SEM scanner sensing apparatus, system and methodology for early detection of ulcers
Inventors
Sarrafzadeh, Majid • Kaiser, William • Mehrnia, Alireza • Bates-Jensen, Barbara M. • Wang, Frank • Flesch, Michael • Boystak, Joseph • Lam, Yeung
Assignees
Bruain Biometrics LLC • Bruin Biometrics LLC • University of California San Diego UCSD
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Publication Number
US-11253192-B2
Publication Date
2022-02-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an apparatus for measuring an amount of Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) in a tissue using a substrate with a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the substrate, and an insulating cover layer coupled to the substrate and configured to act as a barrier between the tissue being measured and the first and second electrodes. The electronics package coupled to the first and second electrodes emits and receives radiofrequency (RF) energy to measure a capacitance between the first and second electrodes, and the measured capacitance is an indicator of the SEM.
The described system is a handheld conforming sensing apparatus for early pressure-ulcer detection, using an array of bipolar RF electrode sensors embedded on a flexible biocompatible substrate and a conformal pressure pad for reliable skin contact over non-planar surfaces. An insulating cover layer is used to provide a barrier between the tissue and the electrodes, and the apparatus supports reliable measurement while the cover layer is in contact with the tissue.
The electronics and interrogator architecture powers a battery-less RF chip that excites and reads the electrodes using programmable, multiplexed scan, including independent interrogation of sensors. Each electrode measurement corresponds to an equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance as an indicator of SEM moisture content, and optional per-electrode pressure sensing enables pressure-controlled measurements.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers an apparatus that measures Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) in tissue by using an electrode pair separated by an insulating cover layer and an electronics package that emits and receives RF energy to measure capacitance, where the capacitance indicates SEM. Dependent claims further specify the measurement condition and electrode/insulation/sensor structure, including bipolar RF sensing and specific electrode geometries.
Measuring SEM by RF capacitance between tissue-barrier electrodes
An apparatus includes a substrate with a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the substrate; an insulating cover layer coupled to the substrate and configured to act as a barrier between the tissue being measured and the first and second electrodes; and an electronics package coupled to the first and second electrodes and configured to measure a capacitance between the first and second electrodes by emitting and receiving radiofrequency (RF) energy, wherein the capacitance is an indicator of the SEM.
Capacitance measurement while cover layer contacts tissue
The apparatus is configured so that the capacitance is measured while the cover layer is in contact with the tissue, and the measured capacitance varies with the amount of SEM in the tissue.
Bipolar RF sensor formed by the electrode pair and electronics
The first and second electrodes coupled to the electronics package form a bipolar RF sensor.
Annular electrode arrangement around a central electrode
The apparatus is configured so that the second electrode is an annular electrode arranged around the first electrode.
Uniform annular gap between electrodes
The apparatus is configured so that the annular gap between the first electrode and the second electrode is uniform.
Interdigitating finger electrode structures
The apparatus includes first and second electrodes that each have interdigitating finger structures.
Across the independent and dependent claim set, the main inventive coverage centers on measuring SEM via RF-capacitance between two electrodes separated from tissue by an insulating cover layer, with measurement supported while the cover layer contacts tissue. Refinements define the electrode pair as a bipolar RF sensor and specify electrode geometries, including annular electrode structures and interdigitating finger structures.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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