Sepsis Detection via Pulse Morphology Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Early detection of sepsis is challenging due to its complexity and heterogeneity, often leading to advanced disease diagnosis, which can result in severe outcomes, as existing methods are inefficient in identifying systemic inflammation and blood clotting issues in a timely manner.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using radiofrequency signals to assess the likelihood of sepsis by processing input signals to determine characteristic pulse morphology, calculating blood flow, and comparing ratios to predetermined thresholds, which helps in identifying disturbances and muscle activity to predict sepsis development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clinical criteria and blood culture methods are used for sepsis diagnosis, then diagnosis accuracy can be achieved, but detection time is delayed (24-72 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by monitoring pulse morphology and blood flow parameters before sepsis fully develops. The system detects subtle changes in pulse wave characteristics and blood flow patterns that precede clinical sepsis diagnosis, enabling early intervention before the 24-72 hour culture period is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/biological blood culture system with a non-invasive optical sensing system. Instead of waiting for microbial growth in culture media, the system uses photoplethysmography to detect hemodynamic changes associated with sepsis, substituting a time-consuming biological process with immediate optical measurement.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive sepsis monitoring is implemented to improve detection accuracy, then diagnostic precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single photoplethysmography-based sensor system to perform multiple diagnostic functions. The same optical sensor that measures heart rate also detects pulse morphology changes, blood flow patterns, and tissue oxygenation, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple monitoring functions into a unified system. By combining pulse rate monitoring, pulse waveform analysis, and blood flow assessment into one integrated photoplethysmography system, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive sepsis detection capabilities.
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 approach enables early and accurate assessment of sepsis likelihood, providing a binary or continuous likelihood assessment, improving clinical outcomes by identifying sepsis risk before severe organ dysfunction occurs.
Implementation Method 1
using an input radiofrequency signal received from the subject responsively to an output radiofrequency signal transmitted to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assessing the likelihood that an infected subject develops sepsis, using an input radiofrequency signal received from the subject responsively to an output radiofrequency signal transmitted to the subject. The method comprises: processing the input signal to provide a processed signal, analyzing the processed signal to determine a characteristic pulse morphology of the processed signal, and using the characteristic pulse morphology for assessing the likelihood that the subject develops sepsis.