Raman Spectroscopy for Real-Time Non-Invasive Hypoxia Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting hypoxia, particularly in fetuses during labor, are invasive, discontinuous, time-consuming, and lack specificity, making continuous, real-time monitoring challenging.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive Raman spectroscopy method that collects tissue spectra using a Raman probe, processed by a predictive model trained on hypoxic, post-hypoxic, and normoxic data sets to identify hypoxia or post-hypoxia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive fetal blood sampling is used to detect hypoxia, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehypoxia detection accuracyVSAvoidoperational comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical invasive sampling system with an optical Raman spectroscopy system. The Raman probe uses laser excitation and spectral analysis to detect biochemical markers of hypoxia (lactate, pH) non-invasively through tissue, eliminating the need for needle insertion and blood drawing while maintaining diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Raman spectroscopy as an intermediary measurement technique that indirectly detects hypoxia conditions through characteristic spectral signatures of metabolites in the tissue. This intermediary approach allows inference of physiological state without direct blood sampling, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If invasive fetal blood sampling is used to detect hypoxia, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehypoxia detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous monitoring by maintaining constant contact of the Raman probe with the fetal scalp tissue. The system continuously acquires Raman spectra and processes them in real-time to detect hypoxia, eliminating the discontinuous nature of periodic blood sampling and enabling uninterrupted surveillance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The replacement of time-consuming blood sampling and laboratory analysis with instantaneous Raman spectral measurement and automated chemometric analysis dramatically reduces measurement time while preserving diagnostic precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If pH determination is used to detect hypoxia, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacidosis detection accuracyVSAvoidacidosis type discrimination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the measurement system universal by simultaneously detecting multiple physiological parameters (pH, lactate concentration, oxygenation status) through a single Raman spectroscopy platform. This multi-functional capability allows differentiation between respiratory and metabolic acidosis while maintaining the precision of pH measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent measures more than just pH by also detecting lactate and other metabolites through Raman spectroscopy. This excessive measurement approach provides redundant information that enables discrimination of acidosis types and improves overall adaptability without sacrificing pH measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Ease of operation

If Cardiotocography is used to monitor fetal condition, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring simplicityVSAvoidfetal suffering detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Raman spectroscopy as a direct intermediary measurement of fetal tissue biochemical state, bypassing the indirect inference required by CTG. The Raman probe directly detects hypoxia markers in fetal scalp tissue, providing precise measurement while maintaining ease of operation through external probe placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical CTG system with an optical Raman spectroscopy system that directly measures biochemical parameters. This substitution maintains operational simplicity (external probe placement) while dramatically improving measurement precision by directly detecting tissue metabolites rather than inferring from heart rate patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260047762A1Method and device for determination of hypoxia

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 ASSOC CENT OF COOP RES IN NANOCIENCE CIC NANOGUNE

AI summary

The invention relates to a non-invasive method for determining hypoxia in a subject. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method and to the use of said device for determining hypoxia in a subject.