IT201800021562A1 - "EQUIPMENT FOR ICTUS DIAGNOSTICS" - Google Patents

Description

INDUSTRIAL INVENTION entitled: "EQUIPMENT FOR ICTUS DIAGNOSTICS"

The present invention refers to an apparatus for medical diagnostics for stroke and, more precisely, to a transportable device for the diagnostic of stroke and which uses microwaves.

State of the art

As is known, stroke refers to a hemorrhage or infarction of the brain, and for the treatment of this condition it is of great importance to determine the extent and nature of the damage. Thrombolytic treatment can save the life of a person with a cerebral infarction, but it will be devastating for a person with bleeding.

The instrumental diagnosis of stroke is extensive, and involves a varied number of examinations and is mainly used to clarify the causes and modalities of the stroke.

Below is a series of diagnostics for this purpose:

Direct CT (Computed Axial Tomography) and angio-CT.

This type of diagnostics shows the brain in detail and allows us to understand the type of stroke. It recognizes if there are other brain disorders, such as a tumor. If a contrast fluid (CT angiography) is used, blood flow in the arterial and venous vessels of the neck and brain can be observed.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI) and MRA angiography Provides a detailed picture of the brain and identifies tissue damaged by an ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Again, it is possible to visualize the blood flow in the arterial and venous vessels, using a contrast fluid (MRA).

Cerebral angiography

By means of a contrast liquid, suitably injected, it is possible to see (by X-rays) how the blood flow inside the great vessels, which reach the brain.

In addition, research has been carried out for several years to develop stroke diagnostics using a device that can quickly investigate brain damage after a stroke with the help of microwaves. From the paper “Design and Development of Stroke Cap for Monitoring of Transient Ischemic Attacks” (MARTINA JOHANSSON, April 2012) a plastic stroke helmet is known, which works only for fixed positions. The inside of the plastic helmet is covered with bags filled with water, to facilitate the connection of the head to the antenna, and to allow it to adapt to different head sizes. According to this device, the helmet is comfortable to wear, easy to put on, and economically efficient. In addition, a helmet can be worn while sleeping in order to monitor the sleep of the brain for proactive treatment of stroke.

Night surveillance can be crucial for patients who have suffered from multiple strokes or are prone to TIA (Transient Ischemic Attacks) which means there is a transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by ischemia (loss of blood flow) without death of the acute tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for stroke diagnostics that is easily transportable and at the same time efficient and safe to use both for the patient and for the operators.

Therefore, the present invention provides an apparatus for the diagnosis of stroke substantially according to the attached claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A detailed description will now be provided of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for the diagnosis of the present invention, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a side and top perspective view of a part of the equipment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the equipment part of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the equipment part of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates the logical operating diagram of the apparatus of the present invention; And

Figure 5 is a circuit diagram relating to the operation of a part of the equipment of the present invention.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the part of the equipment is illustrated which includes a cap for closing and containing a supporting structure of the assembly of electronic devices mounted on it (better illustrated below).

With reference to Figure 3, the part of the equipment that encloses the supporting structure that contains the set of transducers mounted on supports suitable for positioning the transducers on the surface of the head is shown in longitudinal section, and the cap.

In Figure 3, the following parts are listed here:

1 Supporting structure or internal frame

2 External cover or hood

3 Antenna handling

3rd Actuator

3b Sleeve

3c Ball Head Pin

3d Spherical Joint

3e Antenna Support

3f Antenna

3g Graft

4 Antenna handling

4th Control Knob

4b Ball Head Pin

4c Maneuvering Sleeve

4d Ball Joint

4e Antenna Support

4f Antenna

With reference now to Figure 4, it illustrates the logic control diagram of the apparatus of the present invention.

In the figure, DIGIT is equivalent to the digital control and synchronization card for the positioning of the transducers, the transmission and reception sequences and the programming of the transmitter and receiver and driving the switching.

CPU consists of data processing electronics with proprietary firmware for hardware management, as well as computing electronics and logic functions for data collection, digitization and data interpretation.

CONSOLE consists of electronic storage and processing of results and control of acquisition sequences. It is realized through a digital console for the visualization of the commands and functions on a color MONITOR and data storage via KEYBOARD.

With reference now to Figure 5, the circuit diagram of the assembly of the detection and processing devices of the signals contained in the supporting structure or main frame 1 is illustrated.

