure local potential differences, allowing assessment of regional permeability variations rather than just overall intestinal permeability.
4Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used to obtain localized intestinal permeability measurements, then accurate localized data is obtained, but patient comfort and feasibility for unsedated subjects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from invasive surgical procedures. Instead of requiring endoscopy or biopsy, the invention uses a minimal invasive probe that can be introduced through natural lumens (mouth or rectum) to obtain localized measurements without the need for sedation or complex surgical intervention.
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
Enables minimally invasive, cost-effective, and reliable assessment of intestinal permeability in unsedated subjects, providing accurate, localized measurements without the need for sedation or endoscopy, suitable for clinical and research applications.
Implementation Method 1
IPD values may be measured with reference to subcutaneous tissue
Implementation Method 2
Tissue-probe contact may be confirmed through M-mode OCT imaging
Implementation Method 3
continuous saline perfusion for ionic coupling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system for determining intestinal potential difference. The system includes a measurement probe including a measurement tube having a measurement lumen which houses a measurement electrode therein, a measurement fluid delivery system in fluid communication with the measurement lumen, the measurement fluid delivery system being configured to deliver an electrically-conductive fluid into the measurement lumen such that the electrically-conductive fluid is electrically coupled to the measurement electrode, and the measurement lumen including an outlet at a distal end thereof through which the electrically-conductive fluid exits the measurement lumen and contacts an intestinal tissue of a subject to provide electrical coupling between the measurement electrode and the intestinal tissue; a controller coupled to the measurement electrode configured to measure a potential difference between tire measurement electrode and a reference electrode electrically coupled to the subject.