Head-Mounted Optical LVO Detection Using Left-Right Brain Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field-based devices for diagnosing large vessel occlusions (LVOs) are complex, require trained operators, and provide unreliable data due to sensor placement variability and complex calculations, making them unsuitable for rapid, accurate diagnosis in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A portable head-mounted diagnostic device with infrared light-emitting diodes and photodiodes that transmit and receive signals from both sides of the brain, calculating the difference in signal amplitudes to determine if a large vessel occlusion exists, using a threshold value for quick and operator-independent assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI or CT imaging is used to identify LVOs, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operator training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex MRI/CT systems by using a simplified optical detection approach. Instead of full imaging, it measures light absorption differences through the skull at specific wavelengths to detect LVO, achieving adequate diagnostic accuracy with minimal equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical imaging systems (MRI/CT scanners) with an optical measurement system using light-emitting diodes and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky imaging equipment while maintaining field-deployable diagnostic capability.
2Ease of operation
If portable cerebral oximetry devices are used, then field usability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to skin color and skull thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple LED wavelengths (red and infrared) at specific locations on the head. By targeting specific brain regions and using wavelength-specific absorption characteristics, it compensates for variations in skin color and skull thickness that affect conventional single-wavelength oximetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from single-wavelength oximetry to multi-wavelength light absorption ratio. By calculating the ratio of absorption at different wavelengths and comparing left-right sides, it eliminates the need for absolute accuracy calibration while maintaining relative diagnostic accuracy for LVO detection.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional cerebral oximetry devices with multiple sensors are used, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and sensor placement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic function into two separate unilateral measurements (left side and right side) rather than using a complex bilateral sensor array. Each side is measured independently, and the comparison between sides provides the LVO diagnosis, simplifying the device while maintaining diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not trying to measure absolute cerebral oxygenation directly, but instead measuring the difference between left and right sides. This inversion simplifies the measurement system while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for LVO, which presents as asymmetric blood flow.
4Productivity
If field stroke triage is performed without rapid LVO detection, then resource allocation is improved, but patient transfer time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary LVO detection in the field before patient transfer, allowing triage decisions to be made at the scene. This preliminary action identifies patients who need urgent transfer to EVT-capable hospitals, reducing transfer delays by pre-screening for LVO rather than waiting for hospital-based imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service field triage by providing automated LVO detection and diagnosis without requiring trained operators or complex interpretation. The system automatically compares left-right light absorption and provides a diagnostic result, allowing first responders to independently identify patients needing urgent transfer.
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 rapid, accurate diagnosis of LVOs without operator training, minimizing diagnostic errors and ensuring timely transfer of eligible patients to EVT-capable hospitals.
Implementation Method 1
Other devices measure cerebral oxygen, cerebral blood flow or cerebral oxygen saturation dynamically over time. These devices first measure the amount of near-infrared and infrared light reflection, which are unique aspects of deoxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin.
Implementation Method 2
These devices first measure the amount of near-infrared and infrared light reflection, which are unique aspects of deoxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin. Oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin reflect light at different wavelengths.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device for detecting a large vessel occlusion in a patient's brain by transmitting a signal into both sides of the brain and receiving the reflections of the transmitted signals to capture a single reflection data point of the characteristics of the blood vessels and brain tissue on both sides of the brain. Using the captured single reflection data point values to perform a comparative analysis between the right and left side of the brain, and based on this analysis, assessing whether the patient is experiencing a large vessel occlusion. If so, the device generates an alert.