More precisely, the set of transducers (3f antennas) characterized for the emission and reception of radio frequencies, with relative coaxial cabling for RF, the RF switching electronic devices (each digitally controlled for each 3f transducer), the devices general switching electronics for the distribution of the main signal on the individual translators, also digitally controlled, and the main switching devices for the transmission and reception line, which are digitally controlled.

In addition, the equipment includes:

- a digitally controlled RF variable gain AMP amplifier;

- a low pass RF filter;

- an LPF attenuator for the return of the source signal in transmission towards the receiver for the phase reference:

- a high gain AMP amplifier in reception;

- a TX transmitter in variable frequency frequency modulation with band from 500MHz up to 4 GHz;

- a digital RX receiver for RF with data sampling, with divider in module, frequency and phase; And

- the DIGIT digital card for control and synchronization of the positioning of the transducers, of the transmission and reception sequences and programming of the transmitter and receiver and driving the switching.

According to the invention, the power supply is provided by a rechargeable battery system, equipped with a modular safety system to allow battery change without interrupting the functionality. This allows it to be used directly on the patient's emergency vehicles and not only in the hospital.

With this configuration, a reduction in consumption and dimensions is envisaged. Thanks to the miniaturization and high integration of components (such as transmission and reception transducers, switching, RF amplifiers, transmitter, receiver) and to the intrinsic characteristics of the device which absorbs a few milliamps for a few milliseconds.

Thanks to the carbon fiber structure that allows the positioning of the transducers thanks to the pistons that allow the transducers to approach the surface of the head in predetermined points with adequate rigidity and lightness, to the miniaturized circuits as illustrated and described in figure 5, to the transducers of reduced dimensions consisting of transceiver devices on FR circuit with dimensions within 1.4 x 1.8 cm, double-sided, specially characterized, and super-light components such as cables, SMA connectors, and the circuit made with ROGER 4350 base.

According to the invention, the device does not require shielding of any kind. In fact, thanks to the structure of the transducers and the perfect characterization of them directly for the transfer of radio frequencies from 500MHz to 4GHz in the human skull, very low emission powers are used, in the order of a few hundred milliwatts and in any case lower than 500mW.

Thanks to the present configuration of the components and their interaction with the patient, the device is essentially harmless for the subject examined and also for the personnel assigned to use it.

According to another inventive aspect of this device, it is not necessary to use coupling gel (such as it is necessary for ultrasound), for the perfect characterization of the transducers with the human skull. In fact, the transducers have the property of coupling to the specific epsilon of the human brain with an attenuation lower than 20db, making them instead blind in free field, this is achieved thanks to the different "epsilon" in free field compared to that of the human skull, plus the The antenna is specific for the epsilon of the brain the more it becomes "blind" in free field.

This simplifies use, avoids contamination and guarantees perfect functionality and adaptability to the different morphological types of the subjects to be examined.

OPERATION OF THE EQUIPMENT

The "helmet" or cap must be worn by the patient to be examined by pressing the appropriate button that retracts all the transducers, making the inside of the helmet completely available.

After placing the device on the head, press the corresponding button and the digitized drive is activated in order to bring the antennas closer to the head by exerting appropriate pressure.

The correct positioning of each antenna is checked by the CPU and by the digital part that emits specific signals and thanks to its reception algorithm it identifies the correct coupling of each antenna.

At this point, the READY signal lights up. Then the operator starts the execution of the diagnostic investigation by pressing the third button that has been enabled by the previous sequence. The various pulse signals of a few milliseconds each are emitted on the frequencies selected by the algorithm and falling within the microwave range between 500 MHz and 4 GHz.

Thanks to switching and digital circuits, the corresponding transducers are selected up to the complete coverage of the skull.

At this point, in a maximum time of 2 minutes, the end of examination signal is emitted, the transducers are removed by pressing the first button to remove the helmet.

The diagnosis is then processed which consists of the ON / OFF data showing: ABSENT LESION, PRESENT HEMORRAGIC TYPE LESION, PRESENT OCCLUSIVE or THROMBOTIC TYPE LESION.

The result can also be sent to the press and also reports the brain area where the lesion was detected and its size on a scale from 1 to 5 minimum 1, reduced 2, medium 3, relevant 4 and extended 5.

The present invention has numerous advantages.

A first advantage is the portability. In fact, thanks to the power supply through a rechargeable battery system, it is possible to use it directly on the patient's emergency vehicles and not only in the hospital.

