Swallowable Capsule for Hemorrhage Detection via Absorption Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting hemorrhages in the digestive tract, such as esophageal varices or gastric ulcers, are inadequate for early and reliable detection, especially in cases where recurrent bleeding occurs hours or days after treatment, posing a risk of acute blood loss.
Innovation Solution
A swallowable capsule with a detecting means that uses specific absorption spectra to identify blood by emitting light of different wavelengths and measuring absorption rates, allowing for wireless transmission of results to an extracorporeal receiving device, enabling continuous monitoring and immediate diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a swallowable capsule with light source and sensor is used for hemorrhage detection, then the ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases due to integrating multiple functional components in a small swallowable form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (light source, photosensitive sensor, capsule housing) into a single integrated swallowable device. The light source and sensor are merged within the same capsule structure, eliminating the need for separate application devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The swallowable capsule serves multiple functions: it acts as both the detection device and the delivery mechanism. The same capsule that is swallowed by the patient also contains and positions the light source and sensor for hemorrhage detection, eliminating the need for separate application equipment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light wavelengths are used to differentiate blood types, then the measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different light wavelengths (red and violet) at specific detection points within the digestive tract. The light source emits multiple wavelengths that are selectively absorbed by different blood components at the detection location, enabling differentiation of blood types based on local absorption characteristics without requiring complex multi-channel detection systems throughout the entire device.
3Productivity
If wireless transmission components are added to the capsule, then the productivity and immediate diagnosis capability are improved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex wireless transmission and data processing functions from the swallowable capsule and places them in an external receiver device. The capsule only performs the simple function of detecting hemorrhage and transmitting a basic signal, while the complex communication and analysis functions are handled externally, reducing the complexity burden on the ingestible device.
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
The device provides reliable and early detection of hemorrhages, differentiating between venous, arterial, and clotted blood, facilitating timely intervention and reducing the risk of undetected blood loss.
Implementation Method 1
the detecting means detects the presence or non-presence of blood in a substance or content by measuring specific absorption spectra of the substance or content
Implementation Method 2
the light source emits light of at least two different wavelengths being absorbed to a different degree by blood or blood components
Implementation Method 3
the photosensitive sensor is adapted to receive the light emitted by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A device for hemorrhage detection consists of a capsule (1) and at least one detecting means (3, 4) provided (1) in the capsule (1) for detecting a presence or non-presence of blood. The capsule (1) has an outer shape and a dimension to be swallowable by a patient.