Optical Oxygen Saturation Sensing for Premature Fetal Oxygenators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring oxygen saturation in premature fetuses are invasive and prone to complications, and current methods for extracorporeal support in premature fetuses suffer from circulatory overload and cardiac failure, limiting their viability and survival rates.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive sensor system using visible light wavelengths to measure oxygen saturation in premature fetuses' blood through an extracorporeal oxygenator, which includes a light source, sensor, and control unit to determine oxygen saturation without direct contact, and adjusts oxygen supply based on measured levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ECMO with pump support is used to achieve adequate oxygen saturation in premature fetuses, then oxygen saturation can be improved, but circulatory overload and cardiac failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the oxygenation function from the circulatory system by using a membrane oxygenator that oxygenates blood outside the body, eliminating the need for pumps and reducing circulatory overload. The oxygenator is positioned to receive blood from the fetus and return oxygenated blood, achieving oxygen saturation without mechanical pump support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a membrane oxygenator as an intermediary device between the fetus and the external environment. This oxygenator mediates the oxygenation process by allowing gas exchange across a membrane, enabling adequate oxygen saturation without directly imposing mechanical load on the fetal circulatory system.
2Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used to measure oxygen saturation in premature fetuses, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but infection risk and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling methods with a non-invasive optical measurement system. A light source and sensor are positioned to measure oxygen saturation through the skin or membrane without penetrating the body, eliminating the risk of infection while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical radiation as an intermediary to measure oxygen saturation without direct contact with the fetal blood. The light source emits light that passes through or reflects off the fetal tissue, and the sensor detects the light to calculate oxygen saturation, avoiding invasive procedures.
3Reliability
If direct contact methods are used to measure oxygen saturation, then measurement reliability can be improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex invasive monitoring systems and implements a simplified optical sensor system. The device consists of a light source, sensor, and processing unit that can be positioned externally, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable measurement through non-invasive optical detection.
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
The system provides real-time, continuous measurement of oxygen saturation in premature fetuses, reducing infection risk and improving viability by optimizing oxygen supply, thus enhancing survival and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
emitting at least one light wave from the light source, receiving a reflected light wave with the light sensor
Implementation Method 2
comparing a parameter of the reflected light wave to a parameter of the at least one light wave to determine the oxygen saturation in the blood of the fetus
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to enclose a premature fetus within an extracorporeal environment to promote growth of the fetus and increase viability of the fetus. The system includes a device for measuring oxygen saturation.