Sepsis Detection Algorithm Differentiates Activity from Vital Signs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring sepsis risk in outpatient settings are inadequate, as they lack a straightforward diagnostic approach and often result in false positives due to the inability to distinguish between physical activity-related and sepsis-related vital sign elevations, leading to high hospital readmission rates and mortality.
Innovation Solution
A remote monitoring system using a wearable biometric sensor to detect heart rate, respiratory rate, and activity, with an algorithm that differentiates between physical activity and sepsis-related changes, communicating data to a cloud server for risk assessment and generating daily reports to reduce false positives and improve timely interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sepsis monitoring methods are used in outpatient settings, then early detection of sepsis risk indicators can be achieved, but false positives occur due to inability to distinguish physical activity-related from sepsis-related vital sign elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into multiple independent components: wearable biometric sensors for continuous vital sign collection, activity sensors for motion detection, and a processing system that separately analyzes activity patterns versus sepsis indicators. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between vital sign changes caused by physical activity versus those caused by sepsis, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining early detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives raw data from both biometric sensors and activity sensors, then performs comparative analysis to filter out activity-related variations before generating sepsis risk assessments. This intermediary processing step acts as a mediator that separates the confounding effects of physical activity from true sepsis indicators, improving measurement precision without sacrificing reliability
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of vital signs is implemented in ambulatory patients, then early warning signs of sepsis can be detected, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercial off-the-shelf wearable devices that serve multiple functions: they monitor vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature), track physical activity, and provide location data. By utilizing multi-functional devices, the system achieves comprehensive sepsis monitoring capability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware platform performs multiple monitoring tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to be self-managing through automated algorithms that continuously process sensor data, automatically distinguish between activity and sepsis-related changes, and generate risk assessments without requiring constant medical intervention. The system serves itself by performing data collection, processing, and initial analysis autonomously, reducing the operational complexity burden on healthcare providers
3Quantity of substance
If comprehensive vital sign monitoring is performed without accounting for patient activity, then all vital sign changes are captured, but unnecessary hospital readmissions occur due to false positive sepsis indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates activity-related information from the overall vital sign data stream by using dedicated activity sensors and analysis algorithms. This extraction process isolates the confounding variable of physical activity, allowing the system to focus on true sepsis indicators. By taking out the activity component, the system reduces false positives and consequently decreases unnecessary hospital readmissions while maintaining comprehensive vital sign monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus for remote patient monitoring or tracking sepsis-related indicators or markers in ambulatory patients or outpatients. The method, system, and apparatus is devised or configured to provide remote patient monitoring of patient vitals signs for determining the risk for sepsis.