Wearable Pleural Effusion Screening via Acoustic Percussion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for pleural effusion pre-screening are cumbersome, costly, and uncomfortable for patients, requiring repetitive imaging tests and manual chest tapping, which can be physically demanding and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A wearable pleural effusion pre-screening system comprising a garment with integrated percussion devices and sensors that simulate manual chest tapping, allowing for the collection and analysis of respiratory sound data to predict the likelihood of pleural effusion, thereby reducing the need for imaging tests and improving patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging tests (x-ray, CT, MRI) are used to assess pleural effusion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and patient discomfort increase due to cumbersome equipment and requirement to remove clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (x-ray, CT, MRI) with a simplified acoustic sensing system. Sensors detect lung sounds generated by natural breathing and percussion, substituting heavy imaging equipment with lightweight acoustic detectors that process sound waves to identify pleural effusion
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an acoustic copy of lung sounds through sensors that capture respiratory audio signals. Instead of using complex imaging to visualize lung structure, the system analyzes acoustic waveforms that replicate the information needed to detect fluid accumulation, providing a simplified diagnostic approach
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are attached to patient skin for Vibration Response Imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome sensor attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor unit. Instead of attaching separate sensors for different measurements, the system uses one sensor that simultaneously captures respiratory sounds and percussion responses, eliminating the need for multiple skin attachments while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor serves multiple diagnostic functions: it detects normal respiratory sounds, captures percussion response sounds, and identifies pleural effusion characteristics. This multi-functional sensor replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors attached to the patient's skin
3Measurement precision
If HFCWO therapy is interrupted to gather lung images for targeting, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to treatment interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous HFCWO therapy delivery without interruptions for imaging. Acoustic sensors continuously monitor lung sounds during treatment, providing real-time feedback on therapy effectiveness and enabling dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters while maintaining uninterrupted therapeutic action
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously analyzing lung sounds during HFCWO therapy. The acoustic sensors provide ongoing information about respiratory response to percussion, allowing the therapy to be automatically adjusted for optimal targeting without stopping treatment to gather separate imaging data
4Measurement precision
If manual chest tapping is performed by medical professionals for pre-screening, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physical demands on the practitioner
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service diagnostic capability where the sensor automatically performs the percussion assessment function. The device captures and analyzes lung sounds without requiring a practitioner to manually perform chest tapping, allowing patients to undergo screening independently while maintaining diagnostic 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
The system provides a non-invasive, efficient, and comfortable method for frequent monitoring of lung health, allowing for targeted therapy and reducing the subjective nature of assessment, while minimizing the need for costly imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is secured to the garment and positioned in the predetermined location relative to the body of the person... activates the first sensor to begin recording sound data from the patient's respiratory system
Implementation Method 2
The first percussion device is secured to the garment and positioned in a predetermined location relative to the body of the person... activates the first percussion device to simulate manual chest tapping
Data Source
AI summary
A pleural effusion pre-screening system may be used to administer a percussive treatment to a patient's chest and/or back, sense the respiratory sounds from the percussive treatment, and analyze those respiratory sounds. The pleural effusion pre-screening system may have a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vest which includes at least one adjustable strap.