Tissue Impedance Monitoring With Separate Excitation and Voltage Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical treatments lack real-time, quantitative sensor data for monitoring tissue health, particularly in wound care, orthopedic treatments, and internal tissue repair, relying heavily on visual inspection and limited information gathering.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring and therapy apparatus with excitation pads and measurement sensors that apply and measure excitation signals to determine tissue impedance, using flexible substrates to conform to wounds and incorporate energy harvesting for self-sustaining operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection by caregiver is used for wound treatment monitoring, then the treatment process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but real-time quantitative data on tissue health is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electrical measurement system. Excitation pads apply electrical signals to the tissue, and measurement sensors detect the resulting voltage to calculate impedance, substituting the mechanical/visual assessment method with an electrical field-based measurement system that provides objective quantitative data.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to be self-measuring through direct electrical contact with the tissue. The excitation and measurement components work autonomously to generate and detect signals, eliminating the need for complex external imaging equipment or manual assessment by caregivers.
2Reliability
If bandages or encasements are used to treat wounds or immobilize limbs, then treatment coverage is improved, but real-time monitoring of underlying tissue is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment device integrates multiple functions: it provides the therapeutic function of wound coverage or limb immobilization through bandages and encasements, while simultaneously incorporating excitation pads and measurement sensors to monitor underlying tissue impedance, enabling both treatment and diagnostics in a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the therapeutic covering function with the diagnostic monitoring function by integrating excitation pads and measurement sensors directly into the bandages and encasements. This combination allows the same structure to both treat and monitor the underlying tissue simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If electronic circuits are used to measure tissue impedance, then quantitative data is obtained, but distortion from the electronic circuit affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the excitation function by using separate excitation pads and measurement sensors. The measurement sensors detect voltage without being part of the excitation current path, separating the measurement circuit from the excitation circuit to eliminate distortion caused by the electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the tissue itself as an intermediary medium. The excitation current flows through the tissue, and the resulting voltage is measured by separate sensors. The tissue acts as the medium that transforms the excitation signal into a measurable voltage signal, allowing indirect measurement that avoids direct circuit distortion.
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 real-time, quantitative data on tissue impedance, enabling improved diagnostic and patient management decisions, and enhances treatment efficacy by monitoring underlying tissue health.
Implementation Method 1
The controller can be configured to determine impedance of the tissue based at least in part on the voltage measured by the at least one measurement sensor and the current of the excitation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include excitation pads that can apply an excitation signal to tissue of a patient. The excitation pads can be connected to an electronic circuit that communicates the excitation signal to the excitation pads. The system can include a measurement sensor that can measure voltage of the tissue. The system can include a controller that can determine impedance of the tissue. The controller can be in communication with the excitation pads, the electronic circuit, and the measurement sensor. The controller can generate the excitation signal. The controller can obtain a current measurement of the excitation signal after it has been communicated through at least a portion of the electronic circuit. The current measurement can correspond to the excitation signal before it is applied to the tissue. The controller can determine impedance of the tissue based on the voltage measurement and the current measurement of the excitation signal.