Wireless Oximeter Probe with Offset Optical Fibers for Tissue Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oximeters face challenges in improving form factor, measurement accuracy, reducing size and cost, and providing non-invasive, accurate assessment of tissue oxygenation levels, particularly in non-ideal conditions such as during surgery or flap transplants, where subjective methods like laser Doppler and visual inspection are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A wireless oximeter sensor probe system with a compact sensor probe unit connected to a mobile device via Bluetooth, capable of real-time oxygen saturation monitoring, and utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy with offset optical fiber arrangements to compensate for asymmetric tissue anatomy, enabling accurate and non-invasive oxygen saturation measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing oximeters are used for tissue oxygenation monitoring, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement accuracy is insufficient under non-ideal conditions such as during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple wavelengths of light (parameter change) to differentiate between various tissue types and blood components. By measuring light absorption at different wavelengths, the system can accurately determine oxygen saturation levels even in complex surgical environments with varying tissue compositions, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reliability under non-ideal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that analyzes light absorption patterns and compensates for interference from surrounding tissues. This intermediary analysis enables the system to isolate the signal from the target tissue (flap or intestine) and eliminate confounding factors, ensuring accurate measurements during surgery when visual inspection and subjective methods fail.
2Ease of operation
If wireless connectivity is implemented in the oximeter system, then ease of operation and mobility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. By using wireless protocols to transmit data between the oximeter sensor and monitoring devices, the system eliminates physical cables and connectors, thereby improving ease of operation and mobility while actually reducing mechanical complexity despite adding electronic communication capabilities.
3Volume of moving object
If compact sensor probe design is implemented, then size and form factor are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested design where the optical fibers, light sources, and detectors are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration within the sensor probe. By nesting these components in a hierarchical manner, the system achieves a compact form factor while maintaining adequate spacing and alignment through precise but manufacturable design features, balancing size reduction with manufacturing feasibility.
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
The system provides precise, real-time oxygen saturation readings, facilitating early detection of tissue viability and reducing complications by ensuring accurate assessment of flap and intestinal tissue health, while being user-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy with offset optical fiber arrangements to compensate for asymmetric tissue anatomy
Implementation Method 2
Tissue oximeters can measure oxygen levels in human tissue by exploiting these light-absorption differences
Data Source
AI summary
An oximeter sensor probe system includes a sensor probe unit that is connected by a wire to a sensor probe electronic module. The sensor probe electronic module connects wirelessly to a medical device console, which can be a phone, tablet, or other mobile device. And the mobile device can connect to a network or the Internet (e.g., the Cloud). Alternatively, the sensor probe electronic module can directly to the network or the Internet directly without a medical device console. The medical device console can execute an application and show on its display oxygen saturation and related measurements obtained through the sensor probe unit.