Flowometry in optical coherence tomography for analyte level estimation

US9060721B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GLT ACQUISITION CORP. · US

Inventors

• Samuel Reichgott · Coopersburg, US
• Walter J. Shakespeare · Macungie, US
• George Kechter · Peoria, US
• Phillip William Wallace · Bernardsville, US
• Matthew J. Schurman · Somerville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 25, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 23, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 25, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2576/00
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (herein “OCT”) based analyte monitoring systems are disclosed. In one aspect, techniques are disclosed that can identify fluid flow in vivo (e.g., blood flow), which can act as a metric for gauging the extent of blood perfusion in tissue. For instance, if OCT is to be used to estimate the level of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in tissue, a measure of the extent of blood flow can potentially indicate the presence of an analyte correlating region, which would be suitable for analyte level estimation with OCT. Another aspect is related to systems and methods for scanning multiple regions. An optical beam is moved across the surface of the tissue in two distinct manners. The first can be a coarse scan, moving the beam to provide distinct scanning positions on the skin. The second can be a fine scan where the beam is applied for more detailed analysis.