Optical Lung Oxygenation Sensing Beyond Peripheral Pulse Oximetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral monitoring of blood oxygenation at shallow tissue depths provides data of questionable accuracy due to factors like low extremity perfusion, vasoconstriction, and skin pigmentation, limiting its effectiveness in assessing pulmonary status accurately.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods utilizing optical oxygenation sensing with optical emitters and detectors configured to emit and detect light at specific wavelengths, allowing penetration depths of over 1 cm into lung tissue to determine pulmonary oxygenation status, capable of monitoring conditions like COPD and ARDS, and integrating with implantable or wearable formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If peripheral monitoring of blood oxygenation at shallow tissue depths is used, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision and reliability of pulmonary status assessment deteriorate due to factors like low extremity perfusion, vasoconstriction, and skin pigmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple wavelengths of light (first wavelength from 100-2000 nm, second wavelength from 800-2000 nm) to penetrate different tissue depths and differentiate between superficial blood oxygenation and deep lung tissue oxygenation. This multi-wavelength approach enables accurate pulmonary status assessment by selectively measuring light absorption at depths that bypass confounding superficial factors like skin pigmentation and peripheral perfusion issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional superficial monitoring to three-dimensional deep tissue monitoring by using optical wavelengths that penetrate through skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle to reach the lung tissue. This dimensional transition allows the system to assess pulmonary oxygenation status directly rather than inferring it from peripheral blood oxygenation, thereby improving measurement precision despite increased device complexity
2Measurement precision
If light propagation depth into tissue is increased to at least 1 cm to reach lung tissue, then the accuracy of pulmonary oxygenation assessment is improved, but the use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternately activating the first optical emitter (wavelength 100-2000 nm) and the second optical emitter (wavelength 800-2000 nm) rather than operating both continuously. The controller selectively activates emitters based on measurement requirements, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the capability to perform deep tissue oxygenation assessment when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes energy usage by selecting specific wavelength parameters that maximize tissue penetration efficiency. The first optical emitter uses wavelengths from 100-2000 nm and the second uses 800-2000 nm, with the controller selecting appropriate wavelengths based on the required measurement depth, thereby minimizing energy consumption while achieving the necessary 1 cm+ penetration depth for accurate pulmonary assessment
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical emitters at different wavelengths are used to monitor different tissue depths, then the versatility of the device for monitoring various conditions (COPD, ARDS, pulmonary edema) is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single oxygenation monitoring device that can assess multiple pulmonary conditions (COPD, ARDS, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, asthma) through its multi-wavelength optical sensing capability. The device uses a first optical emitter (100-2000 nm) and a second optical emitter (800-2000 nm) with a controller that processes signals to detect various pathological states, thereby providing a versatile diagnostic tool that replaces multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves versatility through parameter changes by adjusting the wavelength selection and emitter activation patterns to optimize detection for different pulmonary conditions. The controller is configured to select appropriate wavelength combinations and analysis methods based on the specific condition being monitored, enabling a single device design to effectively assess multiple disease states without requiring separate specialized equipment for each condition
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
Provides accurate assessment of pulmonary oxygenation status at deeper tissue depths, enabling monitoring of various lung conditions and physiological parameters, including heart rate and extravascular lung water concentration, with potential for continuous or scheduled evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical emitter can be configured to emit light at a first wavelength from 100 nanometers (nm) to 2000 nm... emitted light from the first optical emitter propagates through a lung tissue
Implementation Method 2
the first optical detector can be configured to detect incident light... detected incident light can be used to determine an oxygenation status of the lung tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to devices and methods for assessing pulmonary status using optical oxygenation sensing. In an embodiment, an oxygenation monitoring device can be included having a first optical emitter, wherein the first optical emitter can be configured to emit light at a first wavelength from 100 nanometers (nm) to 2000 nm. The oxygenation monitoring device and further include a first optical detector, wherein the first optical detector can be configured to detect incident light. The device can be configured so that emitted light from the first optical emitter propagates through a lung tissue and detected incident light can be used to determine an oxygenation status of the lung tissue. Other embodiments are also included herein.