Oscillatory Motion Sensor for Non-Invasive DVT Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical assessments for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) lack accuracy and require invasive or uncomfortable procedures, often missing early DVT cases, leading to potential complications and unnecessary patient discharge.
Innovation Solution
A system using a motion sensor, such as a multi-axis accelerometer, to detect differences in oscillatory mechanical responses of corresponding calf muscles, analyzing frequency and damping parameters to identify potential DVT through a signal processor and display for healthcare professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Doppler ultrasonography is used for DVT detection, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ultrasound equipment with a simple oscillating probe that applies mechanical vibration directly to the calf muscle. The probe contains a motor that generates oscillations, eliminating the need for expensive Doppler ultrasonography equipment while maintaining diagnostic capability through mechanical response analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple, inexpensive oscillating probe that can be easily manufactured and potentially disposed of or reused without significant cost. This single-use or low-cost reusable probe replaces expensive, complex ultrasound equipment, making DVT screening accessible in resource-limited settings
2Reliability
If CT or chest scanning with radioactive markers is performed for pulmonary embolism testing, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but patient exposure to harmful factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful radioactive exposure into a harmless mechanical vibration approach. Instead of using ionizing radiation from CT or radioactive markers, the system uses mechanical oscillations from a simple probe to detect muscle response, eliminating radioactive exposure while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes complex imaging systems (CT, chest scanning) with a simple mechanical oscillation probe. The probe applies mechanical vibrations and detects muscle response characteristics, replacing harmful radiological methods with safe mechanical testing that avoids patient exposure to ionizing radiation
3Measurement precision
If invasive blood tests are performed for DVT confirmation, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive blood draw procedures with a non-invasive mechanical oscillation probe. The probe applies gentle vibrations to the calf muscle and detects the mechanical response, eliminating the need for needle punctures and blood collection while providing diagnostic information through tissue response characteristics
4Reliability
If bedside testing is required for early DVT detection, then patient safety is improved, but test availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a simple, portable oscillating probe that can be easily transported to the bedside. This lightweight, inexpensive device contains only a motor and sensor, making it suitable for mobile use in various clinical settings including patient rooms, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex, stationary imaging equipment with a simple mechanical oscillation probe that can be easily moved to the bedside. The probe uses basic mechanical components (motor, oscillating element, sensor) that can be housed in a portable unit, enabling early DVT detection at the patient's location without requiring them to be moved to specialized imaging facilities
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 a reproducible, objective, and non-invasive method for DVT screening with high reliability, reducing the need for costly and invasive tests by identifying significant differences in muscle responses indicative of DVT.
Implementation Method 1
The system uses a motion sensor, such as a multi-axis accelerometer, to detect differences in oscillatory mechanical responses of corresponding calf muscles
Implementation Method 2
tapping the calf, which under normal circumstances has considerable mobility like the bounce of jelly, results in a more 'dough-like' response in the presence of DVT
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) for assessing a subject at risk of a soft tissue abnormality such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), comprises a motion sensor (108) which is adapted to be fixed, in use, to a muscle (106) of the subject. The motion sensor includes a transmitter (206) configured to transmit a signal (400) representing motion of the sensor. A receiver (118) is configured to receive the signal from the transmitter of the motion sensor. A signal processor (112) is coupled to the receiver and configured to analyse first and second data sets received via the receiver from the motion sensor. The first and second data sets represent respective first and second oscillatory mechanical responses of first and second muscles of the subject resulting from mechanical stimuli. The analysis comprises determining first and second parameter sets characterising the first and second oscillatory mechanical responses, and comparing the first parameter set with the second parameter set to assess a possible presence of DVT in the subject.