Optical Pressure Probe for Distal Foot Perfusion Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing vascular health, such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and arterial duplex ultrasound (A-DUS), fail to provide information on distal perfusion in the foot and are insensitive for PAD patients with diabetes, particularly in predicting the effectiveness of endovascular revascularization surgery.
Innovation Solution
A medical pressure probe device with optical sensors, light sources, and force sensors, equipped with a spring mechanism, that measures pressure and calculates oxygenated, deoxygenated, and total hemoglobin concentrations, along with pulse amplitude and heart rate, providing real-time feedback on optimal pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current monitoring methods (ABI and A-DUS) are used, then the assessment can be performed, but the sensitivity for PAD patients with diabetes is insufficient and distal perfusion information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/ultrasound-based monitoring methods (ABI and A-DUS) with an optical sensing system that uses light sources and optical sensors to measure tissue properties. This substitution enables direct measurement of distal perfusion and hemoglobin concentrations in diabetic patients, achieving superior sensitivity and reliability where traditional methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical sensors and light sources as intermediary elements between the clinician and the vascular tissue. These optical intermediaries can penetrate tissue to measure blood flow, oxygen saturation, and hemoglobin concentrations directly at the distal foot level, providing information that traditional indirect methods cannot obtain.
2Loss of information
If traditional monitoring methods are used, then the assessment can be performed, but the ability to predict patient response to surgery is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback measurement of tissue oxygenation, blood flow, and hemoglobin concentrations during and after surgical intervention. This continuous feedback enables prediction of patient response to surgery by monitoring dynamic changes in distal perfusion, allowing clinicians to assess whether the surgical intervention has successfully restored adequate blood flow to the foot.
3Measurement precision
If a pressure probe device with multiple sensors is used, then sensitivity and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (optical sensors for blood flow measurement, force sensors for pressure measurement, and light sources for optical interrogation) into a single integrated pressure probe device. This merging of functions into one unified instrument with a common housing and coordinated control system reduces the overall complexity compared to using separate diagnostic devices, while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If a spring mechanism is added to measure pressure, then pressure measurement capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spring mechanism that converts mechanical pressure into a position change, which is then detected by an optical or capacitive sensor. This substitution of direct mechanical measurement with an optical/capacitive sensing approach simplifies the overall system compared to using complex strain gauges or load cells, while providing accurate pressure measurement. The spring acts as a transducer that bridges the mechanical and sensing domains in a simple, reliable manner.
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 device offers improved sensitivity and accuracy in assessing vascular health, enabling early detection of peripheral arterial disease and guiding surgical interventions by measuring hemoglobin concentrations and pressure dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical sensor and at least one light source positioned on the distal face of the body
Implementation Method 2
the handle comprising a spring mechanism that contacts the at least one force sensor when the handle is in the engaged position to measure the applied pressure on the body from the handle
Implementation Method 3
at least one force sensor positioned inside the body, and a handle interfaced with the body and movable relative to the body along a path between a neutral position and an engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A medical pressure probe device comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end, with a distal face, at least one optical sensor and at least one light source positioned on the distal face of the body, and at least one force sensor positioned inside the body, and a handle interfaced with the body and movable relative to the body along a path between a neutral position and an engaged position, the handle comprising a spring mechanism that contacts the at least one force sensor when the handle is in the engaged position to measure the applied pressure on the body from the handle, wherein the spring mechanism biases the handle to the neutral position.