Real-time, non-invasive thrombus detection in an extracorporeal circuit using micro-optical thrombus sensors

INTRODUCTION: Real-time, non-invasive monitoring of thrombus formation in extracorporeal circuits has yet to be achieved. To address the challenges of conventional optical thrombus detection methods requiring large devices that limit detection capacity, we developed a micro-optical thrombus sensor. METHODS: The proposed micro-optical thrombus sensor can detect the intensity of light scattered by blood at wavelengths of 660 and 855 nm. Two thrombus sensors were installed on in vitro circuit: one at the rotary blood pump and one at a flow channel. To evaluate the variation in the ratio of incident light intensity at each wavelength of the two sensors, R(fluct) (for 660 nm) and I(fluct) (for 855 nm) were defined. Using fresh porcine blood as a working fluid, we performed in vitro tests of haematocrit (Hct) and oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) variation and thrombus detection. Thrombus tests were terminated after R(fluct) or I(fluct) showed a larger change than the maximum range of those in the Hct and SaO(2) variation test. RESULTS: In all three thrombus detection tests, I(fluct) showed a larger change than the maximum range of those in the Hct and SaO(2) variation test. After the tests, thrombus formation was confirmed in the pump, and there was no thrombus in the flow channel. The results indicate that I(fluct) is an effective parameter for identifying the presence of a thrombus. CONCLUSION: Thrombus detection in an extracorporeal circuit using the developed micro-optical sensors was successfully demonstrated in an in vitro test.