Transcutaneous Fluorescence Sensor for Non-Invasive Kidney Function Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining kidney function, such as those using fluorescent markers, are complex, invasive, and often inaccurate, limiting their use in clinical settings and requiring specialized equipment, which hinders ambulant or portable kidney function testing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving transcutaneous measurement of fluorescence at multiple time points using a kinetic model representing diffusion compartments to determine organ function, specifically kidney function, without the need for invasive sampling, using a device with sensors and a data processing unit to fit concentration-time curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for determining kidney function using fluorescent markers are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring specialized equipment and invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and laboratory-based measurement systems with an optical detection system using fluorescence. Instead of requiring specialized equipment for blood sampling and analysis, the invention uses fluorescent markers that can be detected through optical means, enabling simplified portable devices to achieve accurate kidney function measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent markers as intermediary substances that facilitate the measurement process. These markers bind to kidney filtration units and emit fluorescence signals that can be detected externally, serving as a mediator between the biological system and the measurement device, thereby eliminating the need for complex invasive sampling and laboratory analysis.
2Measurement precision
If current methods for determining kidney function are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive sampling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling procedures with non-invasive optical detection. By using fluorescent markers that can be detected through the skin or body surfaces, the system eliminates the need for blood draws, urine collections, or other invasive sampling methods, thereby significantly improving patient acceptance and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent markers serve as intermediaries that enable non-invasive measurement. These markers are introduced into the body, bind to kidney structures, and emit detectable signals without requiring invasive sampling, thus bridging the gap between accurate measurement and patient comfort.
3Ease of operation
If transcutaneous fluorescence measurement with kinetic modeling is used, then ease of operation improves by eliminating invasive sampling, but measurement precision may worsen due to measurement challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs kinetic modeling that incorporates feedback from multiple measurement points and time points. By analyzing the temporal dynamics of fluorescence signals and comparing them against established kinetic models of marker distribution and clearance, the system can accurately derive concentration information even from transcutaneous measurements, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the non-invasive approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point spatial measurement to multi-dimensional analysis by incorporating temporal dynamics (multiple time points) and kinetic modeling. This adds the time dimension to the measurement, allowing accurate concentration determination through mathematical modeling of the fluorescence signal evolution over time, rather than relying solely on spatial measurement accuracy.
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 non-invasive, accurate, and portable determination of kidney function, specifically glomerular filtration rate (GFR), reducing errors and improving patient acceptance by eliminating the need for blood or urine samples and complex equipment.
Implementation Method 1
transcutaneously measuring in a body fluid at a first position background fluorescence in at least one first time point and fluorescence of an indicator compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining an organ function in a subject, comprising the steps of: providing a first concentration-time curve obtained by transcutaneously measuring in a body fluid at a first position background fluorescence in at least one first time point and fluorescence of an indicator compound in at least a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, and a sixth time point; providing a second concentration curve obtained by transcutaneously measuring in a body fluid at a second position background fluorescence in at least one seventh time point and fluorescence of an indicator compound in at least a eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh, and a twelfth time point; fitting the first and the second concentration curve into a kinetic model representing at least four diffusion compartments; and thereby determining an organ function in a subject. The invention further relates to a device for determining an organ function according to the method of the present invention, said device comprising a first sensor for transcutaneously measuring fluorescence of an indicator at a first position, a second sensor for transcutaneously measuring fluorescence of an indicator at a second position; and a data processing unit for fitting the values obtained by the sensors into a kinetic model of one of the preceding claims. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising a device of the present invention and an indicator compound, as well as to a computer or computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the computer or computer network is adapted to perform the method according to the present invention.