Sublingual Sensor for Non-Invasive Cardio-Respiratory Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring methods for cardio-respiratory function are invasive, obtrusive, and inadequate for continuous, especially during sleep, failing to accurately capture essential parameters like respiration rate variability and sleep-related events such as apnea, which are crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like COPD and sleep-related disorders.
Innovation Solution
A sublingual sensor unit positioned near the sublingual vein on the tongue detects light or sound to generate signals for processing, providing non-invasive monitoring of cardio-respiratory parameters including respiration rate, heart rate variability, and sleep apnea types, using photoplethysmography and potentially additional sensors for movement, pressure, and sound, to analyze venous blood volume and flow for accurate data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring methods (catheters, Doppler Ultrasound) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical monitoring systems (catheters, Doppler ultrasound) with optical detection methods using photoplethysmography sensors. These sensors detect light absorption changes in sublingual veins to measure blood volume variations, thereby deriving cardio-respiratory parameters without mechanical intrusion into the patient's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using sublingual vein blood volume changes as a proxy indicator for cardio-respiratory function. Instead of directly measuring cardiac or respiratory parameters through invasive means, the system measures blood volume variations in accessible sublingual veins, which reflect the underlying physiological state.
2Measurement precision
If obtrusive monitoring methods (respiration belt, ventilator mask) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical respiration monitoring systems (respiration belts, ventilator masks) with optical detection methods. The photoplethysmography sensors detect blood volume variations in sublingual veins that correspond to respiratory cycles, eliminating the need for mechanical devices that restrict patient movement or comfort during sleep.
3Ease of operation
If bed pressure sensors are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensing with optical detection. Instead of using pressure sensors that measure mechanical forces on the bed, the system uses photoplethysmography to detect light absorption changes in sublingual veins, providing more accurate physiological measurements while maintaining the unobtrusive nature of bed-based monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a more sensitive intermediary measurement method by using optical detection of blood volume changes in sublingual veins as a proxy for cardio-respiratory parameters. This intermediary approach provides higher measurement precision compared to direct mechanical pressure sensing, while still maintaining the unobtrusive characteristic of bed-based monitoring.
4Measurement precision
If multiple extra sensors are used for comprehensive sleep analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the photoplethysmography sensor system multi-functional by demonstrating its capability to detect multiple cardio-respiratory parameters (heart rate, respiration rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood volume variations) and sleep-related events (apnea, snoring, bruxism) using the same sensor platform. This eliminates the need for separate specialized sensors for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated photoplethysmography-based system. By merging heart rate monitoring, respiration monitoring, oxygen saturation measurement, and sleep event detection into one sensor system, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
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 unobtrusive, accurate monitoring of cardio-respiratory functions, facilitating enhanced diagnostics and therapy planning for conditions like COPD and sleep disorders, reducing the need for medical intervention and improving healthcare resource allocation.
Implementation Method 1
detects light or sound to generate signals for processing, providing non-invasive monitoring of cardio-respiratory parameters including respiration rate, heart rate variability, and sleep apnea types, using photoplethysmography and potentially additional sensors for movement, pressure, and sound, to analyze venous blood volume and flow for accurate data
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are concepts for monitoring cardio-respiratory function of a patient. One such concept comprises detecting light or sound from the sublingual vasculature using a sublingual sensor unit adapted to be positioned at a sublingual vasculature of the patient's tongue and to generate a sensor output signal based on the detected light or sound. A processing unit adapted to receive at least one of the sensor unit output signal, wherein the sensor unit and the processing unit are arranged to analyze the venous component in the sensor output signal. An output signal from the sublingual sensor may then be used to provide information on cardio-respiratory parameters like respiration rate and respiration rate variability, for example.