Adaptive Thoracic Drainage Algorithm for Air Fistula Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thoracic drainage systems lack standardized and objective methods for adjusting vacuum levels in treating air fistulas, relying on manual adjustments by physicians, which can lead to suboptimal treatment and prolonged healing times.
Innovation Solution
A thoracic drainage appliance with a control device that automatically adjusts vacuum levels based on the functional size of the air fistula, using a measuring device to determine parameters such as volumetric flow and pressure, and an adaptive algorithm to optimize treatment by increasing or decreasing vacuum accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual vacuum adjustment by physician is used, then treatment flexibility is maintained, but treatment objectivity and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the volumetric flow of air through the drainage system and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the vacuum level. The system compares the measured flow against target values and modifies the vacuum accordingly to maintain optimal drainage conditions, eliminating the need for manual physician adjustments while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The thoracic drainage system performs self-regulation of vacuum levels without requiring external intervention. The control device autonomously monitors drainage parameters and adjusts the vacuum pump output based on real-time flow measurements, enabling the system to serve itself and maintain optimal treatment conditions automatically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed manual vacuum setting is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment adaptability to changing fistula size deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum level is transformed from a static fixed value to a dynamic parameter that automatically adapts to changing fistula conditions. The control device continuously adjusts the vacuum pump output based on real-time volumetric flow measurements, enabling the system to respond dynamically to variations in air leakage rate and fistula size throughout the treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically modifies the vacuum parameter (pressure differential) in response to changing treatment conditions. By monitoring volumetric flow and adjusting the vacuum level accordingly, the system adapts the critical operating parameter to match the evolving state of the air fistula, optimizing drainage efficiency at each stage of healing.
3Productivity
If high vacuum is applied to maximize air removal, then volumetric flow increases, but risk of lung tissue or clot blockage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device monitors volumetric flow in real-time and uses this feedback to prevent harmful vacuum levels. When flow patterns indicate potential blockage or when optimal flow is achieved, the system automatically adjusts the vacuum level to maintain safe operating parameters, preventing lung tissue or clot blockage while maximizing air removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively prevents harmful effects by continuously monitoring drainage parameters and adjusting vacuum levels before blockage can occur. The control device maintains vacuum within safe boundaries that prevent lung tissue collapse or clot formation, cushioning against potential harmful effects while still achieving effective air removal.
4Reliability
If low vacuum is applied to expand lung, then lung protection is improved, but air removal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum level is dynamically adjusted to balance lung protection with air removal efficiency. Rather than using a fixed low vacuum setting, the system continuously optimizes the vacuum parameter based on real-time flow measurements, ensuring the lung remains adequately expanded while maintaining sufficient suction to efficiently remove air from the pleural space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for more objective and efficient healing processes, reducing the duration of thoracic drainage, minimizing infection risk, and providing a more precise monitoring of air fistula closure or expansion, thereby shortening hospital stays and medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device for generating a vacuum in the pleural space
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum is applied to the pleural space via a catheter leading into the pleural space
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and to methods for thoracic drainage for a patient having an air fistula. A vacuum is produced in the pleural cavity of the patient by means of a suction device. In order to adjust the vacuum on the basis of objective criteria, a suitable size measure for the air fistula is determined and the vacuum produced by the suction device is controlled according to said size measure. An adaptive algorithm includes: (a) determining a first value of a size measure for the air fistula; (b) changing the vacuum by a first difference value; (c) determining a second value of the size measure after a first waiting period; (d) changing the vacuum by a second difference value having the opposite sign if the second measure is greater than the first measure; (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) after a second waiting period.