Non-invasive intracranial pressure monitoring system and method thereof
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9895070-B2
Publication Date
2018-02-20
Expiration Date
2033-07-11
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Abstract
A system which includes a first sensor placed proximate to a perfusion field of an artery receiving blood which emanates from the cranial cavity is configured to monitor pulsations of the artery receiving blood which emanates from the cranial cavity artery. A second sensor placed proximate to a perfusion field of an artery which does not receive blood emanating from the cranial cavity configured to monitor pulsations of the artery which does not receive blood emanating from the cranial cavity. A third sensor configured to monitor pulsations of a distal artery. A processing system responsive to signals from the first, second, and third sensors is configured to determine intracranial pressure.
Core Innovation
The invention features a non-invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring system comprising three sensors and a processing subsystem. A first sensor is placed proximate to a perfusion field of an artery receiving blood which emanates from the cranial cavity, such as the supraorbital artery, and is configured to monitor pulsations of that artery. A second sensor is placed proximate to a perfusion field of an artery which does not receive blood emanating from the cranial cavity, such as the external carotid artery near the ear or temple, and monitors pulsations of that artery. A third sensor is placed on a distal artery, such as a finger, hand, or forearm, and monitors pulsations there. The processing subsystem responds to signals from all three sensors to determine intracranial pressure.
This invention solves the problem that current methods to monitor ICP are invasive, rely on large, heavy, and power-intensive equipment like MRI, or empirical diagnostic techniques that do not provide accurate or individual measurement of ICP. Conventional systems lack portability and cannot be deployed effectively in battlefield or sports field scenarios. The monitoring of ICP is critical because brain swelling can elevate intracranial pressure causing additional brain damage, but current imaging or monitoring does not detect such damage or pressure early or continuously.
The system operates on the principle that increased pressure within the cranium stiffens the vasculature of the internal carotid system, making pressure waves propagate faster compared to the external carotid system. By comparing signals from arteries that receive blood from the cranial cavity, arteries that do not, and a distal artery, the processing subsystem can accurately, efficiently, and continuously determine ICP. The sensors preferably use near-infrared technology for robustness against motion artifacts and sensor placement variability. The system is small, lightweight, low power, and portable allowing for continuous monitoring in field or sports environments.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims covering systems and methods that utilize multi-sensor configurations and spectral analysis for non-invasive intracranial pressure determination.
Use of three sensors to monitor pulsations from different arteries
A first sensor placed proximate to a perfusion field of an artery receiving blood emanating from the cranial cavity; a second sensor placed proximate to a perfusion field of an artery which does not receive blood from the cranial cavity; a third sensor configured to monitor pulsations of a distal artery.
Processing subsystem analyzing magnitude and phase of spectral components
A processing subsystem configured to determine intracranial pressure by determining magnitude and phase of spectral components of signals from the first, second, and third sensors, comparing these spectral components, and combining the compared values.
Sensor placement adapting for cranial and extracranial arteries
First sensor adapted to be placed on the forehead near the supraorbital artery; second sensor adapted to be placed on the temple or ear near branches of the external carotid artery; third sensor adapted to be placed distally on a finger, hand, or forearm.
Adjustment of component phases according to magnitude differences
The processing subsystem is configured to adjust the value of the component phases according to differences in magnitudes of associated spectral components.
Display coupled to processing subsystem
The system optionally includes a display coupled to the processing subsystem configured to display the intracranial pressure.
Method for non-invasive ICP determination by spectral comparison
A method comprising monitoring pulsations from the cranially emanating artery, a non-cranial artery, and a distal artery; generating output signals; and determining ICP by analyzing magnitude and phase spectral components and combining compared values.
The claims cover systems and methods involving multiple sensor placements on cranial, extracranial, and distal arteries combined with spectral magnitude and phase analysis by a processing subsystem to non-invasively determine and display intracranial pressure with enhanced accuracy and portability.
Stated Advantages
Non-invasive, accurate, efficient, effective, and continuous determination of intracranial pressure.
Small, robust, lightweight, and low power system with capability to operate for a full day on 4 AA batteries.
Portability suitable for battlefield, sports injury field assessments, or similar environments.
Use of near-infrared sensors makes the system more robust and less sensitive to sensor placement or motion artifact than tonometry-based systems.
Documented Applications
Monitoring intracranial pressure in battlefield or field environments for soldiers.
Monitoring intracranial pressure for athletes on the sidelines or in sports related injury situations.
Continuous non-invasive ICP monitoring to assess brain injury severity and enable timely medical intervention.
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