Noninvasive Subcutaneous Tissue Analysis Using SWIR Spectral Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring substance concentrations in tissues are invasive, requiring blood or tissue samples, which can be painful and risky, and are not suitable for noninvasive analysis of subcutaneous conditions like otitis media or pressure ulcers.
Innovation Solution
A noninvasive method using short wave infrared (SWIR) radiation in specific spectral bands to irradiate and measure tissue, calculating relative absorption to determine tissue state, employing a system with radiation sources and detectors configured to measure transmission or reflection across various spectral bands, allowing for the detection of substance concentrations without invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood or tissue samples are drawn to monitor substance concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to pain and risk to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive sampling system with an optical measurement system. SWIR radiation is used to irradiate the tissue, and detectors measure the emerging radiation to determine substance concentration noninvasively, eliminating needles and blood draws while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces SWIR radiation as an intermediary between the measurement system and the patient's body. The radiation serves as a non-contact probe that interacts with tissue components (water, lipids, proteins) to provide diagnostic information without physical intrusion into the body
2Measurement precision
If SWIR radiation in water-absorbing spectral bands is used, then measurement precision for subcutaneous tissue is improved, but use of energy increases due to radiation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the radiation to SWIR range (1000-2500 nm), specifically targeting spectral bands where water absorbs strongly (e.g., 1400-1500 nm, 1900-2100 nm). This parameter change enables differentiation of subcutaneous tissue components based on their distinct SWIR absorption spectra, improving measurement precision while using controlled energy levels
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
Enables the noninvasive monitoring of substance concentrations and tissue states, providing a pain-free and safer method for diagnosing conditions like otitis media and pressure ulcers by analyzing the relative absorption of SWIR radiation across different spectral bands.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a surface of the tissue with short wave infrared (SWIR) radiation in a first spectral band that is strongly absorbed by water
Implementation Method 2
with SWIR radiation in a second spectral band such that an interaction of the radiation in both spectral bands with a component of the tissue other than water is substantially identical
Implementation Method 3
measuring an intensity of the radiation that emerges from the tissue in each of the spectral bands
Implementation Method 4
measuring the intensity of the radiation that is reflected by the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method for noninvasive analysis of subcutaneous tissue includes irradiating a surface of the tissue with short wave infrared (SWIR) radiation in a first spectral band that is strongly absorbed by water, and with SWIR radiation in a second spectral band such that an interaction of the radiation in both spectral bands with a component of the tissue other than water is substantially identical. An intensity of the radiation in each of the spectral bands that emerges from the tissue is measured. A relative absorption by the tissue of radiation in one of spectral bands relative to absorption by the tissue of radiation in the other of the spectral bands is calculated. A state of the tissue is determined in accordance with the calculated relative absorption.