Photoacoustic Sensing Apparatus for Noninvasive Blood Parameter Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-invasive measurement of blood oxygen saturation, core temperature, and glucose levels are limited by invasiveness, insufficient sensitivity, and interference from other physiological parameters, leading to inaccurate and costly solutions.
Innovation Solution
A photo-acoustic sensing apparatus that uses a single-wavelength light source and ultrasound transducer array to measure blood oxygen saturation, core temperature, and glucose levels concurrently, employing photo-acoustic guided transmission methods to reduce interference and improve sensitivity and specificity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive central venous catheters are used to measure blood oxygen saturation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient risk and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive catheter-based measurement system with a non-invasive photoacoustic sensing system. The photoacoustic sensor detects blood oxygen saturation through optical absorption measurements of hemoglobin in blood vessels, eliminating the need for physical insertion into the bloodstream while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to measure blood oxygen saturation non-invasively. By using light absorption characteristics of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin at different wavelengths, the system obtains blood oxygen saturation data without direct contact with blood, thus avoiding invasive procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blood parameters are measured simultaneously, then comprehensive physiological monitoring is improved, but measurement interference from correlated parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by using distinct wavelength ranges for different parameters: visible light wavelengths (400-700nm) for blood oxygen saturation measurement and infrared wavelengths for temperature and glucose measurement. This spectral segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters while minimizing cross-interference between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a broad spectrum light source that exceeds the minimum required wavelengths, providing excessive spectral coverage. This allows the system to selectively measure different parameters using only the relevant portions of the spectrum, enabling multi-parameter measurement while using partial action to avoid interference from other parameters.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional optical methods are used for non-invasive blood parameter measurement, then invasiveness is reduced, but sensitivity and penetration depth are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical sensing with photoacoustic detection to overcome the limitations of conventional optical methods. The system uses optical absorption to generate photoacoustic signals, which then propagate through tissue with less scattering and attenuation. This combination allows non-invasive measurement with enhanced sensitivity and penetration depth compared to pure optical methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition from optical energy to acoustic energy in the photoacoustic effect. When pulsed light is absorbed by chromophores in blood, it causes rapid thermal expansion that generates acoustic waves. These acoustic waves can penetrate deeper into tissue than the original light, enabling non-invasive measurement with improved penetration depth and sensitivity.
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 apparatus provides accurate, non-invasive, and cost-effective measurements of blood oxygen saturation, core temperature, and glucose levels, unaffected by variations in other physiological parameters, with enhanced sensitivity and specificity, and the ability to measure multiple parameters simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
Photo-acoustic sensing apparatus and methods of operation thereof... The photo-acoustic (PA) effect refers to acoustic wave generation of a material via thermoelastic mechanism when illuminated by, for example, intensity modulated light.
Data Source
AI summary
A photo-acoustic sensing apparatus (100) for non-invasive measurement of blood parameters of a subject (102) comprises a photo-acoustic sensor (104) for sensing photo-acoustic signals (106) induced when a region of the subject is illuminated by a light source (108). A first sensor processing module (112) may derive blood oxygen saturation using sensed photo-acoustic signals (114). A second sensor processing module (116) may derive blood core temperature using sensed photo-acoustic signals. A third sensor processing module (118) may derive blood glucose using sensed photo-acoustic signals. The sensing apparatus is configured to derive at least one of: a de-correlated value (120) of blood oxygen saturation of the subject; a de-correlated value (122) of blood core temperature of the subject; and a de-correlated value (124) of blood glucose of the subject.