Adaptive Ventilatory Therapy System for Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ventilation-based therapies and gas modulation therapies for treating ventilatory instability, such as Cheyne-Stokes Respiration and mixed apneas, are typically delivered continuously with fixed or preset levels of intervention, failing to adapt to the dynamic nature of ventilatory control instability.

Innovation Solution

A therapy system that combines ventilatory therapy and gas modulation therapy, using adaptive and dynamic control algorithms to adjust therapy levels based on the extent and dynamics of ventilatory instability, incorporating CO2 rebreathing, oxygen delivery, and variable positive airway pressure to counteract cyclic changes in ventilatory drive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ventilation-based therapies are delivered continuously with fixed levels, then the therapy is simple to implement, but it fails to adapt to the dynamic nature of ventilatory control instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to dynamic ventilatory instabilityVSAvoidtherapy control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic therapy delivery by transitioning from fixed continuous ventilation to adaptive cyclic therapy that responds to real-time detection of ventilatory instability. The system dynamically adjusts therapy parameters based on detected breathing patterns, implementing therapy only during instability episodes rather than continuously, thereby achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through continuous monitoring of respiratory parameters and detection algorithms that identify ventilatory instability in real-time. This feedback enables the therapy system to automatically adjust its operation based on the patient's current respiratory state, achieving adaptability through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If gas modulation therapy is used to stabilize ventilatory control, then the loop gain is decreased, but the timing and duration of therapy must be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilatory control stabilityVSAvoidtherapy timing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and classification of ventilatory instability patterns before initiating therapy. By pre-identifying instability episodes and their characteristics, the system can then apply gas modulation therapy with appropriate timing and duration, reducing the precision requirements during actual therapy delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces precise mechanical timing mechanisms with algorithm-based control that uses detected respiratory phase information to trigger therapy. This substitution of mechanical precision requirements with computational logic reduces the manufacturing precision burden while maintaining reliable therapy delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system effectively stabilizes the ventilatory control system by applying therapy interventions at specific points in the respiratory cycle, improving treatment outcomes for ventilatory instability conditions like CSR and mixed apneas by dynamically responding to the patient's cyclic breathing patterns.

Implementation Method 1

This can be done in a variety of ways, such as by providing additional dead space in the patient breathing circuit to cause carbon dioxide (CO2) rebreathing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCO2 rebreathing:

Implementation Method 2

An increased level of CO2 in the patient's breathing circuit can also be achieved by allowing CO2 rebreathing through the manipulation the leak of exhaled air through an exhalation port on the patient interface.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas leakage control:

Data Source

PatentEP2157991B1System for treating ventilatory instability
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 RIC INVESTMENTS LLC
  • EP2157991B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2157991B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP2157991B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A therapy system adapted to treat a patient's ventilatory instability using a ventilatory therapy, a gas modulation therapy, or both. The algorithm implemented by the therapy system monitors the ventilatory instability, such as Cheyne Stokes Respiration (CSR), mixed apneas, CPAP emergent apneas, and complex sleep disordered breathing (CSDB) and treats the ventilatory instability. The algorithm also determine a reference point with respect to the ventilatory instability. The therapy delivery system initiate the treatment based on the reference point.