Ventricular Arterial Coupling Measurement via Pulse Wave Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective means to measure ventricular arterial coupling and vascular performance, particularly in assessing how well the arterial tree receives and distributes stroke volume, which is crucial for optimal blood delivery to peripheral tissues.

Innovation Solution

A device and method using sensors to measure pulse wave arrival times at different peripheral sites, combined with EKG and pulse oximetry, to determine arterial tree function and generate metrics for stroke volume reception and distribution, providing a non-invasive, real-time assessment of vascular performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to measure pulse wave arrival at different peripheral sites, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse wave arrival time measurementVSAvoidsensor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arterial tree is segmented into multiple measurement zones (ear, finger, toe) with dedicated sensors for each, allowing independent measurement of pulse wave arrival times at different peripheral sites. This segmentation enables comprehensive vascular performance assessment while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular sensor placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single integrated device performs multiple functions: EKG recording, pulse wave detection at multiple sites, data synchronization, and automated analysis of ventricular-arterial coupling. The device universally handles all measurement tasks through coordinated sensor arrays and centralized processing, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If real-time data processing is implemented to determine arterial tree function, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic assessment speedVSAvoiddata processing power

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary data processing by pre-synchronizing sensor data to EKG R-waves and pre-calculating pulse arrival times at each site. This preliminary action prepares data for rapid analysis, enabling real-time diagnostic assessment without requiring excessive processing power during critical measurement periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically processes and analyzes its own collected data without requiring external computational resources. The integrated system self-services by performing real-time calculation of ventricular-arterial coupling parameters and generating diagnostic metrics independently, maximizing productivity while minimizing external energy demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 a non-invasive, real-time diagnostic tool for evaluating arterial vascular performance on both global and regional scales, helping to identify optimal coupling parameters for individual patients and ensuring efficient blood delivery to peripheral tissues.

Implementation Method 1

The sensors include an electrocardiograph (EKG)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocardiography:

Implementation Method 2

any sensor which is able to detect pulse arrival (e.g., pulse plethysmograph (PPG), pulse oximetry or continuous BP waveform detection (such as applanation tonometer or finapress))

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse wave detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10820808B2Device and method to measure ventricular arterial coupling and vascular performance

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A device and method for analyzing of a disturbed pattern of pulse wave front results in a non-invasive, real-time diagnostic tool of arterial vascular performance on both a global and regional scale. The device provides a single number quantifying how well the arterial tree as a whole is coupled to receive and distribute a stroke volume of a single heartbeat. Changing heart rate, contractility, volume status, and afterload will change stroke volume and ejection time. Different vasculatures with different properties (e.g., size and intrinsic stiffness) will be best matched for different stroke volumes and ejection times to provide optimal coupling. The device will allow finding the optimal set of parameters for individual patient.