Portable Patient Advisory Device Brain State Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handheld devices for monitoring neurological events, such as epileptic seizures, only provide binary warnings and do not inform patients when seizures are unlikely, lacking continuous monitoring and clear indicators for immediate action.
Innovation Solution
A portable patient advisory device (PAD) that continuously monitors brain activity using electrodes and wirelessly transmits data to provide real-time brain state indicators, including likelihood of seizures, system status, and alerts for potential issues like transmission problems or battery strength, using colored LEDs and audio/vibratory outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a binary warning system is used to indicate seizure likelihood, then the device complexity is reduced, but the information provided to the patient is insufficient and does not indicate when seizures are unlikely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the brain state information into multiple discrete levels (e.g., green LED for low likelihood, yellow LED for moderate likelihood, red LED for high likelihood of seizure) rather than using a single binary indicator. This segmentation allows the system to convey nuanced information about brain state while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of multiple independent but parallel indicator elements.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of brain activity is implemented, then the patient receives timely information about brain state, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of brain activity signals at predetermined intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The processor periodically analyzes the EEG signals and updates the LED indicators at specific time intervals, which maintains the reliability of seizure likelihood assessment while significantly reducing the energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing and display updating.
3Loss of information
If multiple indicators are provided to show different brain states, then the patient can understand their brain state better, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different colored LEDs (green, yellow, red) positioned at specific locations on the device to represent different brain states. Each LED serves a specific local function of indicating a particular seizure likelihood level. This local differentiation of quality (color and position) allows the system to convey multiple types of information simultaneously while keeping each individual indicator element simple and the overall system architecture straightforward.
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 patients to receive clear and timely information about their brain state, enabling them to take appropriate precautions and ensuring continuous monitoring of both neurological and system status, improving patient safety and awareness.
Implementation Method 1
A brain activity signal is sampled from the patient using one or more electrodes that are anywhere in or on the patient
Implementation Method 2
A data signal encoded with data that is indicative of the sampled brain activity signal may then be wirelessly transmitted in substantially real-time from the patient's body to a portable patient advisory device
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of brain state indicators may indicate to patients that they are in a contra-ictal state, an unknown brain state, a pro-ictal state, or an ictal state
Data Source
AI summary
A patient advisory device (“PAD”) and its methods of use. The PAD may be configured to alert the patient about an estimated brain state of the patient. In preferred embodiments, the PAD is adapted to alert the patient of the patient's brain state, which corresponds to the patient's propensity of transitioning into an ictal brain state, e.g., having a seizure. Based on the specific type of alert, the patient will be made aware whether they are highly unlikely to have a seizure for a given period of time, an elevated propensity of having a seizure, a seizure is occurring or imminent, or the patient's brain state is unknown.