Sub-Epidermal Moisture Mapping for Tissue Viability Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to accurately assess tissue viability around wounds, particularly burns, due to dynamic changes and difficulty in visually distinguishing non-viable from viable tissue, which can lead to inaccurate treatment decisions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with embedded electrodes forms virtual capacitive sensors to measure capacitance, determining boundaries between viable and non-viable tissue, and activates visual indicators to map tissue damage using SEM values, indicating tissue moisture levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual and tactile assessment methods are used to evaluate tissue viability, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to difficulty in visually distinguishing non-viable from viable tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual and tactile assessment with an automated electrical measurement system. Virtual capacitive sensors formed by electrode combinations measure capacitance values that correlate with tissue moisture content, objectively identifying the boundary between non-viable and viable tissue without relying on subjective visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitance measurement as an intermediary parameter to assess tissue viability. Instead of directly observing tissue appearance, the system measures electrical capacitance values that reflect underlying tissue moisture content, providing an indirect but more reliable indicator of tissue viability status.
2Measurement precision
If capacitance measurement with multiple electrodes is implemented, then the measurement precision of tissue viability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple electrodes and processing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tissue assessment area into multiple measurement zones using an array of electrodes. Each virtual capacitive sensor formed by electrode combinations measures capacitance at a specific location, allowing spatial mapping of tissue viability and precise identification of the boundary between non-viable and viable tissue regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple electrodes to form virtual capacitive sensors, where combinations of electrodes work together as single measurement units. This merging approach enables comprehensive tissue assessment while reducing the need for separate physical sensors at each measurement point.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring of tissue changes is performed, then the reliability of treatment decisions is improved, but the loss of time for data processing and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-processes capacitance data by establishing reference values for viable and non-viable tissue before clinical use. During actual assessment, the system compares measured capacitance values against these pre-established references, enabling rapid real-time determination of tissue viability status without extensive analysis delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through visual indicators that immediately display the detected boundary between non-viable and viable tissue. This instant feedback loop allows clinicians to make treatment decisions based on current tissue status without waiting for prolonged data processing.
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
Provides precise mapping of tissue damage zones, guiding clinicians in treatment decisions by distinguishing between necrotic, edematous, and viable tissue areas, reducing unnecessary surgeries and improving healing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
each of the virtual capacitive sensors is configured to measure a capacitance of a region of tissue proximate to the respective virtual capacitive sensor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for measuring sub-epidermal moisture as an indication of tissue viability and providing information regarding the location of a boundary of non-viable tissue.