Regional Oximetry Sensor Data Storage and Wireless Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient monitoring systems face challenges in maintaining access to historical physiological data, particularly regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) baselines, when patients are moved between different locations within or between hospitals, as the data is often unavailable to clinicians at the destination site due to the disconnectivity of sensors and monitors.
Innovation Solution
The development of sensors equipped with mechanisms to store and wirelessly transmit patient-related data, such as rSO2 baselines, allowing them to travel with the patient and be accessible on various monitors, ensuring continuous data availability and comparison capabilities for clinicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If patient monitoring data is stored locally in fixed monitors at specific locations, then data is readily accessible at that location, but data becomes unavailable when patients are moved to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into portable sensor components that can be detached from fixed monitors and transferred between locations. The sensor unit becomes an independent data storage entity, separating the data storage function from the fixed monitor infrastructure, allowing data to travel with the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary mechanism between the portable sensor and various monitors. This intermediary enables data transmission without physical connection, allowing seamless data access across different locations and devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are disconnected from monitors when patients are moved, then sensors can be transferred to new locations, but historical data collected by the monitor becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data storage function into the portable sensor unit itself. The sensor now contains both the sensing capabilities and the historical data storage, combining functions that were previously separated between sensor and monitor. This ensures data portability with the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary data storage in the sensor before disconnection occurs. The sensor continuously stores physiological data locally, so when disconnected and relocated, the data is already preserved and ready for transfer, eliminating data loss during the transition.
3Ease of operation
If monitors are location-specific and fixed, then monitoring infrastructure is simple to maintain, but clinicians cannot access patient data across different care locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed monitor system into a dynamic, mobile system. The sensor unit can be relocated freely while maintaining data access capabilities through wireless communication, making the monitoring system adaptable to changing patient locations and care needs.
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 seamless data storage and retrieval of rSO2 baselines, allowing clinicians to assess patient conditions across different locations and compare pre- and post-treatment data, enhancing patient care and monitoring efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the oximeter sensor emits light and photoelectrically senses the absorption and/or scattering of the light after passage through the perfused tissue
Implementation Method 2
the oximeter sensor emits light and photoelectrically senses the absorption and/or scattering of the light after passage through the perfused tissue
Implementation Method 3
the oximeter sensor emits light and photoelectrically senses the absorption and/or scattering of the light
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a regional oximetry sensor may include a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to receive the light, and a memory device configured to store a baseline. The baseline stored by the memory device enables a regional oximetry monitor to display the baseline on a display of the regional oximetry monitor.