Optimization of Transcutaneous Oxygenation Wearable Sensors for Clinical Applications

In this manuscript, the development of an experimental and mathematical toolset is reported that allows for improved in vivo measurements of optical transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements (TCOM) wearable technology in humans. In addition to optimizing O2-sensing films for higher sensitivity oxygen detection, calibration algorithms are additionally developed to account for excitation source leakage, as well as algorithms to combine readings of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), derived from phosphorescence intensity and lifetime, into a single metric. This new iteration of the TCOM wearable device is then tested in a pilot human study. By implementing characterization and calibration algorithms, the data from the pilot study demonstrates the ability to obtain reliable transcutaneous pO2 readings with a TCOM sensor regardless of size and without the need for strict conditions of constant temperature, humidity, or motion that have limited the range of applications of this technology in the past. This manuscript presents a novel toolset for wearable optical transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements (TCOM) in humans. The tools include optimized O2-sensing devices and materials and new calibration algorithms addressing excitation source leakage. These advancements, tested in a pilot study, showcase the device's capability to obtain reliable transcutaneous oxygenation or pO2 readings in a small package under varying conditions (motion, temperature, etc.). image