Wearable Doppler Blood Flow Monitoring for Free Flap Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current post-operative monitoring methods for reconstructive surgery, such as physical exams and tethered blood flow sensors, are labor-intensive, resource-heavy, and impede patient mobilization, leading to prolonged hospital stays despite meeting clinical criteria.

Innovation Solution

A wireless, wearable blood flow monitor that allows continuous monitoring of tissue blood flow without tethering, using Doppler ultrasound and signal processing to detect abnormal flow patterns, enabling remote notification and patient mobilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If tethered blood flow sensors are used for continuous monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but patient mobility is restricted and hospital stay is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow monitoring accuracyVSAvoidpatient mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tethering system with a wireless monitoring system. The blood flow sensor is integrated into a wearable device that communicates via wireless transmission, eliminating the need for physical cables or tubes that restrict patient movement while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a fixed, bed-bound monitoring setup to a portable, mobile monitoring system. The wearable device can be worn by the patient anywhere in the hospital environment, not just at the bedside, enabling monitoring in multiple locations and contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical exams are performed for blood flow assessment, then adaptability to patient conditions is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassessment flexibilityVSAvoidmonitoring time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous automated blood flow monitoring that operates without interruption throughout the post-operative period. The wearable device continuously captures data and transmits it to the monitoring system, eliminating the need for periodic manual assessments and providing uninterrupted monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system automatically performs blood flow assessment without requiring manual intervention from healthcare providers. The device self-monitors, processes data, and alerts clinicians only when abnormalities are detected, reducing labor requirements while maintaining continuous surveillance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If intensive care unit admission is required for monitoring, then reliability of patient monitoring is improved, but healthcare resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidhealthcare resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the resource-intensive ICU setting with a portable wearable monitoring system that can be used in general hospital wards. This substitution maintains reliable blood flow monitoring while significantly reducing the need for intensive care unit admissions and associated resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the monitoring parameters from continuous real-time analysis requiring ICU-level infrastructure to wearable technology that processes data locally and transmits critical information wirelessly. This parameter change enables reliable monitoring with reduced resource consumption by utilizing advanced signal processing and selective alerting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates early patient discharge and reduces healthcare costs by allowing continuous, untethered monitoring of systemic hemodynamic status, improving hospital resource utilization and patient recovery.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a doppler shifted signal from a probe installed at least partially in a free tissue flap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260026776A1Blood flow monitoring

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 FLOW RT LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems described herein may be configured for receiving a doppler shifted signal from a probe installed at least partially in a free tissue flap; storing the doppler shifted signal in an integrated storage device or uploading the doppler shifted signal in a one or more networks of remote servers. Further, they may comprise processing at least part of the doppler shifted signal on the integrated storage device or on the one or more networks of remote servers with a signal processor to form a blood flow sample of the free tissue flap; and determining a qualitative blood flow status or a quantitative blood flow status of the free tissue flap with at least one blood flow sample. In addition, methods and systems may comprise a transceiver, a signal processor; a controller; and a wireless module.