Embedded Files
Final Device Design
Final Device Design
The model pictured left is our final device design. The belt worn around the waist is attached to a box containing the microcontrollers responsible for the sending/receiving of signals to/from the electrodes. Velcro strips are used to tighten and secure the belt in place during use. The cables exiting the box and heading toward the lower legs contain the wires connecting the microcontrollers to the electrodes. These electrodes are orientated in a ring around the lower leg and held in place by an elastic band. The elasticity of the band allows for relatively even placement of electrodes around the leg regardless of girth. This band is held in place by a simple hook and loop securement system.
Microcontroller Assembly
Microcontroller Assembly
AD5940 - Analog front-end controller capable of voltage, current, and impedance measurements
Multiplexer circuit - Capable of sending/receiving signals to individual electrodes
Arduino Mega - Contains the code and controls the functionality of the device
AA battery holder - Supplies power to the system
Software Implementation
Software Implementation
For the final device, our group will implement the EIT measurement protocol alongside the SensorPal software suite used for operating the AD5940. In addition, our group will complete the statistical analysis portion of our device's software component once the prototype is far along enough to conduct tomography measurements. The test measurements themselves will consist of a similar setup to the initial prototype testing, comparing the impedance between a subject's leg with and without compression wrap after exercise (simulating CECS). In the long term, before the device is brought to production tests should be conducted on patients with symptoms of CECS and compared to intramuscular pressure measurements to verify the efficacy of our proposed test in a clinical setting.
Patent Application & Future Testing
Patent Application & Future Testing
We are working with the University of Minnesota's Technology Commercialization Office to begin the patent application process for our medical device. There are currently no patents related to the use of impedance spectroscopy to diagnose compartment syndrome. With this patent, we hope to develop a functional prototype capable of collecting real-time data from patients during exercise. From there, our goal is to obtain permission to test our device on patients potentially experiencing chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
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