Subcutaneous Sensor Array for Sepsis Risk Index
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and managing sepsis are inadequate, leading to high mortality rates and significant economic burdens due to the lack of effective early detection and intervention strategies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor array inserted into subcutaneous tissue to continuously monitor glucose, lactate, and tissue oxygen levels, coupled with an electronics module that calculates a risk index for sepsis based on these parameters, enabling early detection and monitoring of sepsis progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methods for sepsis are used, then diagnosis can be made, but early detection capability is insufficient leading to high mortality rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sepsis by continuously monitoring multiple analytes (glucose, lactate, ketone bodies, amino acids, cytokines) and calculating a risk index before clinical sepsis manifests. This early warning capability allows intervention before mortality risk increases, directly addressing the insufficient early detection capability while improving reliability through proactive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors multiple biochemical parameters simultaneously (glucose, lactate, ketone bodies, amino acids, cytokines) and their changes over time to calculate a composite risk index. By tracking parameter changes rather than single static values, the system achieves both early detection capability and improved reliability in predicting sepsis development and mortality risk.
2Reliability
If intensive care unit treatment with invasive monitoring is implemented, then sepsis treatment can be provided, but healthcare costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary risk assessment and early intervention in non-ICU settings by continuously monitoring analyte levels and calculating risk indices. This allows effective sepsis treatment to be initiated earlier in the disease course, potentially avoiding the need for expensive ICU admission while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous automated monitoring and risk calculation without requiring intensive human intervention or invasive procedures. The portable device with sensor array enables self-monitoring capabilities that reduce dependence on expensive ICU resources while maintaining reliable sepsis detection and treatment guidance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple analytes are monitored continuously, then early detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple analyte monitoring functions (glucose, lactate, ketone bodies, amino acids, cytokines) into a single integrated portable device with a unified sensor array and centralized processing unit. This combination achieves high early detection accuracy through multi-analyte monitoring while managing device complexity through integration rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable monitoring device is designed with universal multi-functionality to monitor multiple different analytes using a single device platform. The sensor array and processing system can detect various biochemical markers simultaneously, achieving high detection accuracy without requiring multiple specialized devices, thus balancing precision with manageable complexity.
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 system allows for timely and cost-effective early detection and monitoring of sepsis, potentially reducing mortality rates and healthcare costs by providing real-time data for proactive therapeutic interventions.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor array inserted into subcutaneous tissue to continuously monitor glucose, lactate, and tissue oxygen levels
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for early detection of sepsis in a host is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first sensor to directly measure a glucose level, a second sensor to directly measure a lactate level and a third sensor to directly measure a tissue oxygen level. The first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor all being inserted at a single point of entry in a subcutaneous space of the host such that a predetermined correlation between the glucose level, lactate level, and tissue oxygen level signals conditions related to sepsis.