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-9861287-B2
Publication Date
2018-01-09
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 invention features methods, apparatus, and devices for detecting hematomas in tissue of a patient, particularly intracranial hematomas such as subdural hematoma (SDH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The methods involve emitting near infrared light into the tissue at two different distances from the brain, allowing penetration to two distinct depths, and continuously detecting the reflected light. A ratiometric analysis of the detected light distinguishes between normal tissue and tissue exhibiting blood accumulation, aiding in identifying hematomas without requiring large-scale imaging scanners.
The problem addressed is the difficulty and delay in detecting intracranial hematomas after head injury, especially in settings lacking immediate access to CT scanners, such as rural areas, battlefields, or underdeveloped regions. Current reliance on neurological exams is unreliable as no single physical sign reliably indicates hematomas. Existing imaging methods are costly, bulky, require skilled operators, and may not be available 24/7, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment, which reduces survival chances and outcomes.
The invention provides a portable, handheld device usable by clinicians, emergency medical technicians, and medics to perform rapid, non-invasive assessments of patients for hematomas in various settings. The device uses near infrared light sources at two wavelengths or distances to interrogate tissue at different depths, collecting reflectance data during movement across the scalp. The collected data undergoes ratiometric analysis to detect and localize blood accumulation. The device can generate volumetric images and provide visual indications of hematoma presence, enabling timely triage and prioritization of patients for further imaging or surgical intervention.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains multiple independent claims covering methods and apparatuses for detecting hematomas using near infrared light at two penetration depths with ratiometric analysis.
Method for detecting hematoma using near infrared light at two penetration depths with ratiometric analysis
Emitting near infrared light from at least two different distances relative to tissue, continuously measuring reflected light corresponding to two different depths via detection elements separated by two distances, applying ratiometric analysis on the reflected light during movement along tissue surface, and evaluating the ratio to distinguish normal tissue from blood-injured tissue.
Method of continuously emitting and detecting near infrared light with a non-stationary emitter and probe
Continuously emitting near infrared light into tissue while moving a non-stationary emitter and probe along the external surface, detecting reflected light at two penetration depths defined by emitter-detector distances, and applying ratiometric analysis to distinguish tissue borders with blood accumulation.
Apparatus for detecting hematoma comprising near infrared light emitters and detectors configured for two depths with ratiometric analysis
A detection device with near infrared light emitting section and detection section where either two light sources or two detection elements are spaced at different distances enabling detection at two tissue depths, coupled to an analysis section applying ratiometric analysis to reflected light signals collected during movement along tissue surface to distinguish normal tissue from tissue containing accumulated blood.
The claims collectively cover methods and apparatuses utilizing near infrared light sources and detectors arranged to capture reflected light from two penetration depths, analyzed ratiometrically during scanning movement, to detect, distinguish, and localize hematomas in tissue non-invasively.
Stated Advantages
Enables detection of intracranial hematomas without the use of costly, large-scale imaging scanners such as MRI or CT.
Allows rapid, non-invasive initial assessment of hematomas by clinicians, EMTs, and medics across diverse clinical and non-clinical settings.
Provides a portable, handheld, and simple-to-use detection device usable in rural, battlefield, or underdeveloped areas with limited imaging resources.
Permits rough localization of hematomas, aiding surgical intervention and triage decisions.
Can reduce dependency on costly CT scans, offering significant healthcare cost savings and prioritization of patients requiring detailed imaging.
Provides visual indicators for presence, absence, or suspicion of hematoma, supporting clinical decision-making.
Documented Applications
Use in clinical emergency room settings for initial hematoma detection.
Use by emergency medical personnel, medics, or EMTs at accident scenes, battlefield, or rural and underdeveloped areas where CT scanners are unavailable.
Triage tool to prioritize patients for expensive CT or MRI scans.
Generating volumetric 3D images of the scanned head volumes to aid in medical evaluation and record keeping.
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