Wearable Optical Sensor for Subcutaneous Fluid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for edema are inconvenient, expensive, and fail to provide quantifiable and actionable data, making them ineffective for continuous and periodic fluid buildup monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly integrated into wearable devices such as watch bands, compression garments, or diagnostic tools, which emit signals into subcutaneous tissue and detect reflected energy levels to determine fluid buildup, using processors and sensors to provide quantifiable data and alert for proactive measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current monitoring systems are used for edema detection, then monitoring capability is provided, but the systems are inconvenient for patients and fail to provide quantifiable data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/manual edema assessment methods with optical sensing technology. The sensor assembly uses light emitters and detectors to measure fluid buildup through optical properties of tissue, eliminating the need for manual physical assessment while providing objective, quantifiable data automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable sensor assembly enables patients to monitor their own fluid status continuously and automatically without requiring medical professional intervention. The system self-measures subcutaneous fluid levels through optical detection and automatically transmits data to healthcare providers, making the monitoring process convenient and autonomous for patients.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If current monitoring systems are used, then edema detection is possible, but the systems are expensive and not suitable for continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is integrated into existing wearable devices such as watch bands, compression garments, or phone cases, allowing a single device to serve multiple functions including fluid monitoring, compression therapy, and data communication. This multi-functionality reduces overall system cost and enables continuous monitoring without requiring dedicated expensive medical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective optical sensors and wearable components that can be manufactured at low cost, allowing for disposable or frequently replaceable sensor units. This approach makes continuous long-term monitoring economically viable compared to expensive reusable medical-grade equipment.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect fluid buildup, then quantifiable data is obtained, but false positives may occur due to activity and posture variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates algorithms that process optical sensor data in conjunction with information about patient activity and posture. The processor analyzes patterns and trends over time, comparing current readings against baseline values and contextual information to distinguish true fluid buildup from variations caused by movement or position changes, thereby reducing false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes baseline fluid levels and normal variation patterns during periods when the patient is known to be stable and at rest. These pre-established reference values are used to interpret subsequent measurements, allowing the algorithm to account for individual patient characteristics and reduce false alarms before clinical decisions are made.
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 convenient, cost-effective, and continuous monitoring of fluid buildup, allowing for early detection of edema-related diseases like congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and lymphedema, with algorithms to reduce false positives and account for activity and posture.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter may be configured to emit a signal into a subcutaneous tissue space of a subject. The signal may be reflected by the subcutaneous tissue space. The detector may be configured to receive the reflected signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression garment may be used for measuring fluid buildup in a subcutaneous tissue space. The compression garment may include a processor, an emitter, and a detector. The emitter and the detector are coupled to the processor. The emitter may be configured to emit a signal into a subcutaneous tissue space of a subject. The signal may be reflected by the subcutaneous tissue space. The detector may be configured to receive the reflected signal. The processor may be configured to determine a fluid status in the subcutaneous tissue space. The fluid buildup in the subcutaneous tissue space may be based on an energy level of the reflected signal.