Wearable Multi-Site Sensing for Early Occult Hemorrhage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting ongoing hemorrhage (OH) are inadequate, as they rely on single-location measurements that fail to provide early detection before hemodynamic instability, leading to delayed intervention and increased mortality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method employing multiplex measurements of electromagnetic and optical signals at multiple anatomic locations using wearable sensors, combined with machine learning algorithms, to detect OH and other systemic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-location measurements are used for detecting ongoing hemorrhage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and early detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into multiple independent sensor locations (e.g., thorax, abdomen, extremities), each measuring local tissue oxygenation and hemodynamic parameters. This segmentation enables comprehensive systemic assessment without requiring a single complex centralized device, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-location (one-dimensional) monitoring to multi-location (multi-dimensional) monitoring by distributing sensors across different anatomical regions. This dimensional expansion captures systemic hemodynamic changes that cannot be detected at a single site, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular sensor design.
2Reliability
If continuous multiplex measurements at multiple locations are implemented, then the early detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal sensor modules that can be deployed at multiple locations with identical hardware design. Each sensor performs the same functions (tissue oxygenation monitoring, hemodynamic parameter measurement), allowing standardized manufacturing and simplified system integration despite the multi-location deployment, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses replicated sensor units at different anatomical locations, where each unit is a copy of the same standardized design. This copying approach enables comprehensive monitoring through simple replication rather than complex customization, improving early detection capability while controlling device complexity through modular, interchangeable components.
3Ease of operation
If conventional vital sign monitoring is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the detection of occult hemorrhage before hemodynamic instability is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection by monitoring local tissue oxygenation and microcirculatory parameters that change before systemic hemodynamic instability occurs. By detecting occult hemorrhage at its earliest stages through preemptive multi-location sensing, the system provides early warning while maintaining ease of operation through automated sensor deployment and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical vital sign monitoring (blood pressure cuffs, manual assessments) with optical and electromagnetic sensing technologies that continuously measure tissue oxygenation and hemodynamic parameters. This substitution enables automated, continuous monitoring that detects hemorrhage earlier while maintaining ease of operation through non-invasive, wearable sensor designs.
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 early detection of OH within 15 minutes, reducing the risk of hemodynamic instability and organ injury by providing accurate, continuous monitoring of patients at risk.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of which comprises a near-infrared spectroscopy sensor
Implementation Method 2
measurements of electromagnetic and optical properties of tissues
Implementation Method 3
at least a portion of which comprises an electrical impedance spectroscopy sensor
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a system and method that employs multiple measurements of various, relevant tissue states of a patient to detect and predict OH and similar conditions. These multi anatomic measurements are transformed by a multivariate algorithm to outputs that convey the diagnostic and prognostic risk of the disease of interest. This novel, multiple-measurement technique avoids use of a single measurement, which is generally unlikely to adequately extract sufficient information to drive a clinically useful test in the setting of complex system disease. The system and method herein thereby allows automated monitoring of currently stable patients who, are known or suspected to have OH and/or similar internal conditions on a substantially continuous basis.