Wearable Device Noninvasive Blood Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical technologies for monitoring physiological conditions, such as blood analyte levels, are invasive, infrequent, and do not provide real-time data, especially for conditions that vary during the night, limiting timely medical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a mount, detector, signal source, and processor that non-invasively detects clinically-relevant analytes in subsurface vasculature by using functionalized particles and interrogating signals, allowing for real-time monitoring and alerting of medical conditions via a user interface and communication interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional blood testing methods are used, then medical conditions can be detected, but the testing is invasive, infrequent, and does not provide real-time data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses functionalized particles as intermediaries that bind to target analytes in the blood. These particles serve as a mediator between the blood analytes and the detection system, enabling non-invasive detection through optical signals while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive blood drawing system with an optical detection system. Instead of physically extracting blood samples through needles and tubes, the system uses light-based detection to measure analyte levels non-invasively through functionalized particles in the subsurface vasculature
2Loss of information
If traditional blood testing methods are used, then analyte levels can be measured, but the testing frequency is low and real-time monitoring is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by maintaining functionalized particles in the subsurface vasculature and using continuous or periodic optical interrogation to detect analyte levels. This enables real-time physiological data collection without interruption, capturing variations that occur throughout the day and night
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces functionalized particles into the bloodstream in advance before monitoring begins. These pre-positioned particles are ready to bind to target analytes immediately, enabling rapid detection and real-time monitoring from the start of device operation
3Ease of operation
If non-invasive detection methods are used, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but detection precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the detection function in the subsurface vasculature region where functionalized particles are present. By focusing the optical detection system on this specific local area with high particle concentration, the system achieves precise analyte measurements while maintaining non-invasive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite functionalized particles that combine multiple properties: binding affinity for target analytes, optical detection capabilities, and biocompatibility for circulation in the bloodstream. This composite structure enables both non-invasive operation and high measurement precision
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 continuous, non-invasive monitoring of blood analytes, providing real-time data on medical conditions and alerting users and medical professionals, potentially preventing severe events like heart attacks or strokes.
Implementation Method 1
the response signal is related to binding of a clinically-relevant analyte to functionalized particles present in a lumen of the subsurface vasculature
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic pulse may be a radio frequency (RF) pulse and the response signal may comprise a magnetic resonance signal
Implementation Method 3
the functionalized particles comprise a fluorophore, the response signal may comprise fluorescence radiation transmitted by the fluorophore in response to the interrogating signal
Implementation Method 4
the functionalized particles comprise a chemo-luminescent marker, and wherein the response signal comprises fluorescence radiation transmitted by the chemo-luminescent marker in response to a chemical reaction initiated, at least in part, by the binding of the target analyte to the particle
Implementation Method 5
the wearable device further comprises a magnet configured to direct a magnetic field into the portion of subsurface vasculature, wherein the magnetic field is sufficient to cause functionalized magnetic particles to collect in a lumen of the portion of subsurface vasculature
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device includes a detector configured to detect a response signal transmitted from a portion of subsurface vasculature, the response signal being related to binding of a clinically-relevant analyte to functionalized particles present in a lumen of the subsurface vasculature. Program instructions stored in a computer readable medium of the device, and executable by a processor, may cause the device to determine a concentration of the clinically-relevant analyte based on the response signal detected by the detector; determine whether a medical condition is indicated based on at least the concentration of the clinically-relevant analyte; and, in response to a determination that the medical condition is indicated, transmit data representative of the medical condition via the communication interface. The device may also include a signal source configured to transmit an interrogating signal into the portion of subsurface vasculature, thereby generating a response signal in response to the interrogating signal.