Photoplethysmography PDA Detection via Pulse Transit Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants are inadequate, as they rely on invasive and unreliable echocardiography, which is disruptive, expensive, and lacks sensitivity and specificity, making it difficult to accurately assess hemodynamic significance and timing of therapeutic intervention.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive photoplethysmographic method that uses electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals from the upper body and foot to determine parameters such as pulse amplitude, pulse transit time, and time delay, allowing for the detection of PDA through relative pulse amplitude, pulse transit time, and time delay analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If echocardiography is used to detect PDA, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the method becomes invasive, expensive, and disruptive to the infant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidinvasiveness and disruption to infant

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical echocardiography system with a photoplethysmographic system that uses optical sensors to detect blood volume changes. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive probe placement in the heart while maintaining diagnostic capability through peripheral pulse wave analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces photoplethysmography as an intermediary method between direct echocardiographic observation and simple clinical examination. By measuring peripheral pulse wave characteristics, it provides indirect but accurate information about ductal hemodynamics without requiring direct cardiac imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If echocardiography is used to detect PDA, then diagnostic capability is improved, but cost and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive photoplethysmographic sensors that can be easily applied and removed, replacing expensive echocardiography equipment. These simple optical sensors provide sufficient diagnostic information without requiring complex imaging systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential diagnostic information from the complex echocardiographic process by focusing only on pulse wave characteristics that indicate PDA presence. This extraction simplifies the diagnostic approach while retaining clinical utility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If current clinical evaluation methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but sensitivity and specificity for PDA detection are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of clinical evaluationVSAvoidsensitivity and specificity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple clinical evaluation with an automated photoplethysmographic system that maintains ease of use while dramatically improving detection accuracy through objective pulse wave parameter analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automated analysis of pulse wave parameters with feedback mechanisms that objectively determine PDA presence based on measured characteristics, eliminating the subjectivity and low accuracy of manual clinical evaluation while keeping the process simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This method provides a more accurate and non-invasive means to detect PDA, enabling continuous monitoring of ductus closure or response to treatment, improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making.

Implementation Method 1

In photoplethysmography, the emitted light passes through the skin and is reflected, absorbed, and scattered by the tissue and blood

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the emitted light passes through the skin and is reflected, absorbed, and scattered by the tissue and blood

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

obtain or receive electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from the infant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

determining the mean of one or more of the following parameters for a plurality of the PPG pulses: (i) a relative pulse amplitude, (ii) a pulse transit time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse wave propagation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11872021B2Detection of patent ductus arteriosus using photoplethysmography

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 THE FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH

AI summary

Methods and systems are described for detecting the likelihood of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in an infant using electrocardiogram and photoplethysmographic pulse signals obtained from the upper body and foot of the infant.