Optical GI Bleeding Sensor for Fecal Interference Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, such as fecal occult blood testing and endoscopy, are hindered by interference from fecal matter, making timely detection of GI hemorrhage challenging, especially post-surgically, where rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical to reduce mortality and morbidity.
Innovation Solution
A bleeding sensor employing an optical mechanism with multiple light emitters emitting different primary wavelengths and a centrally-located detector with a broad sensitivity spectrum, combined with a gap and optical cap, to detect blood while filtering out interference from fecal matter and other obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical detection is used to detect blood in GI tract, then detection speed is improved, but detection precision deteriorates due to interference from fecal matter
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is segmented into multiple independent wavelength channels (e.g., red, green, blue LEDs), each detecting specific absorption characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to process different spectral information separately and combine results to distinguish blood from fecal matter, resolving the contradiction between fast optical detection and accurate blood identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of light wavelength by using multiple LEDs emitting at different wavelengths. Blood and fecal matter have different absorption spectra, so by measuring absorption at multiple wavelengths and analyzing the spectral pattern, the system can identify blood presence even in the presence of fecal interference, maintaining both speed and precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light emitters with different wavelengths are used, then detection precision is improved by differentiating blood from fecal matter, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light emitters with different wavelengths are merged into a single compact sensor housing, along with a single photodetector that can detect across the relevant spectral range. This merging approach achieves high detection precision through multi-wavelength analysis while minimizing device complexity by integrating all components into one unified structure rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetector is designed with broad spectral sensitivity to detect multiple wavelengths emitted by different LEDs. This multi-functional detector can respond to various light wavelengths, allowing a single component to perform multiple detection functions and reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining high precision through spectral analysis.
3Measurement precision
If invasive procedures like endoscopy are used to locate bleeding source, then measurement precision is improved, but patient harm increases due to additional surgical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical endoscopy system is replaced with an optical detection system using multiple wavelength LEDs and a photodetector. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive mechanical insertion while achieving comparable or superior precision in detecting blood presence and location through non-invasive optical absorption measurements, thereby reducing patient harm.
Solution Approach 2:
Light serves as an intermediary between the sensor and the blood in the GI tract. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the system uses light waves to interact with blood molecules, allowing indirect detection of bleeding sources. This intermediary approach provides precise measurement while avoiding the harmful effects of invasive mechanical procedures.
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 practical and rapid detection of GI bleeding, differentiating between fresh and occult blood, and locating the source, reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes by providing early warning of hemorrhage.
Implementation Method 1
at least two light emitters on the substrate. The at least two light emitters are each configured to emit light of different primary wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
detecting, by the centrally-located light detector, the light of the different primary wavelengths emitted from the at least two light emitters through the contents of the patient's gastrointestinal tract
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that can employ a bleeding sensor that uses an optical mechanism to detect blood in the patients GI tract are described. The bleeding sensor includes a substrate holding a centrally-located light detector with a broad sensitivity spectrum and at least two light emitters positioned radially around the centrally-located light detector, each light emitter configured to emit light of different primary wavelengths. The bleeding sensor has a gap between each of the at least two light emitters and the centrally-located light detector that accepts the contents of a patients gastrointestinal tract. An optical cap covers the centrally-located light detector and the at least two light emitters to direct the light emitted from the at least two light emitters through the gap and onto the centrally-located light detector.