Wearable Subpulse Detection via Adhesive Sensor and Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for pulse detection, particularly in critically ill patients, are inaccurate and burdensome, leading to inappropriate medical decisions due to the subjective and time-consuming nature of manual palpation and the limitations of Doppler ultrasound and optical sensors in detecting subpulses.
Innovation Solution
A patient-wearable device equipped with sensors and a processing unit that generates sensor data to determine pulse conditions, including subpulses, through adhesive attachment to the body, providing real-time visual or auditory feedback on pulse presence and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual pulse palpation is used, then the method is simple and requires no special equipment, but the accuracy of pulse detection is low and time to decision is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pulse palpation with electronic sensors that detect pulse mechanically or optically. The sensor system automatically detects pulse presence and strength, eliminating the need for manual palpation while significantly improving accuracy and reducing decision time.
2Measurement precision
If Doppler ultrasound is used, then pulse detection accuracy increases, but the device complexity increases and requires dedicated practitioner operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pulse detection function from complex Doppler ultrasound systems and implements it through simpler, dedicated sensors integrated into the monitor. This provides Doppler-level accuracy without requiring full ultrasound equipment or specialized operator training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensor system that can detect both traditional pulses and subpulses, and can differentiate between various pulse conditions (present, absent, weak). This universal detection capability replaces multiple specialized tools while maintaining high accuracy.
3Productivity
If optical sensors are used, then real-time monitoring capability is provided, but the ability to detect subpulse is insufficient due to decreased pulse strength detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic detection system that adapts to varying pulse strengths in real-time. The sensor system automatically adjusts its detection thresholds and algorithms based on the detected signal characteristics, enabling it to maintain high accuracy whether detecting strong pulses or weak subpulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sensing approach that combines multiple detection modalities (mechanical and optical sensors) to detect pulse conditions. This composite system leverages the strengths of each sensor type to accurately detect subpuses that would be missed by optical sensors alone.
4Ease of operation
If manual pulse palpation is performed by first responders, then no special equipment is needed, but the time to correctly identify pulseless patients is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary automated pulse assessment through integrated sensors that continuously monitor pulse presence and strength. This preliminary detection occurs automatically without requiring manual intervention, providing immediate objective data that guides subsequent manual palpation or treatment decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time feedback through the user interface that immediately communicates pulse detection results to providers. This feedback mechanism eliminates the time delay inherent in manual palpation by providing continuous, objective pulse status information that guides resuscitation decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient-wearable device for detecting a subpulse of a patient and determining a pulse condition based thereon, and related systems, methods and computer program products. The device includes a base layer comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) and electronics connected thereto, and an adhesive layer connected to the base layer. The electronics may include one or more sensors that generate sensor data, a computer that processes the sensor data to determine the pulse condition of the patient, and a user interface (UI) component that generates a user-perceptible indication of the determined pulse condition. In alternate embodiments, the computer and the UI component may be external to the device and the device may communicate the sensor data to the computer via wired or wireless connection. In further embodiments, multiple devices may be attached to the patient and concurrently transmit raw or processed sensor data to facilitate determination of the pulse condition.