Closed-Loop Anesthesia Control via EEG Depth Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling anesthesia or sedation agents in intravenous anesthesia or sedation modes lack effective and reliable methods for accurately titrating anesthetic depth, particularly in situations where trained anesthesiologists are not available, and existing monitoring systems have not provided full satisfaction in maintaining stable anesthesia conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that acquires and analyzes electrocortical activity signals to derive a depth of anesthesia signal, using this information to automatically control the injection of hypnotic and morphinomimetic agents in a closed-loop manner, adjusting concentrations based on predefined target values and thresholds to maintain anesthesia within a predetermined range, with features like different control frequencies for hypnotic and morphinomimetic agents and manual override options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clinical signs (movements, cardiovascular changes) are used to assess anesthesia depth, then anesthesia titration can be performed, but these signs are not always specific or reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (monitoring system with algorithm) that processes EEG signals and clinical signs to generate an Anesthesia Depth Score. This intermediary translates raw, unreliable clinical data into a precise and reliable anesthesia depth assessment, resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual clinical assessment (mechanical observation of movements and cardiovascular changes) with an automated electronic monitoring system that analyzes EEG signals and physiological parameters through algorithms, thereby improving both reliability and precision of anesthesia depth measurement.
2Ease of operation
If TCI method with pharmacokinetic models is used to titrate anesthetic agents, then dosage can be calculated, but the calculated concentrations have poor correlation with clinical condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitoring system continuously assesses actual anesthesia depth through multiple parameters and compares it with the target depth. The system automatically adjusts anesthetic dosage based on this feedback loop, ensuring that calculated concentrations accurately reflect clinical condition and maintain precise anesthesia depth control.
3Measurement precision
If EEG monitoring with spectral analysis is used to measure anesthesia depth, then real-time analysis is possible, but trained electroencephalographers are required to interpret changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the monitoring system to perform self-interpreation of EEG signals through built-in algorithms that automatically analyze spectral characteristics and generate anesthesia depth scores without requiring trained electroencephalographers. The system serves itself by incorporating expert knowledge into automated processing, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing operational complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual anesthesia management is performed, then flexibility and control are maintained, but anesthesiologist availability is required at all times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic anesthesia management system that can operate in multiple modes: fully automated control, automated control with manual override, or manual control with automated monitoring. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain flexibility while improving efficiency, enabling anesthesiologists to intervene only when necessary rather than continuously managing anesthesia.
Data Source
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AI summary
This system is characterized in that it comprises means (2) for obtaining a signal representative of the electrocortical activity of the patient (1), means (3) for analyzing this signal in order to derive from it a signal of depth of anaesthesia, means (4, 5, 6) for monitoring the value and development over time of this signal of depth of anaesthesia, these means being associated with means (4, 5, 6) for calculation of control commands of the injection means, in order to automatically bring the signal of depth of anaesthesia to below a predetermined value during at least one predetermined period of time, in that the means for injection of anaesthetics comprise first means (7) for injection of a hypnotic and second means (8) for injection of a morphinomimetic, in that the means for calculation of the control commands of the injection means comprise means allowing an operator to input a type of induction of anaesthesia chosen from a group of types of induction that differ in terms of the initial concentration of hypnotic, and in that the means for inputting the type of induction comprise means for establishing the initial concentration of hypnotic, which is associated with an initial concentration of morphinomimetic predetermined according to the chosen type of induction.