Oximeter Marking Feature for Tissue Viability Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oximeters are inefficient as they require doctors to manually remember and record multiple oxygen saturation readings across a tissue surface, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially in critical conditions.
Innovation Solution
An oximeter with a marking feature that allows the device to mark the tissue surface with ink, indicating the location and oxygen saturation level, thereby creating a visual map of tissue viability for easier reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a doctor uses an oximeter to spot check multiple locations manually, then measurements can be obtained at different positions, but the process becomes inefficient and burdensome requiring the doctor to remember and record multiple readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by using a marking mechanism that creates visual copies of measurement information directly on the tissue surface. Instead of requiring the doctor to mentally remember or manually record readings, the oximeter produces permanent visual marks (dots, patterns, or symbols) at each measurement location that serve as external memory aids, allowing the doctor to efficiently track and compare multiple oxygen saturation readings across different tissue positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the measurement process and the doctor's memory. The marks serve as a mediating visual representation that bridges the gap between taking measurements and retaining information about those measurements, eliminating the need for the doctor to directly remember multiple readings while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Loss of information
If multiple measurements are taken across a tissue region, then comprehensive oxygen saturation data is obtained, but the complexity of tracking and remembering readings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates visual copies of measurement data in the form of marks placed directly on the tissue. Each mark encodes information about the measurement location and oxygen saturation level, providing a persistent external record that prevents information loss without requiring complex tracking systems or manual documentation procedures.
3Ease of operation
If an oximeter marks tissue at measurement locations, then visual tracking of oxygen saturation levels is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the marking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The oximeter device is enhanced with a marking mechanism that provides multiple functions: it not only takes oxygen saturation measurements but also creates permanent visual records of those measurements directly on the tissue. This multi-functionality integrates the measurement and documentation processes into a single device, improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for separate recording tools or manual note-taking.
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 oximeter with a marking feature enhances the efficiency and accuracy of oxygen saturation measurements by allowing doctors to visually track and compare readings directly on the tissue surface, improving decision-making during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to transmit light through a tissue and a photodetector to detect the light
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device such as an oximeter includes a marking feature. In an implementation, a marking mechanism of the device marks tissue based on a location of where a measurement was taken by the device. In an implementation, the marking mechanism of the device marks tissue based on an oxygen saturation measurement obtained by the device.