Implantable Optical Sensing Modules Multiplexed via Common Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices face challenges in efficiently monitoring multiple physiological parameters simultaneously with high accuracy and minimal invasiveness, particularly in implantable settings where multiple sensors are needed to gather diverse physiological data without increasing device complexity or size.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a medical system featuring multiple optical sensing modules coupled to a common light source via an optically transmissive member, such as optical fibers, which multiplex optical signals using wavelength division multiplexing, allowing for simultaneous monitoring of various physiological parameters like pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and movement through a single implantable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate implantable sensors are used to monitor different physiological parameters, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical sensing modules into a single integrated implantable device. Multiple sensors (pressure sensor with deflectable member, accelerometer with proof mass, pulse oximeter with light sources and detectors) are merged into one device that shares common components including a single light source, optical fiber, and signal processing circuitry. This merging maintains the ability to monitor multiple physiological parameters (blood pressure, acceleration, blood oxygen saturation) simultaneously while reducing overall device complexity and size compared to using separate implantable sensors for each parameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate implantable sensors are deployed, then diverse physiological data acquisition is improved, but invasiveness and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing capabilities into a single implantable unit that can be inserted through minimally invasive procedures. The integrated device includes pressure sensing capability through a deflectable member, acceleration sensing through a proof mass, and blood oxygen saturation monitoring through optical components, all within one implantable housing. This single-device approach eliminates the need for multiple separate surgical implantations, reducing surgical invasiveness and recovery time while maintaining the ability to acquire diverse physiological data from multiple parameter types.
3Device complexity
If a single light source is shared among multiple sensing modules, then device size and complexity are reduced, but signal interference and measurement reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs time-division multiplexing where the single light source emits light in periodic cycles, sequentially illuminating different sensing modules at different time intervals. The control circuitry activates the light source for specific durations to serve different sensors (pressure sensor, pulse oximeter) in a time-sequenced manner. This periodic activation pattern allows the single light source to reliably serve multiple modules without signal interference, as each module receives dedicated light pulses during its active measurement window, maintaining optical signal integrity while sharing the light source component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring capability where the single light source continuously emits light that is routed to different sensing modules based on measurement requirements. The optical fiber and beam splitter network enable the light source to maintain continuous operation while serving multiple functions, ensuring uninterrupted data acquisition across all physiological parameters. This continuous action approach eliminates gaps in monitoring and maintains reliable signal generation across all sensing modules without requiring multiple independent light sources.
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
This approach enables accurate, simultaneous monitoring of multiple physiological parameters with reduced device size and invasiveness, improving data acquisition and processing efficiency while maintaining reliability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
an implantable optically transmissive member optically coupled to the light source
Implementation Method 2
a light dividing member that divides the light from the light source into at least a first portion and a second portion
Implementation Method 3
The sensing element or tissue may modulate the emitted light in response to changes in a physiological parameter of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system includes at least two sensing modules that each generate an optical signal that changes as a function of a physiological parameter of a patient. The sensing modules may be coupled to a common light source and a common receiver via an optically transmissive member. At least a first sensing module that is closest to the light source along a length of the optically transmissive member may include a waveguide to split the light emitted by the light source. A first portion of the light may be directed toward the first sensing module and a second portion of the light may be directed toward a second sensing module that is placed downstream of the first sensing module in a direction substantially along the direction of light flow through the optically transmissive member and away from the light source.