Adaptive Ventilator Control for Lung Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical ventilation can cause lung damage due to unfavorable pressure conditions leading to alveoli collapse and overexpansion, making it challenging to maintain optimal lung function during artificial ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A ventilator that automatically adjusts ventilation parameters based on real-time patient-specific physiological measurements, such as CO2 and O2 exchange, to prevent lung strain and optimize ventilation settings, incorporating PEEP titration and recruitment maneuvers to maintain lung health.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is increased to prevent alveoli collapse, then lung stability is improved, but end-inspiratory overexpansion occurs causing lung damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelung stabilityVSAvoidend-inspiratory overexpansion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilator dynamically adjusts ventilation parameters in real-time based on continuous monitoring of patient-specific physiological parameters. The system transitions from static PEEP settings to adaptive control where PEEP and other parameters are automatically modified according to measured lung mechanics and gas exchange, preventing both collapse and overexpansion through continuous optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously measuring physiological parameters (CO2 concentration, oxygen saturation, lung mechanics) and using this information to automatically adjust ventilation settings. The feedback mechanism allows the ventilator to detect early signs of overexpansion or collapse and correct them before damage occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 3:

The invention changes multiple ventilation parameters simultaneously based on physiological response, not just PEEP. The system adjusts tidal volume, respiratory rate, inspiratory time, and PEEP in coordination with each other, allowing optimization of the entire ventilation cycle rather than isolating single parameter adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If positive pressure ventilation is applied to maintain alveoli open, then oxygen saturation is improved, but lung tissue damage occurs due to excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen saturationVSAvoidlung tissue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously optimizes multiple ventilation parameters including PEEP, tidal volume, respiratory rate, and inspiratory time based on real-time physiological measurements. By coordinating changes across all parameters rather than adjusting PEEP in isolation, the system maintains adequate oxygenation while preventing excessive pressures that cause tissue damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilator performs self-adjustment based on automatic monitoring of patient response. The system independently modifies ventilation settings according to measured physiological parameters without requiring manual intervention, allowing continuous optimization of the balance between oxygenation and lung protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual monitoring and adjustment of ventilation parameters is performed, then treatment flexibility is maintained, but response time to lung condition changes is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment flexibilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilator automatically monitors physiological parameters and adjusts ventilation settings without manual intervention. The system independently performs the entire cycle of measurement, analysis, and parameter adjustment, eliminating delays associated with manual monitoring while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing lung conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous automated feedback control where physiological parameters are constantly measured and immediately used to adjust ventilation settings. This real-time feedback loop ensures rapid response to lung condition changes while maintaining treatment flexibility through adaptive parameter modification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3862040B1Breathing apparatus for artificial respiration of a patient
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 LOWENSTEIN MEDICAL TECH SA
  • EP3862040B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3862040B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3862040B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for operating a ventilator for the artificial ventilation of a patient, wherein the following steps are carried out: initial acquisition of at least one patient-specific physiological parameter, initial determination of at least one technical ventilation parameter, and ventilation of the patient based on the technical ventilation parameter.The method is characterized in that the at least one technical ventilation parameter corresponds to at least one of the ventilation parameters minute volume (VE), tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), or inspiratory oxygen concentration (FiO2) provided by the ventilator, that the ventilator repeatedly measures the at least one patient-specific physiological parameter at time intervals, and that the ventilator adjusts the at least one technical ventilation parameter based on the repeated measurement of the patient-specific physiological parameter. Furthermore, a ventilator for the artificial ventilation of a patient is proposed, preferably configured to be operated by means of a method for operating a ventilator according to any one of claims 1 to 10.