Method for detecting hematoma, portable detection and discrimination device and related systems and apparatuses
Inventors
Riley, Jason D. • Amyot, Franck • Gandjbakhche, Amir H. • Smirniotopoulos, James G. • Wassermann, Eric
Assignees
Henry M Jackson Foundation for Advancedment of Military Medicine Inc • US Department of Health and Human Services
Publication Number
US-11800983-B2
Publication Date
2023-10-31
Expiration Date
2030-12-15
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Abstract
Featured are methods, apparatus and devices for detecting a hematoma in tissue of a patient. In one aspect, such a method includes emitting near infrared light continuously into the tissue from a non-stationary near infrared light emitter and continuously monitoring the tissue using a non-stationary probe so as to continuously detect reflected light. The near infrared light is emitted at two distances from a brain of the patient, so the emitted light penetrates to two different depths. Such a method also includes applying a ratiometric analysis to the reflected light to distinguish a border between normal tissue and tissue exhibiting blood accumulation.
Core Innovation
The present disclosure features methods, apparatuses, and devices for detecting a hematoma in tissue of a patient, particularly intracranial hematomas such as subdural hematomas (SDH) and subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH). The system involves emitting near infrared light at two depths penetrating the brain, continuously monitoring reflected light as the device is moved non-stationarily along the scalp, and applying a ratiometric analysis to distinguish between normal tissue and tissue containing accumulated blood. This approach allows detection and localization of hematomas, including identifying their type, outside of highly specialized imaging environments.
The problem being solved relates to the difficulty and critical need for timely detection of intracranial hematomas, which can be life-threatening due to brain compression. Existing techniques rely heavily on CT or MRI imaging, which are not always accessible 24/7, particularly in rural, battlefield, or underdeveloped settings. Neurological exams are unreliable substitutes, as no single physical sign reliably indicates hematoma presence. The invention addresses these constraints by providing a portable, simple, and cost-effective method and device that can be used by medical personnel with varying degrees of training to detect hematomas quickly and accurately, aiding rapid triage and surgical decision-making.
The invention includes a handheld detection device comprising near infrared light emitting sections emitting light at two different wavelengths corresponding to two different penetration depths, and detection sections separately detecting reflected light from these depths. The device incorporates tracking mechanisms to determine the position of the device as it moves across the tissue surface, enabling acquisition of volumetric images. The ratiometric analysis compares reflected optical densities from the two depths to identify borders between normal tissue and blood-accumulated tissue. Such analysis facilitates discrimination of hematomas and their localization, providing real-time feedback during scanning.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims cover multiple inventive features centered on a system and method for detecting hematomas using near infrared light at two penetration depths with ratiometric analysis while the detection device is moved along tissue.
Near infrared light emission at two distinct depths
The system includes a near infrared light emitting section configured to emit light that penetrates two different depths relative to the patient's brain: one above and one below the subarachnoid region, using separate first and second light sources emitting infrared light at wavelengths longer and shorter than 800 nm respectively.
Separate detection of reflected light from two penetration depths
A detection section is configured and arranged to separately detect reflected light corresponding to the two different penetration depths, enabling differentiation of tissue characteristics at each depth.
Ratiometric analysis to distinguish hematoma-containing tissue
The system applies a ratiometric analysis to the reflected light detected at the two depths during movement of the detection device along the tissue surface, which distinguishes between normal tissue and tissue containing accumulated blood.
Continuous tracking of detector movement for positional data
The detection device includes multiple tracking devices providing continuous, time sequenced tracking data as it moves, allowing the system to determine the detector's position over time.
Volumetric imaging based on time sequenced optical and positional data
An imaging section operably coupled to the analysis section uses the time sequenced measured reflected light and determined detector positions to generate a volumetric image of the scanned tissue volume.
Handheld detection device architecture with wireless coupling
The detection device consists of a separate imaging section with infrared light emitting and detection components, and a control monitoring section that applies ratiometric analysis, where the imaging and control sections may be wirelessly coupled.
The claims collectively cover a portable hematoma detection system using dual-wavelength near infrared light to probe two brain tissue depths, separate detection of reflected light, ratiometric analysis during device movement with tracking to localize hematomas, and integration into a handheld device architecture potentially wireless coupled to control and processing units.
Stated Advantages
Enables detection of intracranial hematomas without the need for large-scale CT or MRI imaging.
Allows timely detection and localization of hematomas in a wide range of settings including emergency rooms, battlefields, rural and underdeveloped areas.
Provides a triage tool to prioritize expensive CT scans, reducing unnecessary imaging and associated costs.
Portable and simple in construction, suitable for use by medical personnel with varied levels of training.
Facilitates creation of volumetric images for visualization of hematoma location and extent.
Enables continuous scanning with real-time feedback to detect hematoma borders while moving the device along the tissue.
Documented Applications
Detection and localization of intracranial hematomas such as subdural hematomas (SDH), epidural hematomas, and subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH).
Screening and triaging of patients and victims with head injuries in emergency rooms, accident sites, battlefields, rural or underdeveloped regions lacking immediate access to CT or MRI imaging.
Use as a diagnostic aid by clinicians, emergency medical technicians, medics, and other medical personnel to prioritize further imaging and surgical intervention.
Creation of volumetric images of head trauma for medical record keeping and clinical assessment.
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