Dual-Wavelength Oximetry Device for Pigmentation Bias Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse oximeters often overestimate blood oxygen saturation in individuals with darker pigmentation due to pigmentation dependence, leading to potential delays in care and increased rates of occult hypoxemia, and adding hardware like Melanometers increases cost and size.
Innovation Solution
A device using a combination of IR and red light emitters, detectors, and processors to calculate a modified oximeter ratio (Rmod) that corrects for melanin content without additional hardware, utilizing AC and DC components of waveforms to reduce pigmentation bias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional hardware like Melanometer is added to correct pigmentation bias, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse oximeter uses its existing emitters and detectors to measure both the oximeter ratio and skin pigmentation independently, allowing the system to self-correct without external hardware. The DC components of the waveforms provide pigmentation information that the system processes internally to adjust SpO2 calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing emitters and detectors serve dual purposes: measuring both the oximeter ratio for SpO2 calculation and skin pigmentation characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate Melanometer hardware while maintaining the ability to correct for pigmentation bias.
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware like Melanometer is added to correct pigmentation bias, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse oximeter uses its existing emitters and detectors to measure both the oximeter ratio and skin pigmentation independently, allowing the system to self-correct without external hardware. The DC components of the waveforms provide pigmentation information that the system processes internally to adjust SpO2 calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing emitters and detectors serve dual purposes: measuring both the oximeter ratio for SpO2 calculation and skin pigmentation characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate Melanometer hardware while maintaining the ability to correct for pigmentation bias.
3Device complexity
If conventional oximeter algorithm is used, then device complexity is kept low, but measurement precision deteriorates in darkly pigmented individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies the SpO2 calculation by introducing a correction factor based on the measured skin pigmentation level. The algorithm adjusts the oximeter ratio interpretation according to the DC component measurements, effectively changing the calculation parameters to account for pigmentation effects without adding hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures skin pigmentation using the DC components of the waveforms and uses this information to feedback-correct the SpO2 calculation. This closed-loop approach allows the algorithm to adapt to individual pigmentation levels in real-time, improving accuracy without increasing device complexity.
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 modified oximeter ratio (Rmod) reduces overestimation bias in individuals with darker pigmentation, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for additional sensors, thus enhancing clinical decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
one or more IR emitters configured to emit one or more first signals at one or more respective first wavelengths, wherein the one or more first signals are able to be absorbed in part by oxyhemoglobin; one or more second emitters configured to emit one or more second signals at one or more respective second wavelengths, wherein the one or more second signals are able to be absorbed in part in by deoxyhemoglobin
Implementation Method 2
one or more detectors configured to receive (i) one or more first waveforms corresponding to the one or more first signals and (ii) one or more second waveforms corresponding to the one or more second signals
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring blood oxygen saturation including at least two emitters. The device comprises an IR emitter configured to emit a first signal at a first wavelength. This signal is able to be absorbed in part by oxyhemoglobin. The device may also include a second emitter to emit at a separate second wavelength. This wavelength is able to be absorbed in part in by deoxyhemoglobin. The device may also include one or more detectors configured waveforms corresponding to both the signals from the emitters. These waveforms may comprise AC and DC components which are to be used by the processor(s) of the device. The processor(s) is configured to calculate an oximeter ratio (R) based on the respective AC and DC components.