Oximetry Probe With Selectable Optical Depth Sensing

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, especially in non-ideal conditions such as during surgery.

Innovation Solution

A handheld oximeter probe with user-selectable source-to-detector distances and user-selectable wavelengths of light (visible or IR) that includes self-contained optics, processing, display, and power supply, allowing for precise tissue oxygen saturation measurements at varying depths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing oximeters use fixed source-to-detector distances and fixed wavelengths, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision and adaptability for different tissue depths deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue oxygen saturation measurement accuracyVSAvoidoximeter probe configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability by providing multiple source-to-detector spacing configurations and multiple wavelength options (visible and IR) that can be selected based on the specific measurement requirements. This allows the oximeter to adapt its optical parameters dynamically to probe different tissue depths accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key optical parameters including source-to-detector distance (with specific configurations such as 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm, 26mm, 28mm, 30mm, 32mm, 34mm, 36mm, 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm, 46mm, 48mm, 50mm, 52mm, 54mm, 56mm, 58mm, 60mm, 62mm, 64mm, 66mm, 68mm, 70mm, 72mm, 74mm, 76mm, 78mm, 80mm, 82mm, 84mm, 86mm, 88mm, 90mm, 92mm, 94mm, 96mm, 98mm, 100mm) and wavelength (visible and IR) to enable probing of different tissue depths and improve measurement precision for various clinical applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing oximeters lack user-selectable source-to-detector distances and wavelengths, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for probing different tissue depths and reliability in non-ideal conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue depth probing capabilityVSAvoidoximeter probe configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability by providing multiple source-to-detector spacing configurations and multiple wavelength options (visible and IR) that can be selected based on the specific measurement requirements. This allows the oximeter to adapt its optical parameters dynamically to probe different tissue depths accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal oximeter probe that can perform multiple functions by incorporating both visible and IR wavelength sources with multiple source-to-detector spacings, enabling the device to handle various tissue types and measurement scenarios (surgical monitoring, post-operative care, athletic training) with a single instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If existing oximeters use fixed optical configurations, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision under varying non-ideal conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue oxygen saturation accuracy during surgeryVSAvoidoximeter setup and use

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability by providing multiple source-to-detector spacing configurations and multiple wavelength options (visible and IR) that can be selected based on the specific measurement requirements. This allows the oximeter to adapt its optical parameters dynamically to probe different tissue depths accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate determination of tissue oxygen saturation at specific tissue depths, facilitating decisions on tissue viability during surgeries and other medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

sources that emit wavelengths of light (visible light, IR, or both) that can be user selected for probing different tissue depth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

detectors having source-to-detector spacing that can be user selected for probing different tissue depth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

Tissue oximeters can measure oxygen levels in human tissue by exploiting these light-absorption differences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12383169B2Oximetry probe with tissue depth analysis

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 VIOPTIX INC

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.