Transesophageal Echo-Oximeter Probe for Hemodynamic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing central hemodynamics, such as pulmonary artery catheters, are highly invasive and impractical for point-of-care monitoring, especially in conditions like hemorrhagic shock where continuous monitoring of mixed venous oxygenation (SvO2) is critical.
Innovation Solution
The development of transesophageal echo-oximetry (TEO) systems that use photoacoustics to continuously monitor SvO2 without the need for invasive pulmonary artery catheters, allowing for real-time ultrasonic imaging and hemodynamic parameter derivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulmonary artery catheters are used to measure SvO2, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pulmonary artery catheter system with an optical-photoacoustic system. The TEO probe uses optical fibers to deliver light pulses and acoustic transducers to detect photoacoustic signals from blood, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical catheter placement while achieving accurate SvO2 measurements through non-invasive optical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces photoacoustic signals as an intermediary between light and acoustic detection. Light pulses from the optical fiber interact with blood oxygenation levels, generating photoacoustic signals that are then detected by acoustic transducers. This intermediary mechanism enables indirect but accurate measurement of SvO2 without direct catheter contact with pulmonary arteries.
2Reliability
If pulmonary artery catheters are used for continuous monitoring, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to sterilization and anesthesia requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical catheterization procedure with a simplified optical-probe insertion method. The TEO probe can be inserted through the esophagus or nasal passage without requiring sterile surgical environments or general anesthesia, making continuous monitoring accessible at the point of care while maintaining measurement reliability.
3Ease of operation
If transesophageal echo-oximetry is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised compared to direct pulmonary artery measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photoacoustic signals as an intermediary to bridge the gap between easy transesophageal probe placement and accurate pulmonary blood oxygenation measurement. The acoustic transducer detects photoacoustic signals generated by light interaction with blood in the pulmonary artery region, enabling precise SvO2 measurement through the esophagus without direct catheter contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical catheter-based direct measurement with optical-photoacoustic detection through the esophagus. This substitution maintains measurement precision by detecting photoacoustic signals from pulmonary blood while enabling easy point-of-care operation through non-invasive probe insertion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating reflector is added to the probe, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by combining ultrasonic imaging and photoacoustic measurement capabilities in a single TEO probe. The rotating reflector enables the probe to perform both structural imaging and functional hemodynamic measurements, allowing one device to serve multiple diagnostic purposes including SvO2 monitoring, heart rate assessment, and blood flow evaluation.
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
TEO systems provide a non-invasive, continuous, and reliable means to monitor key hemodynamic parameters, including SvO2, heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen delivery, facilitating early detection of hemorrhagic shock and improving patient management at the point of care.
Implementation Method 1
generate an ultrasonic image of a sample using the acoustic transducer and the reflector
Implementation Method 2
direct light from the optical fiber toward the reflector and into the sample
Implementation Method 3
collect photoacoustic signals from the sample based on the directed light using the acoustic transducer and the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transesophageal echo-oximetry, including: an insertion tube having an optical fiber disposed therein: a probe disposed at an end of the insertion tube, the probe including: an acoustic transducer, and a reflector aligned with the acoustic transducer and the optical fiber: a controller in communication with the acoustic transducer. the controller configured to: generate an ultrasonic image of a sample using the acoustic transducer and the reflector, direct light from the optical fiber toward the reflector and into the sample, collect photoacoustic signals from the sample based on the directed light using the acoustic transducer and the reflector, and determine a blood oxygenation level in the sample based on the photoacoustic signals.