Non-invasive Optical Sensor for Cerebral Oximetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for in vivo monitoring of blood metabolites and oxygen saturation in living subjects are invasive or lack the precision needed for non-invasive determination, particularly in cerebral tissues.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive optical sensor assembly that transmits selected wavelengths of light into a patient's tissue, using light emitters and detectors to analyze light absorption and determine blood oxygen saturation and other metabolite data, with a flexible design for conforming to anatomical surfaces and improved signal quality through tissue blanching and shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used for monitoring blood metabolites, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and patient comfort worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures with an optical system. Light emitters transmit light through tissue and photodetectors receive the transmitted light to measure blood metabolites non-invasively, substituting mechanical intrusion with optical fields for both measurement and signal transmission purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to access blood metabolite information without direct contact. The optical sensor assembly uses light transmission through tissue as a mediator to obtain physiological data while maintaining patient comfort and operational simplicity
2Ease of operation
If non-invasive optical methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple wavelengths of light to probe different tissue depths and compositions. By varying the wavelength parameter, the system optimizes penetration depth and absorption characteristics to accurately measure specific blood metabolites non-invasively with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pulsatile light emission synchronized with the cardiac cycle to capture blood flow dynamics. This periodic action allows differentiation between arterial and venous blood components, improving measurement precision of oxygen saturation and metabolite concentrations
3Ease of operation
If light transmission through tissue is used, then non-invasive monitoring is achieved, but signal quality deteriorates due to tissue absorption and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions light emitters and photodetectors at specific locations and distances apart to optimize the measurement path through tissue. This local quality optimization ensures sufficient light transmission while capturing adequate signal strength from the target tissue region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple light emitters operating at different wavelengths simultaneously. This excessive action of using more light sources than strictly necessary compensates for tissue absorption and scattering losses, ensuring sufficient signal reaches the photodetectors for accurate measurement
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 non-invasive, precise monitoring of blood oxygen saturation and hemoglobin oxygen concentration in various regions, providing reliable and consistent data for tissue oxygenation assessment, including cerebral oximetry without the need for invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting selected wavelengths of light into a given area of the patient, receiving the resulting light as it leaves the patient, and analyzing the received light to determine the desired data based on light absorption
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a sensor body, a circuit board, a cable, at least one light emitting device, and at least one photodetector. The circuit board is enclosed within the sensor body and includes at least one conductive trace and at least one aperture. The cable is coupled to the at least one conductive trace. The cable includes a shield conductor and a signal conductor. The at least one light emitting device is coupled to the circuit board and is configured to emit light into a tissue. The at least one photodetector includes a planar active area coupled to the circuit board and is configured to provide an output signal based on light detected by the active area. The planar active area is aligned with the aperture. The output signal is coupled to the cable.