A custom electronics platform for implantable perfusion sensor development

A custom signal processing and data acquisition platform has been developed to facilitate optimization of optics-based sensors and associated electronics for tissue perfusion assessment. This laboratory system allows simultaneous use of four optical probes, two photo-spectrometer probes, and up to eight external analog inputs intended for synchronized digitization of commercial physiological monitoring equipment. Each optical probe is composed of a photo-detector and three LED-based excitation wavelengths, for use in either transmission or reflection mode. The system is operated using a custom, LabVIEW-based program to allow programming of system control and data acquisition parameters. Details of this system including the measurement methodology, electronics specifics, control software, and signal processing will be reviewed. Limited data from porcine studies collected using this system will also be presented. When optimized, the required portions of the system will be miniaturized and integrated with data telemetry to enable use as an implanted, post-transplant perfusion monitor. This miniaturized platform may also be suitable for both acute and routine multi-parameter physiological monitoring in medical, sports, and military applications.