Flexible Optical Imaging Band for SLE Finger Joint Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) arthritis are challenging due to the evanescent nature of symptoms and limitations of physical exams and imaging studies, making it difficult to diagnose and assess severity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible optical imaging system using LEDs and photodetectors on a polyimide substrate is applied to a subject's finger joints, measuring light absorption and transmission to determine rise and plateau times of hemodynamic responses to venous occlusion, distinguishing SLE-affected joints through dynamic diffuse optical spectroscopy (dDOS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional physical exams and imaging studies are used to diagnose SLE arthritis, then the diagnostic process can be performed with existing equipment, but the diagnosis is difficult and subjective due to evanescent symptoms and inter-rater variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical physical exams with optical measurement systems that use light sources and photodetectors to measure hemodynamic parameters. This substitution eliminates subjectivity and inter-rater variability while providing objective, quantifiable data about joint health status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures changes in light absorption and transmission parameters over time to detect hemodynamic responses. By monitoring dynamic parameter changes rather than static structures, the system captures evanescent symptoms and provides precise diagnostic information about active inflammation.
2Reliability
If dynamic diffuse optical spectroscopy is used to assess joint health, then objective and sensitive diagnosis is achieved, but the system complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging band into multiple segments with independent light sources and photodetectors positioned at different locations. Each segment can independently measure hemodynamic parameters at specific joint regions, allowing comprehensive assessment while keeping individual module complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic measurement capabilities with sequential illumination of light sources and rapid acquisition of photodetector signals. This dynamic approach captures time-varying hemodynamic responses that provide reliable diagnostic information about active inflammation and joint health status.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources and photodetectors are positioned on a flexible substrate, then comprehensive spatial measurement is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible substrate that can conform to the curvature of finger joints, allowing the imaging system to wrap around and measure multiple spatial locations. This flexibility compensates for manufacturing tolerances and maintains consistent contact with the joint surface across different subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds temporal dimension to the spatial measurements by sequentially activating light sources and measuring photodetector outputs over time. This temporal sequencing allows comprehensive measurement of multiple locations without requiring all components to be simultaneously positioned with high precision.
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 non-invasive, objective, and cost-effective diagnosis of SLE arthritis with high sensitivity and specificity, reducing inter-rater variability and offering rapid assessment of joint health.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of light sources (e.g., LEDs) are positioned on a flexible substrate to transmit light into a subject's finger
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of photodetectors are positioned on the flexible substrate to detect light emanating from the finger
Implementation Method 3
The controller accepts an output from each the photodetectors, and determines, from each output from each of the photodetectors, a level of light absorption or transmission within the finger
Data Source
AI summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be diagnosed by affixing a plurality of light sources and a plurality of light detectors against the subject's body near a joint, and sequentially transmitting light from each of the plurality of light sources into the subject's body. Signals are acquired from each of the plurality of light detectors. The rise time of the acquired signals that occurs in response to an inflation of a pressure cuff is determined, and an indication of whether the joint is affected by SLE is made based on the determined rise time. In some embodiments, a plateau time of the acquired signals is also acquired, and the indication of whether the joint is affected by SLE is made based on the determined rise time and the determined plateau time.