Passive Wireless Gastroesophageal Sensor for Reflux Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring gastroesophageal reflux are limited by bulky and uncomfortable devices that require tethered connections, have limited battery life, and cannot accurately detect non-acid reflux episodes, hindering prolonged and accurate diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A batteryless wireless impedance sensor system using inductive coupling, with an energy harvesting circuit, sensing electrodes, and an impedance-to-frequency converter, allowing for remote impedance measurement without an implanted power source, and capable of detecting both acid and non-acid reflux episodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tethered MII probe is used for impedance monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and patient comfort deteriorate due to bulky configuration and transnasal insertion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two independent components: a miniature implantable sensor (20 mm diameter) and an external reader system. This segmentation allows the sensor to be small and comfortable for the patient while the complex processing functions are moved to the external unit, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power source and complex electronics are extracted from the implantable sensor and placed in the external reader system. The sensor becomes a passive, batteryless device that harvests energy from the external reader's electromagnetic field, eliminating the need for transnasal tethering and reducing implant complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Device complexity
If a wireless pH monitoring capsule with battery is used, then device complexity is reduced, but duration of action deteriorates due to limited battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs self-service by harvesting energy from the external reader's electromagnetic field through inductive coupling. This passive energy harvesting eliminates the need for an internal battery, allowing the sensor to function indefinitely as long as the external reader is available for periodic measurements, thus extending monitoring duration without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic measurements where the external reader wirelessly energizes and communicates with the implantable sensor at intervals. This periodic interaction allows the batteryless sensor to accumulate sufficient energy for each measurement cycle, enabling long-term monitoring without continuous power consumption
3Duration of action of moving object
If a battery-powered wireless sensor is used for continuous monitoring, then duration of action is improved, but use of energy deteriorates due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates in periodic measurement cycles rather than continuously. During each cycle, the external reader provides electromagnetic energy that the sensor harvests and stores temporarily. Measurements are taken during these periodic intervals, allowing the sensor to function for extended periods with minimal energy consumption from the patient's perspective
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor harvests its own operating energy from the external reader's electromagnetic field through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for an internal battery. This self-service energy harvesting approach allows the sensor to be powered without consuming the patient's bodily energy or requiring implanted power sources, enabling indefinite monitoring duration
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 system provides accurate, long-term monitoring of gastroesophageal reflux, improving patient comfort and diagnostic accuracy by detecting every reflux episode, including non-acid reflux, without the limitations of battery life or tethered connections.
Implementation Method 1
Based on inductive coupling, the impedance of the reflux can be determined remotely without the need of a battery in the implant
Implementation Method 2
The passive batteryless RFID circuit transmits a frequency modulated signal using the LC resonance circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A passive wireless gastroesophageal sensor includes a LC resonance circuit, two or more electrodes and a passive batteryless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuit connected to the LC resonance circuit and the one or more electrodes. The electrodes are configured to measure an impedance within a gastroesophageal tract. The passive batteryless RFID circuit transmits a frequency modulated signal using the LC resonance circuit that varies between a first frequency corresponding to a non-acid reflux condition and a second frequency corresponding to an acid reflux condition based on the measured impedance in response to a signal received from a detector.