Selectable-Depth Oximeter Probe for Tissue Oxygen Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oximeters lack the ability to selectively adjust source-to-detector distances and emit user-selectable wavelengths of light for probing different tissue depths, which is crucial for accurate tissue oxygen saturation measurements, particularly in non-ideal conditions such as during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A handheld oximeter probe with user-selectable source-to-detector distances and light wavelengths, equipped with self-contained optics, processing, display, and power source, allows for analyzing specific tissue depths that can be varied while using the oximeter. The oximeter probe has a source and a number of detectors that can be variously accessed for measuring tissue oxygen saturation from different tissue depths of tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing oximeters use fixed source-to-detector distances and fixed wavelengths, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability for probing different tissue depths is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The oximeter probe incorporates multiple light sources with different wavelengths (e.g., 690nm, 805nm, 940nm) and multiple detectors arranged at different source-to-detector distances (e.g., 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm). The system dynamically selects which wavelength and which source-to-detector distance to use based on the desired tissue depth measurement, enabling adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is segmented into multiple independent light sources and detectors, where each source-detector pair is optimized for specific tissue depths. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate specific segments (sources and detectors) based on measurement requirements, providing depth-selective capability while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
2Measurement precision
If existing oximeters use fixed source-to-detector distances, then the manufacturing precision requirements are simplified, but the measurement precision for specific tissue depths is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple light sources with different wavelengths (690nm, 805nm, 940nm) to probe different tissue depths. By changing the wavelength parameter, the measurement can be optimized for superficial tissue (e.g., 690nm for epidermis), intermediate depth (e.g., 805nm for dermis), or deeper tissue (e.g., 940nm for subcutaneous tissue), thereby achieving high measurement precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on source-to-detector distances.
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 precise oximetry measurements of specific tissue depths that can be varied while using the oximeter probe has a source and a source and a source and a number of detectors that can be variously accessed for measuring tissue oxygen saturation from different tissue depths of tissue, that can be varied while using the oximeter probe has a source and a number of detectors that can be varied while using the oximeter probe has a source and a number of detectors that can be user selectable for analyzing specific tissue depths that can be varied while using the oximeter probe has a source and a number of detectors that can be user selectable for analyzing specific tissue depths that can be varied while using the oximeter probe has a source and a number of detectors that can be used to determine tissue oxygen saturation of the tissue.
Implementation Method 1
sources that emit wavelengths of light (visible light, IR, or both)
Implementation Method 2
Tissue oximeters can measure oxygen levels in human tissue by exploiting these light-absorption differences
Data Source
AI summary
An oximeter probe includes a probe unit or a base unit and a probe tip where the probe tip has a number of sources and detectors that can be accessed individually or in differing combinations for measuring tissue oxygen saturation at different tissue depth in tissue. A processor of the oximeter probe controls a multiplexer that is coupled to the detectors for selectively collecting measurement information from the detectors via the multiplexer. The oximeter probe is user programmable via one or more input devices on the oximeter probe for selecting the particular sources and detectors to collect measurement information from by the processor.