Simultaneous Oscillometric ABI Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the ankle-brachial index (ABI) are prone to inaccuracy due to sequential measurement of blood pressures in extremities, which can lead to inconsistent results and longer diagnosis times, especially when blood pressures in limbs deviate from each other.
Innovation Solution
A device with four inflatable cuffs and pressure sensors that allow simultaneous oscillometric measurement of blood pressure in both upper and lower extremities, using a central unit to calculate ABI values from the quotient of ankle and arm pressure values, enabling precise and rapid determination of ABI indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential measurement of blood pressures in extremities is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inconsistent results when blood pressures in limbs deviate from each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple blood pressure measurement functions into a single integrated device. The measurement device includes multiple pressure sensors and a control unit that can simultaneously measure blood pressures in both upper and lower extremities, merging what would traditionally require separate sequential measurements into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adapts its measurement process by automatically determining which extremities to measure based on the test person's anatomy and conditions. The control unit can selectively apply cuffs to relevant extremities and adjust measurement parameters dynamically, allowing the system to optimize precision while maintaining reasonable complexity.
2Device complexity
If sequential measurement of blood pressures is performed, then device complexity is simplified, but diagnosis time increases due to longer measurement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple blood pressure measurements that would traditionally be performed sequentially into a simultaneous multi-point measurement system. By applying cuffs to multiple extremities and measuring all blood pressures at once, the device dramatically reduces diagnosis time while the integrated control unit manages the complexity of coordinating multiple measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by automatically determining the appropriate extremities for measurement before the actual blood pressure measurement begins. The control unit pre-configures which cuffs to apply and how to process the measurements, streamlining the overall diagnosis process and reducing total time required.
3Measurement precision
If simultaneous oscillometric measurement of blood pressures in both upper and lower extremities is performed, then measurement precision and diagnosis speed are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple cuffs and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement device that can perform multiple functions: measuring blood pressure in both upper and lower extremities, determining ankle-brachial indices, and adapting to different test person configurations. The single device replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate measurement tools, managing complexity through multi-functionality rather than multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides self-service through its automatic control unit that autonomously determines which extremities to measure, applies and removes cuffs, processes measurement data, and calculates ankle-brachial indices without requiring manual intervention for each measurement step. This automation manages the complexity of simultaneous multi-point measurements.
4Productivity
If multiple cuffs and pressure sensors are used for simultaneous measurement, then productivity is improved through faster diagnosis, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement capabilities into a single integrated device with a central control unit that coordinates multiple cuffs and pressure sensors. This consolidation achieves fast simultaneous diagnosis while managing complexity through integration rather than requiring separate devices for each measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary configuration and coordination of all measurement components before actual measurement begins. By pre-planning which extremities to measure and how to process data, the system optimizes diagnosis speed while avoiding the complexity of real-time decision-making during measurement.
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 ensures accurate and simultaneous measurement of ABI values, allowing for more precise diagnosis and quicker assessment of arterial occlusive diseases by comparing indices from both extremities, providing clear insights into the presence and severity of conditions.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensors and a central unit which can perform an oscillometric measurement of the subject's blood pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (1) for determining a test person's ankle-arm index comprises cuffs (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) to be placed on extremities of the test person, pressure sensors (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b), and a central unit (6) that is connected to the pressure sensors and is used for oscillometrically measuring blood pressures of the test person. According to a method for determining a test person's ankle-arm index, cuffs are placed on the test person's extremities, and blood pressures in the respective extremities are simultaneously measured in an oscillometric fashion in order to determine one respective blood pressure value. At least one ankle-arm index is determined from the pressure values. At least two devices for oscillometrically measuring a blood pressure are used for determining an ankle-arm index of an extremity of a test person.