SLIM-1 Marker Protein for Early Heart Failure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for heart failure lack reliable biochemical markers for early detection, leading to late diagnosis and high mortality rates, as existing markers like B-type natriuretic peptide have limited predictive value for pre-symptomatic assessment.

Innovation Solution

The use of SLIM-1 as a marker protein, combined with optional other markers, to assess heart failure by measuring their concentrations in samples and comparing them to control values, aiding in risk assessment, disease progression, and treatment selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing markers like B-type natriuretic peptide are used for heart failure assessment, then the diagnostic process can be performed, but the predictive value for pre-symptomatic assessment is limited leading to late diagnosis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredictive valueVSAvoiddiagnosis timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new biochemical parameter (SLIM-1 protein concentration) to replace or complement existing markers. By measuring SLIM-1 levels in blood samples and comparing them against established reference ranges, the system achieves earlier detection of heart failure risk, transforming the diagnostic timing from late to pre-symptomatic stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the limitations of existing mechanical/diagnostic approaches with a biochemical marker-based system. Instead of relying on traditional mechanical assessment methods that detect heart failure only after symptoms manifest, the SLIM-1 biochemical marker enables molecular-level detection, replacing late-stage mechanical diagnosis with early biochemical assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a single marker is used for heart failure assessment, then the measurement process is simple, but the predictive value and diagnostic accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidmarker combination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges SLIM-1 measurement with existing heart failure marker assessment systems. By combining SLIM-1 concentration data with traditional markers (such as B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin, or creatine kinase MB), the system creates a composite diagnostic approach that enhances accuracy while maintaining practical implementability through integrated measurement protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9267954B2Use of SLIM-1 in the assessment of heart failure

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIV OF TORONTO

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assessing heart failure in vitro comprising the steps of measuring in a sample the concentration of the marker SLIM-1, of optionally measuring in the sample the concentration of one or more other marker(s) of heart failure, and of assessing heart failure by comparing the concentration determined in for SLIM-1 and the concentration(s) determined for the optionally one or more other marker to the concentration of this marker or these markers as established in a reference population. Also disclosed are the use of SLIM-1 as a marker protein in the assessment of heart failure, a marker combination comprising SLIM-1 and a kit for measuring SLIM-1.