Wireless Tissue Oximeter Using Multi-Wavelength Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring technologies for sepsis and shock are limited by their invasive nature and inability to provide continuous, non-invasive measurements of microvascular oxygen exchange, leading to delayed detection of subtle signs and high morbidity and mortality rates.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized, wireless, optical tissue oximeter that uses multiple wavelength monitoring to measure tissue oxygenation and integrate microhemodynamic parameters, enabling continuous, non-invasive monitoring and providing alerts for optimal care management through intelligent algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring technologies are used for sepsis and shock, then macro-hemodynamic parameters can be monitored, but early detection of subtle signs is delayed and microvascular oxygen exchange cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/invasive monitoring methods with optical detection technology. The device uses light sources emitting at multiple wavelengths (including near-infrared) that penetrate tissue to detect chromophore absorption changes, enabling non-invasive measurement of microvascular oxygen exchange and tissue oxygenation status without mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light absorption coefficients) of chromophores in response to oxygenation changes. By monitoring absorption at multiple wavelengths, the system detects subtle variations in tissue oxygenation and hemoglobin saturation that indicate early sepsis or shock before macro-hemodynamic parameters change.
2Reliability
If invasive monitoring methods are used, then continuous measurements can be obtained, but patient morbidity and mortality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical monitoring with non-invasive optical detection. Light sources and detectors are positioned to measure tissue oxygenation through the skin without penetrating or contacting internal tissues, eliminating risks of infection, bleeding, and tissue damage while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical energy (light) as an intermediary to transfer information about tissue oxygenation from the patient's body to the detector. Light penetrates tissue, interacts with chromophores, and carries information about oxygenation status back to the detector, enabling continuous monitoring without physical invasion of the body.
3Ease of operation
If near-infrared spectroscopy is used, then non-invasive oxygen saturation measurement is achieved, but equipment becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into discrete wavelength channels, each targeting specific chromophores. By segmenting the spectral range into multiple wavelengths (including near-infrared and visible ranges), the device can selectively measure different oxygenation parameters using simpler, more compact light sources and detectors for each wavelength band rather than requiring a single complex broadband system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the device to perform multiple monitoring functions simultaneously using a unified optical platform. The same light sources and detectors measure both tissue oxygenation and hemoglobin saturation by analyzing absorption at multiple wavelengths, eliminating the need for separate invasive and non-invasive monitoring devices and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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 recognition of tissue oxygenation imbalances and potential decompensation, improving patient care by providing timely clinical responses and reducing mortality in sepsis and shock cases.
Implementation Method 1
Near-infrared spectroscopy has been used for non-invasive measurement of various physiological properties in animal and human subjects. The basic principle underlying near-infrared spectroscopy is that biological tissues contain various chromophores in a mileu that is relatively transparent to the near-infrared waves.
Implementation Method 2
Hemoglobin is the dominant chromophore in the near-infrared spectral range of approximately 700 nm to approximately 900 nm. The near-infrared spectroscope measures differential light transmission or reflection at various wavelengths by the chromophores in the tissue to estimate, for instance, the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin within the tissue.
Implementation Method 3
In tissue such as human tissue, near-infrared light is highly scattered and minimally absorbed. Optical diffusion imaging is achieved by sending optical signals into tissue and measuring the corresponding diffuse reflectance or transmittance on the tissue surface.
Implementation Method 4
a photodetector arranged to receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light that are reflected from the tissue of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue oximeter is provided including a wearable sensor unit including a skin contact detector having at least one electrode configured to provide a detection signal when a contact surface is in contact with the skin of a subject; at least one tunable light source arranged to provide a first and second beam of light at two wavelengths; a photodetector arranged to receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light that are reflect from the tissue of a subject.