A second advantage is given by the fact that thanks to the miniaturization and integration of components, a significant reduction in consumption and dimensions is achieved.

A third advantage is given by the fact that thanks to the structure made of composite material and the miniaturized circuits, the small transducers and the super light components, the device has a considerable reduction in consumption and dimensions.

A fourth advantage is given by the fact that thanks to the structure of the transducers and the perfect characterization of them directly for the transfer of radiofrequencies into the human skull, the device does not require shielding of any kind, making it harmless for the patient and for the personnel assigned to the use.

A fifth advantage is given by the fact that the device does not require coupling gel, so use is simplified, soiling is avoided and perfect functionality and adaptability to the different morphological types of the subjects to be examined are guaranteed.

A sixth advantage is given by the fact that since it is harmless for the operators and the patient, it is extremely advantageous compared to the most common technologies, such as CT (instrument of choice for stroke diagnosis) and MRI and X-ray. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to repeat the examination at will, even continuous use in monitoring the evolution of the lesion without any risk for the patient.

A seventh advantage is given by the fact that the device of the invention has a marked reduction in purchase, structure, and maintenance costs compared to common CT and MRI equipment.

An eighth advantage is given by the fact that compared to traditional technologies, the materials to be disposed of which make up this device are of far less relevance, size, weight and dimensions, making the same with a high environmental sustainability. Furthermore, they do not generate highly polluting or radioactive waste.

Claims (8)

INDUSTRIAL INVENTION entitled: "EQUIPMENT FOR ICTUS DIAGNOSTICS" CLAIMS 1. Equipment for the diagnosis of stroke in a patient, comprising a cap (2) for containing a frame (1) that supports means of detection and processing of signals, characterized in that said frame (1) and said signal detection and processing means are adapted to be arranged on the upper part of the head of said patient in contact with the head. 2. Device for the diagnosis of stroke according to the preceding claim, in which said means of detection and processing of signals are mounted in a mobile manner on said frame (1). Stroke diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said signal detection and processing means comprise a plurality of transducers (3f, 4f) and means for supporting and positioning said plurality of transducers (3f, 4f). 4. Apparatus for the diagnosis of stroke according to the preceding claim, wherein said means for supporting and positioning said plurality of transducers (3f, 4f) comprise for each transducer (3f, 4f): an actuator (3a), a sleeve (3b), a pin with a spherical head (3c), a ball joint (3d), an antenna support (3e), and a coupling (3g). 5. Apparatus for the diagnosis of stroke according to the preceding claim, in which said means for supporting and positioning transducers comprise at least one movement knob (4a) of a respective transducer (4f). 6. Device for the diagnosis of stroke according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said means of detection and processing of signals further comprise: - a digital card (DIGIT) for the control and synchronization of the positioning of the transducers (3f, 4f), of the transmission and reception sequences, and of the programming of a transmitter and of a receiver and of driving switching; - an electronic data processing unit (CPU) with proprietary firmware for hardware management, for computing electronics and logic functions for data collection, and for digitizing and interpreting data; - an electronic unit (CONSOLE) for archiving and processing the results and controlling the acquisition sequences; - a monitor (MONITOR) for displaying commands and functions; and - a keyboard (KEYBOARD) for data input. 7. Device for the diagnosis of stroke according to any of the preceding claims, in which said multiplicity of transducers (3f, 4f) is responsible for the emission and reception of radio frequencies, and also comprising: - coaxial cabling for RF; - RF electronic switching devices, each of which being digitally controlled for each transducer (3f, 4f); - digitally controlled general electronic switching devices and for the distribution of the main signal on single transducers (3f, 4f); - digitally controlled main switching devices and for the transmission and reception line; - a digitally controlled RF variable gain AMP amplifier; - a low pass RF filter; - an LPF attenuator for the return of the source signal in transmission towards the receiver for the phase reference; - a high gain AMP amplifier in reception; - a TX transmitter in variable frequency frequency modulation with band from 500MHz up to 4 GHz; - a digital RX receiver for RF with data sampling, with divider in module, frequency and phase; And - a digital card (DIGIT) for the control and synchronization of the positioning of each transducer (3f, 4f), of the transmission and reception sequences, and programming of the transmitter and receiver, and driving the switching. 8. Stroke diagnostic equipment according to any of the preceding claims, in which the power supply is made by a rechargeable battery system, equipped with a modular safety system to allow battery change without interruption of functionality.